80 Pct Of Asnaf Participants Secure Jobs, Industry Attachments Under AFFIN ISLAMIC–HDC Halal Talent Programme

KUALA LUMPUR, Oct 27 (Bernama) -- Eighty per cent of asnaf participants in a halal talent development programme jointly implemented by Halal Development Corporation Berhad (HDC) and Affin Islamic Bank Berhad (AFFIN ISLAMIC) have secured jobs or industry attachments, opening pathways to sustainable employment.

The achievement involves 20 participants under the Community Investment Programme: Nurturing Halal Talent for a Sustainable Future, launched in January 2026 to equip them with professional halal knowledge, employability skills and practical industry experience.

The outcome was announced at the Halal Community Empowerment Graduation Ceremony held at Menara AFFIN @ TRX here today.

HDC in a statement said as of today, 80 per cent of participants had either secured employment or were undergoing industry attachments, while another 10 per cent had pursued further studies.

The programme combines professional training through the Certified Halal Executive Programme (CHEP) with industry attachments facilitated by HDC under its Halal Integrated Platform (HIP).

Participants gained foundational knowledge in halal management and assurance, complemented by workplace exposure across various sectors, including food and beverage, halal cosmetics, halal consultancy and healthcare.

HDC chief executive officer Hanisofian Alias said developing a skilled halal workforce required training aligned with industry needs and supported by employers.

“Malaysia’s halal industry needs talent with the knowledge and practical capabilities to support its continuous growth. This programme brings training and industry exposure together, helping participants prepare for employment while strengthening the talent pipeline needed by the industry.

“This approach supports the aspirations of the Halal Industry Master Plan (HIMP) 2030, particularly Strategic Thrust 3, which focuses on developing a larger pool of halal industry experts to meet global needs. HDC will continue to work with industry partners to connect talent development with real market opportunities,” he said.

Meanwhile, Affin Islamic chief executive officer Datuk Paduka Syed Mashafuddin Syed Badarudin said the initiative reflected the bank’s commitment to creating sustainable economic opportunities through community investment.

“Through this programme, we aspire to empower participants to progress from being zakat recipients to future zakat contributors.

“By investing in skills, employability and access to career opportunities, we aim to create a lasting cycle of empowerment that benefits individuals, their families and the wider community,” he added.

Supported by AFFIN ISLAMIC’s Wakalah Fund, the programme demonstrates how collaboration between financial institutions, industry development agencies and businesses can translate community investment into practical opportunities for talent development.

HDC and AFFIN ISLAMIC will continue to support efforts that strengthen the connection between talent development and industry requirements, contributing to a more skilled workforce and the long-term growth of Malaysia’s halal industry.

-- BERNAMA