| Azlan Othman |
MINISTER of Energy, Manpower and Industry Dato Seri Setia Dr Awang Haji Mat Suny bin Haji Mohd Hussein yesterday launched the Brunei Halal Showcase (BruHAS) 2018 which is being held from August 8 to 12.
BruHAS 2018 is a testament of Brunei Darussalam’s efforts in developing and expanding its local Halal industry, said Dean of the Faculty of Syariah and Law, Universiti Islam Sultan Sharif Ali (UNISSA), Dr Hajah Mas Nooraini binti Haji Mohiddin.
Speaking at the launching ceremony of BruHAS 2018 and the Second International Seminar on Halalan Thayyiban Products and Services III (SAPPHAT 3) 2018 at the International Convention Centre in Berakas, she said BruHAS aims to create awareness on the development of the local Halal industry, increase exposure of local Halal products and services, and support local micro, small and medium enterprises (MSMEs) to become competitive global players.
Dr Hajah Mas Nooraini, who is also the Co-Chairperson of the organising committee of BruHAS 2018 added, “Insya Allah through BruHAS 2018, Brunei Darussalam will gain further prominence as a global Halal knowledge hub and also as a major producer and supplier of Halal products and services.”
During the seminar, a keynote presentation on ‘The Stability of Halalan Thayyiban Industry as a Catalyst of Zikir State’ was delivered by Deputy State Mufti Dato Seri Setia Dr Haji Japar bin Haji Mat Dain @ Maidin.
The presentation focussed on the administration of Brunei Darussalam to strengthen the Halalan Thayyiban industry and its initiatives to achieve the objective of creating a Zikir Nation.
“All parties should understand the true meaning of the Halal, Haram and Syubhah laws on food which will greatly contribute to the creation of a generation close to Allah the Almighty.
“In addition, Halalan Thayyiban industry consolidation needs to be supported and endorsed by all parties – consumers, entrepreneurs and enforcement agencies – to safeguard the welfare of the public. Besides, obedience to law and obedience to Allah the Almighty’s command will ensure security and prosperity of the nation and harmony in the life of the people,” he said.
“Furthermore, failure to strengthen the Halalan Thayyiban industry will be a major challenge to the country in achieving its desire to become a Zikir Nation as the people might not have received the attention from Allah the Almighty due to their many sins and vices,” he added.
Also in attendance at the event were Deputy Minister of Religious Affairs Pengiran Dato Seri Paduka Haji Bahrom bin Pengiran Haji Bahar; Deputy Minister of Energy, Manpower and Industry Dato Seri Paduka Awang Haji Matsatejo bin Sokiaw; permanent secretaries and deputy permanent secretaries at the Ministry of Energy, Manpower and Industry as well as foreign dignitaries and senior officials.
Themed ‘Developing the Halalan Thayyiban Industry Towards Achieving the 2035 National Vision’, BruHAS 2018 demonstrates the wider sphere of the Halal industry economy, including companies from the food and beverage, pharmaceutical, cosmetic and personal care, modest fashion and services sectors.
Several sideline events are also being conducted during BruHAS 2018, namely, the 2nd Halalan Thayyiban Products and Services Expo, the 3rd International Seminar on Halalan Thayyiban Products and Services (SAPPHAT III), Halal Business Investment Seminar, BruHAS Clinic and the Business Networking and Matching Session.
SAPPHAT III is co-organised by the Ministry of Energy, Manpower and Industry and UNISSA.
Over a hundred local MSMEs and international companies representing various Halal industry sectors are participating in the 2nd Halalan Thayyiban Products and Services Expo.
Participating vendors will be showcasing their products and services at the ICC every day until August 12 from 9am to 9pm. They have also an opportunity to join the business networking and matching session, which will be held on August 11.
The Halal Business Investment Seminar will be held from 2.30pm to 4.30pm today, while the BruHAS Clinic will be on August 11 from 10am to 4.30pm. These events will be open to the public.