A new initiative is strengthening Malaysia’s position in the global halal market by equipping local small and medium enterprises with essential international business capabilities. The Halal Home Grown Champion Sourcing Partnership Program, managed by Halal Development Corporation Bhd, provides targeted support to help these companies meet the demands of worldwide trade. This program focuses on several key areas, including certification, digital presence, product presentation, and sustainability practices. By addressing these facets, the program aims to elevate Malaysian halal SMEs to a competitive level on the international stage.
The program offers four distinct facilitation services designed to overcome common export barriers. One service assists manufacturers in obtaining critical international certifications, such as HACCP and ISO 22000, through a six-month process that improves internal systems. Another six-month service focuses on digital branding, coaching marketing teams to optimize online campaigns and expand their audience reach. A five-month product development facilitation concentrates on enhancing packaging to meet buyer specifications, making products more suitable for both domestic and international markets.
A significant recent addition to the program is training focused on environment, social, and governance standards. As global markets increasingly prioritize sustainability, this component helps SMEs align with international expectations, opening doors to new consumer bases. Program improvements also include the introduction of consultancy services within the international certification facilitation, moving beyond mere audit preparation. These expansions reflect the program’s evolution from a single-focus initiative to a comprehensive support system based on the evolving needs of halal businesses.
Since its introduction in 2020, the program has demonstrated considerable success, assisting nearly 200 companies in their internationalization efforts. Participants have reported increased sales, received new business proposals, and successfully completed their first export shipments. The overarching goal is to enhance the global competitiveness of Malaysian halal products, encouraging SMEs to become more export-oriented. Ultimately, this fosters a stronger halal supply chain ecosystem within the country and positions these businesses as potential suppliers to large global retailers and multinational corporations.