ACADEMIC LEADERSHIP IN HALAL INDUSTRY DEVELOPMENT: INSIGHTS FROM AN INTERNATIONAL POSTDOCTORAL FELLOWSHIP IN INDONESIA

A significant academic milestone has been achieved as Dr Nor Surilawana Sulaiman, University Islam Sultan Sharif Ali, a Brunei-based scholar, was chosen for the Universitas Negeri Malang International Postdoctoral Fellowship (UM IPF), marking a new chapter in advancing research on the role of academia in halal industry development.

The fellowship provided the opportunity to undertake an academic visit to Malang, Indonesia, a city known for its vibrant educational ecosystem and dynamic collaboration between universities, industry players, and the wider community. The visit was primarily aimed at conducting fieldwork and data collection for an ongoing postdoctoral research project titled ‘Academia as Key Actor in the Pentahelix Model towards Strengthening Halal Industry among Brunei and Indonesia’.

As part of the research activities, data collection was carried out across several prominent universities in Indonesia, including Universitas Negeri Malang (UM), Universitas Islam Malang (UNISMA), Universitas Brawijaya (UB), Universitas Islam Negeri Sunan Ampel, Universitas Negeri Surabaya (UNESA) and Universitas Airlangga (UNAIR). These institutions were selected due to their active involvement in halal-related research, innovation, and community engagement.

The study explores how academics extend their roles beyond teaching and learning to become key drivers in strengthening the halal ecosystem. It highlights the multifaceted contributions of universities as centres of knowledge production, policy influence, and industry innovation across sectors such as halal food, pharmaceuticals, cosmetics, and services.

Engagement with academic experts and researchers at the respective universities provided valuable qualitative insights into how Indonesian universities actively integrate halal-related research, community engagement, and industry collaboration into their institutional frameworks. The findings are expected to contribute to a broader comparative understanding, particularly in identifying best practices that may be adapted within Brunei’s halal development landscape.

Indonesia, as one of the leading global players in the halal economy, offers a compelling case study. Its strong institutional support, policy frameworks, and grassroots initiatives demonstrate how multi-stakeholder collaboration, especially involving academia, can significantly enhance the growth and sustainability of the halal sector.

The fellowship experience also fostered academic networking and opened avenues for future collaboration between institutions in Brunei and Indonesia. Such partnerships are vital in promoting knowledge exchange, joint research initiatives, and capacity building in halal-related disciplines.

Reflecting on the experience, the fellow emphasised that the role of academics must evolve in tandem with industry needs. “Academics are no longer confined to classrooms or publications. They are strategic actors who shape policy discourse, guide industry practices, and contribute to societal well-being through impactful research,” the fellow noted.

This international engagement not only strengthens individual academic capacity but also supports Brunei’s aspiration to further position itself within the global halal industry. Insights gained from leading institutions such as UM, UNISMA, UB, UNESA, UNAIR and UIN Sunan Ampel are expected to inform evidence-based strategies and academic-driven innovation in the local context.

The outcomes of the research will be disseminated through academic publications, policy recommendations, and stakeholder engagements, reinforcing the critical role of academia in driving the future of the halal industry both regionally and globally.

This UM IPF supports the implementation of SDG 4 (Quality Education)  by providing access to high-quality educational guidance on academic planning and SDG 17 (Partnerships for the Goals) by strengthening collaboration between Universitas Negeri Malang and partner institutions in the region.

Data Collection with Prof. Dr. Sucipto, STP., MP. of Head of Halal-Qualified Industry Development (Hal-Q ID), Universitas Brawijaya.

Data Collection with Prof. Hjh. Novi Arfarita, SP, MP, M.Sc., Ph.D. of Head of the Halal Centre at Universitas Islam Malang

Data Collection with Prof. Dr. Heri Pratikto, M.Si, Former Head of Halal Centre, Institute for Research and Community Service, Universitas Negeri Malang