KUALA LUMPUR: Halal Development Corporation Bhd (HDC), an agency under the Ministry of Investment, Trade and Industry (MITI), has appointed Prof Dr Mohd Afandi Salleh as its chairman, effective immediately.
HDC said that Mohd Afandi will play a significant role in strengthening Malaysia’s position as a global leader in the halal economy, with emphasis on enhancing international collaboration, policy leadership and thought leadership across the global halal ecosystem.
"As the chairman of HDC, Mohd Afandi will assume a significant role in strengthening Malaysia’s position as a global leader in the halal economy, with emphasis on enhancing international collaboration, policy leadership and thought leadership across the global halal ecosystem.
"He brings extensive experience in international relations, governance, and academia with over two decades of service in higher education and global policy engagement,” it said in a statement.
The agency said Mohd Afandi holds a PhD in International Relations from Durham University, United Kingdom; a Master of Laws in International Law from Lancaster University, United Kingdom; and a Bachelor of Human Sciences in Political Science with a minor in Islamic Revealed Knowledge from the International Islamic University Malaysia.
It said he has also held key leadership roles, including as deputy vice chancellor (student affairs and alumni), and is currently a professor in international relations at Universiti Sultan Zainal Abidin (UniSZA).
HDC added that Mohd Afandi has contributed to international platforms, including the United Nations Universal Periodic Review process and has also participated in global engagements with institutions such as the Geneva International Centre for Justice, the ASEAN University Network and the Norwegian Centre for Human Rights.
"HDC is confident that Mohd Afandi’s leadership, global outlook, and multidisciplinary expertise will further accelerate Malaysia’s halal industry development and reinforce the nation’s reputation as a premier hub for halal trade, investment, innovation and centre of excellence,” it added. - Bernama
