Hat yai: The 15th World Halal Products Exhibition and Conference commenced last Sunday at the Prince of Songkla University International Convention Centre in Hat Yai, Thailand. This significant event is recognized as a premier international platform focusing on halal trade, scientific research, and innovation, drawing extensive participation from Organization of Islamic Cooperation member and observer countries. According to Union of OIC News Agencies, the event was a collaborative effort between the Standing Committee on Scientific and Technological Cooperation of the Organization of Islamic Cooperation (COMSTECH) and the Halal Institute at Prince of Songkla University. Operating under the theme "Health and Innovation in the Halal Industry," the conference brought together a diverse group of researchers, policymakers, halal accreditation bodies, entrepreneurs, scientists, and academics from countries including Bahrain, Bangladesh, China, Indonesia, Malaysia, Pakistan, Qatar, Saudi Arabia, and Uzbekistan. Th e exhibition showcased cutting-edge products, technologies, services, and scientific research with the goal of reinforcing the global halal ecosystem. The opening ceremony was graced by government officials, ambassadors, industry leaders, university representatives, and international academic and diplomatic figures. A key highlight was the exchange of a memorandum of understanding between COMSTECH and Prince of Songkla University, initially signed electronically in April 2026, aimed at enhancing institutional cooperation in halal science, scientific research, training, and innovation. The event also featured the inaugural roundtable meeting of HAPEX Global Leaders, organized by COMSTECH and the Halal Institute at Prince of Songkla University. This meeting facilitated discussions on the state of the halal industry in OIC member and observer countries and explored avenues for developing collaborative platforms in scientific research, innovation, and capacity building. Professor Dr. Mohammad Iqbal Chowdhury, COMSTECH General Coordinator, extended his gratitude to Prince of Songkla University and the Halal Institute for hosting the event, highlighting the robust partnership between the university and COMSTECH. He emphasized the rapid growth of the halal industry in the global economy and the necessity of scientific research, internationally recognized standards, innovation, and partnerships across universities, research centers, regulatory bodies, and the industrial sector to sustain this growth. Chowdhury affirmed COMSTECH's ongoing commitment to promoting scientific cooperation, technology transfer, and capacity building among member states, supporting the creation of platforms that unite universities, research institutions, governments, standardization and accreditation bodies, and the private sector to advance the international halal system. He expressed optimism that the outcomes of the meeting would lead to concrete partnerships in halal research, development, vocational training, testing, accreditation, a nd innovation, enhancing the competitiveness of OIC member states in global markets. Conference speakers noted the expansion of the halal economy beyond food industries to include sectors such as healthcare, pharmaceuticals, cosmetics, tourism, Islamic finance, logistics, digital technologies, and advanced industries, underlining the importance of innovation and international cooperation. The conference will continue with specialized scientific sessions, policy dialogues, business meetings, and exhibitions, aiming to foster collaboration between governments, universities, scientific research institutions, and the private sector, and to open new opportunities for investment and innovation in the rapidly expanding global halal market.
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