HDC’S WORLD HALAL EXCELLENCE AWARDS 2024 POSITIONS JOHOR AS A RISING HUB IN THE USD5-TRILLION GLOBAL HALAL ECONOMY
The Halal Development Corporation Berhad’s (HDC) World Halal Excellence Awards 2024 (WHEA 2024), now in its 16th edition, continues to strengthen Malaysia’s leadership in the global Halal ecosystem. Hosted this year in Johor Bahru, the Awards boost Malaysia’s competitive advantage and readiness to capture opportunities in the rapidly expanding global halal market, projected to reach USD5 trillion by 2030.
The WHEA 2024 recognized twenty nine (29) organizations and three (3) distinguished individuals for their exceptional contributions to the halal industry. This annual awards ceremony aims to celebrate and honour significant achievements by halal industry players, reinforcing Malaysia’s position as a global leader in the USD3 trillion current halal market. Since its inception in 2009, HDC has awarded over 300 recognitions to individuals, organizations, and companies. This year, HalalFocus was acknowledged under the Islamic Content Creation Award in the International category.
The awards were presented by the Chief Minister of Johor, YAB Datuk Onn Hafiz Ghazi, accompanied by the HDC’s Acting Chairman, Datuk Azhari Dato’ Shaari.
“Johor’s strategic location with direct access to the Port of Tanjung Pelepas, Pasir Gudang Port, and Senai International Airport positions the state as a key gateway for Halal trade connecting Asia, the Middle East, and Europe. The World Halal Excellence Awards 2024 reinforces this strength by showcasing Johor’s commitment to strengthening Halal excellence, industry innovation, and global market connectivity,” stated Datuk Onn Hafiz.
In his remarks, Datuk Azhari emphasised the critical importance of strengthening the Halal ecosystem, a priority also reflected in the progressive measures announced under Budget 2026. He stated, “At the World Halal Excellence Awards 2024, we are celebrating more than commercial success — we are honouring the values that define the Halal economy: trust, integrity, quality, and sustainability. This year, the inclusion of ESG elements in the award judging criteria further underscores how environmental stewardship, social impact, and good governance have become essential pillars of the global halal industry.”
Malaysia’s continued progress in Halal industry reform and strategic collaboration has placed the nation in a strong position to meet increasing global demand for Halal products and services. HDC remains committed to advancing this agenda by aligning closely with the targets set under NIMP2030 and HIMP2030 strengthening companies’ competitiveness, enhancing certification integrity, and driving sustainable Halal economic growth for the benefit of industry and the rakyat.
The top two categories include the Halal State Performance Excellence Award and the Halal Leadership Excellence Award.
Other award categories are Halal SME Excellence, Halal International Business, Halal Prominent Brand Excellence, Halal Logistics Excellence, Franchise Excellence, Halal Gourmet Food & Beverages Excellence, Halal Pharmaceutical Excellence, Muslim Friendly Healthcare Excellence, Muslim Friendly Tourism Excellence, Islamic Content Creation, Halal Cosmetics Excellence, Technology and Innovation Excellence, Halal Digital Platform Excellence, Islamic Financial Services Excellence, Halal International Relations, Women Entrepreneur Excellence, Youth Entrepreneur Excellence, Halal Industrial Park Excellence and Halal Education Excellence Award.
Leading the list was YBhg. Dato’ Dr. Haji Nooh Gadot, recognised for his deep religious authority, he has strengthened the nation’s halal governance by upholding the highest standards of Shariah integrity. Through his leadership as Shariah Committee Chair for Al Aqar REIT and as advisor to major Islamic institutions, he has shaped halal compliance across finance and corporate governance nationwide. His exceptional contributions were further affirmed when he was honoured as Tokoh Maal Hijrah 2025.
As Malaysia continues to establish itself as a global halal hub, states are also advancing their industries alongside the national halal economy. This year’s Halal State Performance Excellence Award was presented to the Johor State Government. Driving Johor’s rise as a global halal powerhouse, the State introduced a clear strategic roadmap through PKHNJ 2030 to strengthen ecosystem development and elevate international positioning.
With over 150 entries received this year, the nominees underwent thorough management audits conducted by KPMG Management and Risk Consulting Sdn Bhd ensuring selection standards met global levels.
Leveraging HDC’s existing comprehensive offerings towards developing the halal economy, the WHEA 2024 winners received trophies alongside opportunities benefiting from HDC programs such as participation within World Halal Business Conference Circuit, inclusion on industry representative panels discussing business challenges, channelling insights directly towards policymakers and ministers whilst gaining recognition within HDC’s global network as WHEA Winners Elite Group.
Share This Post
Partner Events:
