- Women entrepreneurs are driving Malaysia’s Muslim-friendly tourism sector, leading businesses in hospitality, wellness, creative industries, and halal services.
- The Islamic Tourism Centre (ITC) empowers women through training, certification, and branding support, enabling them to expand into regional and global markets.
- With the global Muslim travel market projected to exceed US$300 billion, Malaysia’s strong position in the Global Muslim Travel Index (GMTI) creates vast opportunities for women-led SMEs.
International Institute for Halal Research and Training (INHART) Dean Prof Dr Yumi Zuhanis Has-Yun Hashim, at the International Islamic University Malaysia (IIUM), describes the Women in Halal Industry (WHI) initiative as a platform that not only celebrates women’s contributions but also nurtures future leaders. For her, inclusivity is key.
“By giving women visibility and leadership roles, WHI ensures that female expertise is actively integrated into halal research, innovation, and industry practice,” said Yumi.
One of the main challenges is ensuring that graduates from halal-related programmes are truly industry-ready. Yumi points out that while Malaysia has made significant progress in halal management studies, halal science still requires deeper development. At INHART, specialised programmes such as the Master’s Degree in Halal Industry Science are designed to produce competent halal scientists who can address specific industry challenges, including halal food technology, pharmaceuticals, and supply chain integrity.
Women in halal science also face unique barriers that can disrupt their professional growth. Life transitions, such as marriage and motherhood, often compel women to step back from research and training, resulting in a loss of talent in key scientific fields. Yumi suggests introducing women-friendly career tracks that can accommodate these realities without limiting opportunities for advancement.
Advancements in halal science provide direct benefits for women-led businesses. Areas such as biotechnology, pharmaceuticals, nutraceuticals, and blockchain-based traceability offer significant potential for women entrepreneurs to thrive.
For example, halal-certified nutraceuticals are increasingly gaining recognition worldwide, opening doors for women in the health and wellness sectors. Digitalisation and AI-driven solutions further empower Small and Medium-sized Enterprises (SMEs) (SMEs) with efficiency, trust, and credibility.
BRIDGING GAPS
Effective collaboration between academia and industry is also critical to building talent and knowledge. Yumi calls for engagement that moves beyond academic debates towards creating real impact.
“We need an infusion of pure intent to nurture the future halal workforce,” said Yumi.
Mentorship plays a crucial role in this process by connecting scholars, professionals, and entrepreneurs to foster a more sustainable halal ecosystem.
Looking ahead, Yumi envisions halal science playing a central role in positioning Malaysia as a leader in ethical, sustainable, and innovative industries. Women, she argues, bring unique strengths to this transformation. Their adaptability, creative spirit, and commitment to social responsibility will be key drivers in shaping the future of the halal industry. –