About Us:
What is the HiQ initiative?
Halal Industry Quest (HiQ): An Initiative To Empower the Halal Industry Through Insights and Research
About HiQ
HiQ is a Malaysian-based initiative launched in 2015 by a group of Halal professionals. As a pro-bono project, it strives to empower Halal organizations and individuals with valuable insights, thus fostering the development of Halal talents and contributing to impactful Halal studies and research.
Focus on Accurate Halal Information and Talent Development
While Halal content is without difficulty available online, HiQ seeks to distinguish itself and ensure the information it provides aligns with its understanding of contemporary Halal interpretations. This approach can be particularly beneficial for companies and researchers navigating the complexities of Halal compliance and looking for honest views.
Leveraging Halal Research for Industry Advancement
HiQ’s dedication extends beyond nurturing information. We actively contribute to improving industry know-how via disseminating impactful Halal studies and thought-provoking content. Our research efforts also aim to shed light on essential technical trends, challenges, and possibilities that, in the long run, will help shape the future of Halal.
Meet our team
Industry Columnist
Nor Amin
Mohd Noor
Biography
Nor Amin is the Chairman / Founder of Global Haltech and the Business Director at Halvec Laboratories Sdn. Bhd. since October 2015. Before this, he worked as a Manager of Halal Science Lab from June 2014 until October 2015 after serving as Assistant Manager at TPM Biotech Sdn. Bhd. from 2009 to May 2014.Nor Amin had a 14-year career in laboratory-related activities, including Halal Science. He is actively involved as a speaker, talking on Halal, especially on Halal Scientific analysis locally and abroad. He has been a member of the Malaysian Chemistry Institute as a registered chemist since 2005. He has led several Halal science-related projects, such as setting up the Halal Science Laboratory, Halalcopoeia Project, Halal Slaughtering Project, Halal Authentication Guidelines of Bird’s Nest, and Screening Halal Additives/E-Numbers.He has been appointed as a team leader for most of his projects.
Currently, he actively provides Halal Lab Set-up Consultation, leading the team to assist commercial and government labs in achieving Halal Laboratory compliance. He is also internationally involved as a Technical Advisor for Halal Korea, the Korean Muslim Chamber, the Muslim Professional Japan Association, and the Nippon Asia Halal Association.
Education
Nor Amin received a B.Sc in Applied (Industrial Chemistry) from the University of Science of Malaysia.
Muhamad Elyas
Harun
Biography
Ustaz Elyas is a seasoned Halal Specialist with a rich professional background spanning over 14 years.Elyas has taken on multiple professional roles, showcasing his versatility and commitment to the Halal industry. He is a co-founder of Dreams Machine Resources PLT and currently serves as a Director at UNITI Halal Centre. His experience also includes significant stints as a Director at eHalal, Halal Auditor and Senior Halal Trainer at Halal Industry Development Corporation (HDC), roles that have allowed him to make substantial contributions to the field. As one of the country’s experts, he has contributed to several panels and roles; among them is the National Occupational Skill Standard – Halal Development Level 4 (2024), a pivotal project aimed at enhancing Halal administration standards.
In 2023, Elyas took on the Business Advisor & Coach role at SME Bank, KUSKOP, where he provided strategic guidance and coaching to small and medium enterprises. His expertise was also recognized in 2022 when he served as a Panel Expert for the NOSS development for Halal Auditing under JPK-MOHR, helping to shape national occupational standards in Halal auditing. These roles highlight his versatility, leadership, and commitment to elevating Halal practices globally.
Elyas’ expertise is not limited to his professional roles; he is also an adept communicator and fluent in Bahasa Malaysia, English, Arabic, and Urdu. This linguistic proficiency has been instrumental in his work as a trainer, where he educates others on developing robust Halal assurance systems and conducting thorough Halal audits. His dedication to fostering a deeper understanding of Halal standards is evident in his approach to training and development within the industry.
Education
Ustaz Elyas' journey began with a solid academic foundation. He earned a Bachelor’s degree in Syariah and Law from the prestigious Al-Azhar University in Egypt. Elyas also obtained his Islamic studies, Hifz Al-Quran, at Jamia Darul Quran, Faisalabad and Islamic Theologies (Aalim) at Jamitul Uloom Islamiah, Karachi, equipping him with a deep understanding of Halal principles and practices.
Dr Mohammad
Aizat Jamaludin
Biography
Dr. Mohammad Aizat Jamaludin is currently Associate Professor and Head of the Department of Social, Science and Humanities for the International Institute for Halal Research and Training (INHART), International Islamic University Malaysia (IIUM).Dr. Aizat specializes in Halal Audit and Certification, Muslim Friendly Tourism, Ecosystem Industry including Geopark Tourism, Muslim Friendly Spas, Shariah Compliance Services in Hospital, Railway, Airlines, Transportation, Fundamental and Determination of Halal Haram Products, Integration Fiqh and Science, Islamic and Halal Cleansing (sertu), Fiqh Consumerism, Fiqh al-Istihalah, Al-Jallalah, Al-Istitobah, Al-‘Uruf, Halal Food Culture, Halal Training and Halal Module Development. He has conducted a lot of research and regularly presents at conferences locally and internationally on Halal and related matters.
He is also in charge of the Halal certification body and Halal activities in Doha, Qatar, Vietnam, Taiwan, Korea and China. Now, he is an advisor and consultant for several Halal Industry players and Muslim-friendly tourism and Hospitality. He is also recognized by JAKIM as an expert in Halal (Shariah) matters, particularly on contemporary issues within the Halal industry.
He was appointed as Trainer & Shariah Auditor at Halal Industry Development Corporation (HDC) from 2009 until 2011. He has various halal industry experience, focusing on Shariah issues in the Halal Industry, the Muslim-Friendly Tourism Industry Ecosystem, Malaysian Halal certification requirements, Internal Halal Audits, and Halal consulting.
Education
Dr. Aizat graduated with first and second degrees from the University Malaya, Malaysia, in Fiqh and Jurisprudence and completed his PhD from Halal Products Research Institute (HPRI), Universiti Putra Malaysia in Shariah and Halal Laws.
Rohaizad
Hassan
Biography
HiQ Founder, Rohaizad is a seasoned professional with 25 years of experience in the food industry. He is currently based in Istanbul.At the global headquarters of Yildiz Holding, Rohaizad spearheads a corporate program that strongly emphasizes dietary food labels such as Halal, Vegetarian, Vegan, Plant-based and Kosher. The program allows him to engage with the international industry community and fosters an inclusive system, inspiring the industry to elevate consumer standards collectively. Besides advising senior management on multiple compliance projects and strategies, he is committed to expanding their potential and maintaining the integrity of their products and supply chains.
Prior to Yildiz Holding, Rohaizad was the inaugural Director of Halal at Lufthansa Service Holding in Frankfurt, a subsidiary of Lufthansa. Based in Neuisenberg, he managed LSG Sky Chef Halal standards, the world’s largest inflight catering service. He improved the global portfolio on Halal compliance for Lufthansa’s inflight catering in Europe and the Americas. His work significantly influenced customers in the airline industry, such as Emirates, Etihad, and others.
Before his international career, Rohaizad was the General Manager at the Halal Industry Development Corporation (HDC) in Malaysia. He played a pivotal role in the country’s plan for the Global Halal Reference Center, disseminating knowledge and strategic trade data to potential investors and businesses. He also spent a decade at Malaysia Airlines’ Inflight services and conducted SLA and Halal audits at catering stations in Europe, Asia, and Africa.
Education
Rohaizad has a CPD in Advanced Strategic Management from the University of Salford, graduated in Food Service Management from MARA Technology University, and is certified as a Halal Professional from HDC, Malaysia. As an avid trainer, Rohaizad is also certified as a PST (Professional Skilled Trainer) from MAS Academy.“Do good to others, and goodness will come back to you.” – Prophet Muhammad (peace be upon him)
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