Lyna Mohamad
The Halalan Thayyiban Research Centre at the Universiti Islam Sultan Sharif Ali (UNISSA) and the Syariah Affairs Department, Ministry of Religious Affairs (MoRA) inked a memorandum of understanding (MoU) during a ceremony in the Tutong District yesterday.
The MoU was for the framework of bilateral cooperation and collaboration in the sharing of knowledge, research and publications, workshops and courses as well as work placement, especially in the field of halal solely to expand knowledge towards strengthening and empowering the halal field in the Sultanate.
Halalan Thayyiban Research Centre Director Pengiran Dr Hajah Norkhairiah binti Pengiran Haji Hashim signed on behalf of UNISSA while Acting Director of the Syariah Affairs Haji Suhaimi bin Haji Gemok signed on behalf of the MoRA. Permanent Secretary at the MoRA Haji Mohammad Rosli bin Haji Ibrahim and UNISSA Rector Dr Haji Norarfan bin Haji Zainal were also present.
Also present to witness the signing was Deputy Permanent Secretary (Policy and Religious) at the MoRA Haji Mohd Serudin bin Haji Timbang.
Pengiran Dr Hajah Norkhairiah said the Halalan Thayyiban Research Centre plays an active role in producing a knowledgeable and skilled generation in the field of halal science based on Islamic principles which are also expected to contribute to the development and development of the local halal industry.
She added that signatories of the MoU are a potential to expand and transcend the benefits of the upskilling and reskilling ecosystem as well as to produce educational products that help improve the employability of graduates from the Halalan Thayyiban Research Centre.
Meanwhile, Haji Suhaimi said the collaboration is relevant and in line with the MoRA as one of the initiatives towards the success of the halal environment in the Sultanate. With the collaboration, UNISSA and the MoRA can maximise the opportunity in exploring the development of innovation in the manufacturing and manufacturing sectors, the advancement of food science and technology, academic studies on current halal issues and Fiqh Muaasarah as well as confidence in Brunei’s halal certification, he added.
The Syariah Affairs Department has a role of concern in the country, especially in the field of management, implementation and enforcement of halal law. Through its charter to promote halal certification and spread awareness of halal for the good of the community, the research centre also expressed its intention to join and contribute to preserving and defending the integrity of the halal certification of the Brunei Islamic Religious Council (MUIB) for the benefit of religion, race and country.
Associate Professor To’ Puan Dr Nizaita binti Omar, Adjunct Lecturer at the Halalan Thayyiban Research Centre delivered a presentation on ‘Empowering Halal Food Products and Industry based on Maqasid Shariah’.
