NEGERI SEMBILAN INTERNATIONAL CONFERENCE ON HALAL AND SUSTAINABILITY ECOSYSTEMS (NICHE) 2026 
 
 Date: 9th - 10th June 2026 
 Venue: Royale Chulan Seremban

Doa Recitation: Mr Muhammad Noor bin Hussin

Malaysia National Anthem

Welcome remarks: IFEA

Opening Speech: Associate Professor Ts. Dr. Noorlis Ahmad, Deputy Rector of Academic Affairs, Excercising the Functions of Rector, UiTM Cawangan Negeri Sembilan

Guest of Honor Speech:

"Halal Integrity in a Global Market: Challenges & Solutions”
Key challenges in maintaining Halal integrity across global markets, including compliance, certification, and supply chain risks, while highlighting practical solutions for businesses and regulators.

Speaker: Mr Muhyidin bin Aziz @ Saari, Director of the Halal Management Division, Jabatan Kemajuan Islam Malaysia (JAKIM)

Speaker: TBC

This session provides Malaysian Halal manufacturers with practical guidance on export readiness, market entry pathways, and available support. Participants will gain clear insights into export grants, subsidies, trade promotion programmes, and priority overseas markets, with a focus on Halal products.

Speaker: Mr Idzham Abdul Hamid, Director of Halal, Food & Beverages, Agro-based (HAFBA) Section, Malaysia External Trade Development Corporation (MATRADE)

Explores how Halal OEM enables scalable production for Malaysian and ASEAN brands while addressing key challenges in certification responsibility, compliance, and risks of brand misuse.

Speaker: Puan Ashley Amanina Mohd Raihan, Halal Consultancy & Advisory, Halal Development Corporation (HDC)

As global Halal supply chains become increasingly complex, digital technologies are playing a critical role in enhancing transparency, traceability, and consumer trust. This session explores how innovations such as blockchain, digital traceability systems, and anti-fraud solutions can strengthen Halal integrity, improve supply chain visibility, and protect businesses and consumers from certification misuse and counterfeit claims.

Speaker: Ms Noorhaina Mohd Noor, VP, Enterprise Solutions, Interstream Sdn Bhd

Scaling Halal Brands Through Franchising: Challenges, Compliance & Global Opportunities!

Scaling Halal brands starts locally. This session explores how businesses can build franchise-ready models, ensure Halal compliance, and expand into regional and global markets. Discover how franchising can drive growth, ensure compliance, and unlock regional expansion opportunities.

Speaker: Mr Akmal Zaman Abu, Principal Consultant, Lamka Advisory

Business Discussion / Connection
Preparation for Gala Dinner
Photo Booth / Goodie Customization

Registration
- Registration of Guests, Participants and Media
- Arrival of VIPs
- VIPs Walkabout at Exhibition Booths

Gala Dinner Starts
- Doa Recitation: Dr Muhammad Firdaus bin Hj Abdul Manaf
- Welcoming Speech
- Cultural Performance by UiTM Students
- Grand Welcome Dinner
- Official Launching Ceremony
- Sponsors and Speakers Appreciation Ceremony
- Musician Performance - De Bojangs Cak Lempung
- Networking Session
- Photo Session
- MOU Ceremony
- Press Conference Session
- End of Gala Dinner

Doa Recitation: Profesor Madya Dr Najahudin Bin Lateh, Pengarah ZAWAF, Bahagian Zakat Sedekah dan Wakaf UiTM

Opening Remark: Ts. Dr. Aslizah Mohd Aris, Deputy Rector of Research, Industry, Community, and Alumni Linkages, UiTM Cawangan Negeri Sembilan

Guest of Honor - Speech: YBrs. Mr Chua Choon Hwa, Deputy Secretary General (Tourism) of Ministry of Tourism, Arts and Culture (MOTAC)

Recap Day 1 & Introduce Muslim-Friendly Ecosystems

As the Muslim-Friendly industry continues to grow globally, there is an increasing need for greater clarity, consistency, and alignment in standards and implementation practices. This keynote explores the evolution of Muslim-Friendly initiatives, Malaysia’s leadership role in the ecosystem, and the future direction of standards that support industry growth, consumer confidence, and international recognition.

Speaker: Mr Mohammad Faisal Abu Suaib Khan, Director-General of Islamic Tourism Centre (ITC)

1. Guest: MFAR Hotels

2. Guest: TBC

3. Guest: TBC

Moderator: ITC

Today's Muslim travellers are travelling for more than leisure. Whether for tourism, healthcare, education, or wellness, travellers increasingly seek experiences that align with their religious needs, comfort, and lifestyle expectations. This session explores how destinations, healthcare providers, and service operators can deliver meaningful Muslim-Friendly experiences that go beyond basic facilities and create lasting trust and satisfaction

1. Panelist (Muslim Traveller):: Dr Ekaterina Rashidin, Founder & CEO of Heritage Go Malaysia Sdn Bhd

2. Panelist (Healthcare): Dr Siti Aishah Md Radzi, Managing Director of Prime Orator Academy & Consultancy

3. Panliest (Medical Travel): Miss Shermine Chong Shi Min, COO of AGH Group Holdings Sdn Bhd

Moderator: Dr. Muhammad Aidil Ibrahim, Industrial, Community, and Alumni Network Coordinator, UiTM Cawangan Negeri Sembilan

As Muslim consumers become increasingly informed and discerning, businesses must go beyond compliance to deliver trustworthy, consistent, and high-quality experiences across multiple touchpoints. This panel explores how leading organisations in hospitality, retail, and quality assurance build consumer confidence, manage operational consistency, and meet evolving expectations in today's Muslim-Friendly marketplace.

Panel Speaker:
1. Panelist (Standards & Quality Assurance): TBC

2. Panelist (Hotel): Mr Ismail Hisham Ahmad Zambri, Executive Director of JH Hospitality Sdn. Bhd (Fairfield by Marriott).

3. Panelist (Retail): Mr. Zulfadli Bin Anaspekri, Manager, Halal Strategy & Public Affairs of Jaya Grocer (Trendcell Sdn Bhd)

Moderator: Dr Muhammad Irhammudin Bin Ibrahim, Assistant Professor, International Institute for Halal Research & Training (INHART), International Islamic University Malaysia (IIUM)

As the Muslim-Friendly industry continues to expand across tourism, hospitality, retail, and lifestyle sectors, businesses are increasingly seeking greater clarity on standards, implementation requirements, and consumer expectations. This panel explores the relationship between Halal and Muslim-Friendly ecosystems, the role of standards in building trust and consistency, and the practical challenges faced by industry players in meeting evolving market demands while maintaining credibility and competitiveness.


Panel Speaker:
1. Panelist (Muslim-Friendly): Mr Mahathir Amin, Director, Industry Development Division of Islamic Tourism Centre (ITC)

2. Panelist (Standards Development): Puan Sabariah Abdul Talib, Senior Assistant Director, Standardisation Division of Department of Standards Malaysia (JSM)

Moderator: Associate Professor Dr. Zalina Binti Zakara, Director of University of Malaya Halal Research Centre (UMHRC)

Exploring consumer trends, trust, branding, and growth opportunities in Malaysia’s evolving Muslim-Friendly lifestyle market.

Key Discussion Themes:
- Evolving Muslim consumer behaviour
- Lifestyle branding beyond certification
- Beauty, modest fashion & wellness trends
- Consumer trust and transparency
- Malaysia’s competitiveness in Muslim-Friendly markets
- Future opportunities in regional and global markets

Panel Speaker:
1. Panelist (Cosmetics): Puan Izdihar Mohd Noor, Senior Manager, New Product Development of Simplysiti (CTDK Holdings Sdn Bhd)

2. Panelist (Spa & Wellness): Puan Selinastein binti Mohd Rashid, President of Association of Malaysian Spas (AMSPA)

3. Panelist (Modest Fashion): Emy Yuzliza Yahya, CEO of Prominent Syntax Sdn Bhd

Moderator: Dr. Umi Hamidaton Mohd Soffian Lee, Faculty of Economics & Muamalat, Core-3 Entrepreneurship and Community Service Center of Soft Skills Development, USIM

As consumer expectations, technology, and global travel patterns continue to evolve, the Muslim-Friendly market is entering a new phase of growth and innovation. This keynote explores emerging trends, future opportunities, and the key drivers shaping the next generation of Muslim-Friendly products, services, destinations, and business models across global markets.

Speaker: Dr. Hisham Sabri, Director of University Centre for Entrepreneurship, Universiti Sains Islam Malaysia (USIM)

Event Ends

Registration for Academic Conference