MALAYSIA — Negeri Sembilan Chief Minister Dato’ Seri Utama Haji Aminuddin Harun urged a broader, ecosystem-focused approach to the halal sector as he officiated the Negeri Sembilan International Conference on Halal and Sustainability Ecosystems (NICHE 2026) at the Royale Chulan Hotel in Seremban.
Speaking to an audience of academics, industry representatives and international partners, Aminuddin said the halal industry has evolved beyond certification and syariah compliance into a vast global economic ecosystem. He highlighted its integration across diverse sectors, including food, tourism, Islamic finance, pharmaceuticals, logistics and entrepreneurship, and called for policies and collaborations that reflect this complexity.
Aminuddin pointed to Negeri Sembilan’s strategic advantages—robust infrastructure, a capable workforce and supportive educational institutions—as reasons the state is well placed to emerge as a national leader in the halal economy. He argued that by investing in talent development, research and innovation, the state can attract investment, create high-quality jobs and enhance public welfare.
The chief minister expressed hope that NICHE 2026 will spark strategic partnerships, spur quality research and produce new innovations to strengthen the halal ecosystem. He said such efforts could help position Negeri Sembilan and Malaysia as global references for halal standards and sustainable industry practices.
Delegates at the conference discussed pathways to build a more ethical, competitive and sustainable halal sector, underscoring the need for interdisciplinary cooperation between government, academia and industry to realise the sector’s full economic and social potential.