SERDANG, 17 February 2025 – The Certified Halal Executive Programme (CHEP@FSTM) 2024 was conducted physically over seven days, from October 1 to October 7, 2024, at Graduate Lecture Room 1, Food 5 Building, Faculty of Food Science and Technology (FSTM), Universiti Putra Malaysia (UPM). The program ran from 9:00 AM to 6:00 PM daily and was attended by 30 final-year students from the Bachelor of Science in Food Technology (BSTM), Bachelor of Science in Food Studies (BSPMK), Bachelor of Science in Food Manufacturing Operations (BSOPM), and Bachelor of Science in Food Service Management (BSPPM) programs. At the end of the course, participants sat for a 3.5-hour examination, where they had to achieve a minimum score of 70% to qualify for the Certified Halal Executive certificate.

This program was organized by FSTM in collaboration with the Waqf, Zakat, and Endowment Management Centre, Universiti Putra Malaysia (WAZAN UPM), Halal Development Corporation (HDC), and FOSTECH as co-organizers. CHEP@FSTM was successfully implemented in two previous series, in 2021 and 2022, producing 120 certified Halal Executives. The program is based on the MS 1500:2009 Halal Food – Production, Preparation, Handling, and Storage - General Guidelines, which is part of the Standard-Based Management System practiced in the food industry. This standard ensures that food products produced by manufacturers comply with halal requirements and food safety, in line with consumer expectations.

For 2024, the implementation of CHEP@FSTM received approval and financial support from WAZAN UPM, enabling the continuation of the program to produce more highly skilled halal professionals. HDC, as an agency under the Ministry of International Trade and Industry Malaysia (MITI), plays a vital role in the development of the national halal industry, acting as both a sponsor and training provider.

Participants were exposed to theoretical and practical training, covering halal management, compliance, and industry best practices. This training enhanced their in-depth understanding of halal standards and strengthened their employability. With the increasing demand for halal professionals, this program provides a strategic platform for students to contribute to the halal industry in Malaysia and internationally.

By participating in CHEP@FSTM 2024, participants not only earned a professional certification and improved their employability but also enhanced their skills as competent halal executives who can meet the industry's demands.

Date of Input: 14/03/2025 | Updated: 14/03/2025 | nur_jasni