Halal Meets Biotech: Exploring Integration Opportunities and Challenges in Malaysian Universities: Halal Bertemu Bioteknologi: Meneroka Peluang dan Cabaran Integrasi di Universiti-Universiti Malaysia

Marina Abu Bakar; Afiffudin Mohammed Noor; Syaimak Ismail @ Mat Yusoff

doi:10.33102/sainsinsani.vol10no1.721

Authors

Marina Abu Bakar Academy of Contemporary Islamic Studies, Universiti Teknologi MARA Perlis, Malaysia https://orcid.org/0000-0003-3442-0575
Afiffudin Mohammed Noor Senior Lecturer
Syaimak Ismail @ Mat Yusoff Senior Lecturer

DOI:

https://doi.org/10.33102/sainsinsani.vol10no1.721

Keywords:

Halal authentication; Biotechnology; Halal education; Halal industry; Malaysian universities.

Abstract

Abstract: The increasing demand for professionals with expertise in halal authentication within the biotechnology industry emphasizes the importance of integrating this field into academic programs in Malaysian universities. However, existing biotechnology curricula often lack dedicated courses and hands-on training related to halal authentication. Additional challenges, such as limited faculty expertise, resource limitations, and weak collaboration between academia and the halal industry, have further impeded the effective incorporation of halal education. This study examines the current landscape of halal authentication education within biotechnology programs, focusing on the opportunities and obstacles faced by Malaysian universities. Through an in-depth literature review and thematic analysis, it identifies gaps in the curriculum and proposes strategies for improvement. The findings highlight the need for specialized courses, practical training modules, interdisciplinary collaboration, and stronger industry partnerships to address resource and expertise limitations. A framework is introduced to support the development of halal authentication education, offering guidance to academic institutions, industry stakeholders, and policymakers. This research contributes to the advancement of halal education in Malaysia and provides a strategic roadmap for universities aiming to embed halal authentication into their biotechnology programs.

Keywords: Halal authentication; Biotechnology; Halal education; Halal industry; Malaysian universities.

Abstrak: Permintaan yang semakin meningkat bagi golongan profesional yang mempunyai kepakaran dalam pengesahan halal dalam industri bioteknologi menekankan kepentingan mengintegrasikan bidang ini dalam program akademik di universiti-universiti Malaysia. Walau bagaimanapun, kurikulum bioteknologi yang ada sering kali mempunyai kekurangan dari segi kursus dan latihan praktikal yang khusus berkaitan dengan pengesahan halal. Cabaran tambahan seperti kekurangan kepakaran fakulti, keterbatasan sumber dan kerjasama yang kurang kukuh antara akademia dan industri halal, telah membantutkan lagi pengintegrasian pendidikan halal dengan berkesan. Kajian ini mengkaji landskap semasa pendidikan pengesahan halal dalam program bioteknologi, dengan memberi tumpuan kepada peluang dan halangan yang dihadapi oleh universiti-universiti Malaysia. Melalui kajian literatur yang mendalam dan analisis tematik, kajian ini mengenal pasti jurang dalam kurikulum dan mencadangkan strategi untuk penambahbaikan. Dapatan kajian menekankan keperluan untuk kursus khusus, modul latihan praktikal, kerjasama antara disiplin, dan perkongsian yang lebih kukuh dengan industri untuk menangani keterbatasan sumber dan kepakaran. Rangka kerja telah diperkenalkan untuk menyokong pembangunan pendidikan pengesahan halal, memberi panduan kepada institusi akademik

pihak berkepentingan industri dan pembuat dasar. Kajian ini menyumbang kepada kemajuan pendidikan halal di Malaysia dan menyediakan pelan strategik untuk universiti yang berhasrat untuk menawarkan pengesahan halal dalam program bioteknologi mereka.

Kata kunci: Pengesahan halal; Bioteknologi; Pendidikan halal; Industri halal; Universiti Malaysia.

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Author Biographies

Afiffudin Mohammed Noor, Senior Lecturer

Senior Lecturer,

Academy of Contemporary Islamic Studies,

Universiti Teknologi MARA Perlis

Syaimak Ismail @ Mat Yusoff, Senior Lecturer

Senior Lecturer,

Academy of Contemporary Islamic Studies,

Universiti Teknologi MARA Perlis.

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