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Malaysia Explores Blockchain for Halal Certification Amid Rising AI Adoption

Malaysia Examines Blockchain and AI for Halal Certification

Malaysian authorities are looking into the application of blockchain technology and artificial intelligence (AI) to assure compliance with halal standards in the food supply chain.

The initiative was confirmed by Datuk Mohd Na’im Mokhtar, Minister in the Prime Minister’s Department of Religious Affairs, who announced the start of a pilot project aimed at validating halal certification monitoring through emerging technologies.

The Malaysian Islamic Development Department (Jakim) is responsible for national halal certification, establishing standards that international agencies must adhere to when issuing halal certificates.

Mokhtar noted that Jakim currently cannot verify the authenticity of foreign halal certificates. To enhance transparency in the halal certification process, Malaysia’s halal oversight body plans to implement emerging technologies in a structured manner.

“Blockchain technology ensures that each stage of the halal supply chain is recorded and verified in a transparent and immutable manner, enhancing monitoring efficiency and integrity,” Mokhtar stated.

With AI, the Minister aims to automate the review of halal certificates and quickly identify potential non-compliance instances.

“AI allows for automatic analysis of compliance data, identifying certification inconsistencies and issuing early warnings of non-compliance,” he added.

Furthermore, Jakim intends to harness generative AI to contribute to Islamic teachings, ensuring that only “shariah-compliant data” is utilized.

Recent months have seen Malaysia actively pursuing emerging technologies, including efforts to use blockchain and AI to combat corruption, reflecting a trend within both the public and private sectors.

Additionally, tech giant Microsoft recently invested $2.2 billion in Malaysia’s AI and cloud infrastructure initiatives, recognizing the country’s promising tech landscape.

China Boosts AI Talent Pool

In a related development, China’s Tsinghua University announced plans to expand admissions with a focus on AI-based curriculums, reinforcing its status in the field of emerging technologies.

The university aims to deepen its talent pool by integrating AI into all its courses, providing students with advanced opportunities in the field.

This move aligns with China’s broader goals to enhance public services through technological integration, contributing to the country’s competitive position in the global tech landscape.

The collaboration of AI and blockchain technology in both Malaysia and China indicates a significant shift towards modernizing operations, ensuring compliance, and enhancing efficiency across varying sectors.