Agrobank Targets 10,000 Entrepreneurs with New Halal Initiative

Agrobank is launching a strategic initiative, Halal@Agrobank, with the ambitious goal of cultivating 10,000 entrepreneurs within the small and medium enterprise (SME) sector over the next five years. This program specifically targets businesses involved in the agro-food industry, aiming to bolster their growth and competitiveness.

Beyond entrepreneur development, the initiative sets a target of enabling 1,500 businesses to achieve halal certification between 2026 and 2030. This aligns with projections indicating the global halal ecosystem could reach $10.5 trillion by 2030, presenting significant economic opportunities. Agrobank's President and Group CEO, Datuk Tengku Ahmad Badli Shah Raja Hussin, highlighted the initiative's role in expanding Agrobank's developmental reach into the national halal ecosystem.

The Halal@Agrobank initiative was introduced during the Penang International Halal Expo (Pihex) and the Penang Bumiputera Entrepreneurs Gathering (HUBPP). Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim officially launched the program. The initiative is driven by six key strategic pillars, encompassing halal readiness, capacity building, certification facilitation, market access, ecosystem development, and digital transformation.

Tengku Ahmad Badli Shah emphasized that Halal@Agrobank provides holistic support extending beyond financing. It includes capacity building, business mentoring, halal certification readiness, and strengthening market access. This comprehensive approach aims to foster resilient, innovative, and competitive halal-oriented businesses capable of succeeding both domestically and internationally. He also addressed the misconception that Muslim-produced goods are automatically halal, stressing the need for clear standards and consistent compliance throughout business operations.