Enhancing Halal Collaboration: Professors from Mindanao State University (Philippines) and IAIN Syekh Nurjati Cirebon Prepare to Build Long-Term Partnerships in Halal Research
IAIN Cirebon—The International Office of IAIN Syekh Nurjati Cirebon made history by hosting an exciting online discussion aimed at enhancing collaboration in halal research. Esteemed professors from Mindanao State University (MSU) in the Philippines, along with academics from IAIN Syekh Nurjati Cirebon, expressed their tremendous enthusiasm for building a long-term partnership to strengthen international research in the field of halal. Saturday, April 20, 2024.
In attendance from Mindanao State University (MSU) were esteemed professors including Professor Najifah Macaraya, a Sociology expert; Professor Mohamed Nashief Disomimba, Director of the LPH at MSU; Professor Maulawi Dean Calimba, a pioneer in halal certification in the Philippines; Professor Isnira Baginda, Dean of the Faculty of Islamic Studies at MSU; and Dr. Sadic Novaisa. These distinguished academics shared their enthusiasm for collaborating with IAIN Syekh Nurjati Cirebon, focusing on the development of high-quality halal products and the advancement of the halal industry.
The session served as a platform for both institutions to exchange knowledge, discuss the future of halal research, and explore opportunities for joint projects. The event was marked by a dynamic and engaging dialogue that highlighted the significant contributions of each institution to the global halal research community.
Both MSU and IAIN Syekh Nurjati Cirebon expressed their commitment to continuing this collaboration, with plans for future joint research initiatives, academic exchanges, and the organization of international seminars and workshops dedicated to halal studies. This partnership aims to strengthen international relations and foster a competitive, inclusive environment for halal research.
The info session covered several key points, including research collaboration, publication, and community service in raising awareness about halal literacy in the ASEAN context, as well as the harmonization of legal aspects related to the halal industry in Indonesia and the Philippines. One interesting initiative revealed was the opening of a new undergraduate program in Halal Food Science and Technology, which could be established as a joint degree between IAIN Syekh Nurjati Cirebon and Mindanao State University.
In the near future, IAIN Syekh Nurjati Cirebon will also host the International Halal Research Symposium, inviting halal research experts from ASEAN countries, Australia, the UK, and the European Union to promote the halal industry from legal, health, and economic perspectives.
The Head of the Halal Certification Center (LPH), Mariyah Ulfah, M.Esy, discussed the effectiveness of self-declared halal certification for small and medium enterprises (SMEs) in Indonesia. So far, the LPH at IAIN Syekh Nurjati Cirebon has assisted in issuing around 8,000 halal certificates for SMEs, both free and paid.
During the session, Dr. Evi Roviati, S.Si. M.Pd, a halal auditor, stated that halal is currently a trend in halal research and industry in Indonesia. Meanwhile, Dr. Novianti Muspiroh, M.P., also noted that halal is now becoming a lifestyle for people worldwide.
The Director of the International Office at IAIN Syekh Nurjati Cirebon, Lala Bumela Sudimantara, Ph.D., stated that such international collaboration is a key step towards the internationalization of the campus at the ASEAN level and beyond. He emphasized the importance of this process before the MoU signing ceremony with MSU and highlighted that more collaborations in other fields would be explored soon.
With strong enthusiasm and commitment from both parties, this collaboration is expected to not only strengthen the relationship between the two institutions but also bring significant benefits to the global community increasingly concerned with halal products and sustainable human development. The greatest hope is that this cooperation will become a significant milestone in addressing the complex challenges facing the halal industry today. Thus, the recording of this info session will be a testament to this significant step towards a brighter future for communities in the ASEAN region and around the world. You can access the recording of the event through the IOP Diary channel: Info Session with Mindanao State University (Philippines) (YouTube).
