A Malaysian university is seeking to strengthen cooperation with Vietnam in halal technology, particularly in halal certification and compliance with established standards.

Universiti Malaysia Perlis (UniMAP) Chancellor Syed Faizuddin Putra Jamalullail said the university’s research capabilities could support practical cooperation with Vietnam in halal technology, standards and industry development.

He said UniMAP had previously visited the Osaka Halal Centre in Japan, where students gained exposure to halal-related business operations and discussed opportunities for practical training. The programme involved students in business management and chemical engineering, including food technology.

Syed Faizuddin said similar knowledge- and expertise-sharing initiatives could be developed in Vietnam to support cooperation in the halal sector.

Ramlan Osman, Director of Vietnam’s National Halal Certification Centre (HALCERT), said the centre could help facilitate Malaysia-Vietnam cooperation in halal technology, standards and industry development.

He said HALCERT operates under Vietnam’s Ministry of Science and Technology, with its staff referring to procedures used by Malaysia’s Department of Islamic Development (JAKIM) when assessing halal requirements.

Ramlan also stressed the importance of halal logistics in maintaining product integrity throughout the supply chain, from transportation and storage to delivery.

Potential areas of cooperation include halal certification and processing, value-added agricultural products, rice technology, aquaculture, and cold-storage and logistics solutions.