CONTRIBUTIONS OF MALAYSIA AND SINGAPORE IN THE DEVELOPMENT OF HALAL INDUSTRY IN THE ASEAN REGION

Malaysia and Singapore are among the key players in the ASEAN region Halal industry. Malaysia's success of halal industry is based on its status as a Muslim majority country while Singapore is due to it's tourism and business location, stringent food safety laws and recognised Halal standards. Although Singapore halal industry is started relatively late compared to the Malaysia but in some matters Singapore looks ahead. Thus, this article aims to study the contributions of both countries in the development of halal industry in the Asean region. A semi strucured interview has been conducted with Jabatan Kemajuan Islam Malaysia (JAKIM), Halal Industry Development Corporation (HDC) of Malaysia as well as Islamic Religious Council of Singapore or Majlis Ugama Islam Singapore (MUIS) in order to gather the required information. The research shown that both Malaysia and Singapore had significantly contributed to the development of halal industry in the Asean region. Eventhough Singapore is only consist of 15% of Muslim population but there is a demand for Halal food products in Singapore. In fact Singapore's halal mark and standard has been globally organised by MABIM and GCC. Whereas Malaysia being the pioneer of this halal industry is keep growing rapidly and now expanding the area of halal industry not only in halal food but including halal tourism, halal healthcare, halal cosmetics and fashion. This research is significant in highlighthing certain best conducts and practices of Malaysia and Singapore in order to become a future global halal hub.