Jakarta, December 1, 2024 – To broaden knowledge about the financial sector, regulations, and key practices driving the growth of the halal industry in Indonesia, 39 delegates consisting of 10 lecturers and 29 students from the Faculty of Economics and Business participated in the Halal Edutrip to Kuala Lumpur 2024, held from October 27 to 31, 2024. Under the theme "Exploring Digital Transformation Through the Development of Cross-Institutional Halal Ecosystem Components," this program was designed to facilitate institutional collaboration and knowledge exchange on halal industry practices by understanding the current halal ecosystem in Malaysia. It was organized by the Center for Islamic Economics and Finance Development (P2EKS) in collaboration with the Faculty of Economics and Business, UIN Syarif Hidayatullah Jakarta.

Day 1: Exploring History and Culture

The first visit was to Masjid Putra Jaya, an architectural icon and symbol of Islamic grandeur in Malaysia. This was followed by a trip to Dataran Merdeka, a historic site marking Malaysia’s independence journey. The day concluded with a visit to Central Market Kuala Lumpur, a hub for local art and culture.

Day 2: Islamic Finance Exploration 

 
The second day focused on innovations in finance and halal technology. It began with a visit to CIMB Islamic Bank, a leading institution in developing Islamic finance. Three speakers, including Mr. Moh. Safie Fozi, Dr. Muhammad Issyam Ismail, and Mr. Mohd Rizal Khir Mohamad, shared insights on sukuk, Malaysia’s capital market, and CIMB’s role in advancing Islamic finance. This was followed by a visit to the International Centre for Education in Islamic Finance (INCEIF), where students attended a session titled "How to Be a Good Player in the Global Halal Industry – Mindset Shifting," delivered by Dr. Yaxin Ma.

Day 3: Collaboration and Discussions on Malaysia’s Halal Ecosystem

 
On the third day, participants visited the Embassy of the Republic of Indonesia (KBRI) in Kuala Lumpur and were welcomed by Mr. Hendra P. Iskandar, Minister Counsellor (Economic Affairs). He explained the embassy's role in promoting Indonesian products within Malaysia’s halal ecosystem. The group then proceeded to the University of Malaya Halal Research Centre (UMHRC) for educational sessions on ongoing halal research in Malaysia, presented by Dr. Zalina Zakaria, Director of UMHRC.

Day 4: Education and Recreation

The fourth day began with a visit to the Faculty of Economics and Management (FEP) at Universiti Kebangsaan Malaysia (UKM). The Deputy Dean of FEP, Mr. Muhammad Hakimi Mohd Shafiai, delivered discussions focused on the role of academia in transforming the halal ecosystem.

Day 5: International Community Development and Closing Ceremony

The last day of the activity began with a visit to Ampera Global Padang Restaurant located in Seremban, where the lecturers provided community service to Indonesian migrant workers working there, regarding halal financial inclusion training and sharing the conditions of workers in Malaysia. This activity is expected to strengthen inter-institutional collaboration and provide new insights for participants facing the challenges of digital transformation in the halal sector of various countries. (CEAF)