KUALA LUMPUR, Oct 15 (Bernama) -- Collaboration between academics and halal industry players is crucial to translating research outcomes into innovative products and new business opportunities, including Muslim-friendly tourism, according to an academic.
Dean of the Burapha University International College (BUUIC) in Thailand, Assoc. Prof. Dr. Krittipat Pitchayadejanant, said that international conferences serve as a strategic platform to unite academics and researchers with entrepreneurs and industry experts.
He said the International Conference on Islamic Economics and Halal Studies (ICIHES) is an important platform for strengthening bilateral and multilateral ties among higher education institutions in Malaysia, Indonesia, the Philippines, Japan and Thailand.
"Through the planned signing of strategic partnership agreements, we hope to open up more collaboration opportunities in education, research, and business that directly benefit society and the region as a whole," he said.
He said this in his welcoming remarks, delivered on behalf of the President of Burapha University, at the opening ceremony of the 4th ICIHES in Chonburi, Thailand, on Thursday.
At the event, the Faculty of Economics and Management of Universiti Kebangsaan Malaysia (UKM) and BUUIC also signed a Letter of Intent (LOI) to establish strategic cooperation in the halal industry.
The conference was jointly organised by the Tun Abdullah Ahmad Badawi Legacy Organisation (LEGASI), Burapha University through BUUIC, and the Halal Economy Endowment Fund (DEEH) of UKM’s Faculty of Economics and Management.
The two-day conference was held in a hybrid format, with the first day’s programme taking place in Chonburi before continuing at Burapha University on Friday.
Apart from Malaysia and Thailand, participating countries include Indonesia, Singapore, Japan, and the Philippines, while participants from India, Pakistan, and Nigeria joined online.
Krittipat said international cooperation also supports the empowerment of local economies and benefits communities.
“This reflects our belief that international cooperation is not only aimed at advancing knowledge, but must also deliver tangible positive social impact and contribute to building an inclusive and sustainable society,” he said.
-- BERNAMA