Author: NIHT Media
The Halaal Science Conference, which is focusing on the role of science in Halaal certification, is being held at the Sukosol Hotel in Bangkok, Thailand, from the 13th to the 15th of August 2013. The conference is being attended by Moulana Abdul Wahab Wookay, CEO of the National Independent Halaal Trust (NIHT) and Dr Arshad Mather Ph.D, a member of the NIHT Scientific Advisory Committee.
The conference opened with the welcome done by the president of the Chulalongkorn University, Prof. Pirom Kamolratanakul. Chulalongkorn University is this year celebrating the tenth anniversary of its Halaal Science Centre, which is headed by Prof. Dr. Winai Dahlan.
The keynote address on the 14th of August at the opening ceremony, was delivered by the Deputy Prime Minister of Thailand, Mr Niwatthamrong Bunsongpaisan. In his address, the Deputy Prime Minister expressed the Thai governments support for the Halaal Industry and congratulated the Halaal Science Centre on its achievements over the past decade. He identified five sectors which the government felt is important. He said that the Muslim religious sector in the country needs to be strengthened and emphasis has to be placed on human resources and having professionals in the field of Halaal certification.
“Halaal practices need to be upgraded and technology has to be embraced,” he said. He also said that the relationship between the Thai government and the Muslim community has to be stregthened. “At the same time, the industry should understand Halaal requirements and Halaal certification of raw-materials should form the basis of the process of Halaal cetification.
The introductory presentation was done by Dr Dahlan who explained the history of the Halaal Science Centre and its current activities. Dr Dahlan, began conducting tests on products in 1994. In 1997, his tests revealed the contamination of products with porcine material which created a greater awareness of Halaal amongst Thai Muslims. On the 13th of August 2003 the Halaal lab, now known as the Halaal Science Centre was established. A total of thirteen thousand three hundred and thirty seven tests on products have been conducted since inception.
The presentation on Halaal Standards for Pharmaceuticals and Non-Food products, by Prof. Dr Zhari Ismail of Universiti Sain, Malaysia evoked great interest amongst participants. So too did the presentations on vaccines and Halaal Science which will be discussed in greater detail in separate articles.
At a round table discussion later in the day, Moulana Abdul Wahab Wookay spoke about the socio-economic impact of Halaal certification in South Africa. There was a great interest expressed in the the history of Muslims in the country. Dr Arshad Mather questioned a number aspects related to Halaal certification and current systems employed by the scientific community.
First Published: 16/08/2013