Strategic partnership aims to inspire future innovators and strengthen Malaysia’s Halal talent pipeline
Reaffirming its long-standing commitment to strengthening Malaysia’s Halal ecosystem and nurturing future-ready talent, Nestlé Malaysia recently signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with the Kulliyyah of Science, International Islamic University Malaysia (IIUM) Kuantan, aimed at advancing Halal Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics (STEM)education.
The MoU marks a meaningful step in bridging industry and academia, with both parties united by a shared goal to equip young Malaysians with the skills to thrive in the evolving Halal industry. The signing took place at a Halal STEM Expo at the IIUM Kuantan Campus, drawing 500 attendees representing upper secondary schools from across Pahang.
The partnership entails the development of educational modules by IIUM Kuantan with support from Nestlé Malaysia, alongside hands-on competitions to provide students with real-world learning experiences. As a key initiative under this MoU, the Halal STEM Expo featured interactive experiments, exhibition booths, as well as a variety of engaging competitions, and knowledge-sharingsessions.
In addition to student-focused programmes, the MoU also outlines broader areas of collaboration between both parties. These include joint research in Halal science and food-related innovation, knowledge-sharing sessions, as well as participation in conferences, workshops, and publications. Through these initiatives, Nestlé Malaysia and IIUM aim to strengthen academic-industry linkages, encourage innovation, and develop a robust pipeline of future Halal talent.
Nasrul Hadi Mohamed Nor, Head of Halal Affairs, Nestlé Malaysia, said, “At Nestlé Malaysia, our commitment to Halal extends beyond ensuring the highest standards in our products and operations. Through initiatives such as this partnership with IIUM Kuantan, we aim to nurture the next generation of talent for the Halal industry by sparking their curiosity in STEM, and providingthem with real-world insights into how science and technology shape the Halal ecosystem. These initiatives will support the Government’s objective of increasing interest in STEM among students from a Halal perspective. By equipping students with knowledge, hands-on experience and exposure to potential careers in Halal STEM, we hope to open doors to exciting opportunities within the Halal industry, helping to further strengthen Malaysia’s position as a global Halal hub.”
Assoc. Prof. Dr. Erna Normaya Abdullah, Chairperson of Halal STEM Expo 2026 and Head of SuNCoM, Kulliyyah of Science, IIUM Kuantan, said, “This collaboration with Nestlé Malaysia reflects our shared commitment to nurturing future leaders and skilled talent while strengthening Islamic STEM (Halal-STEM) education. Rooted in the Tawhidic philosophy of IIUM which upholds the integration of knowledge, values, and holistic human development, this partnership serves as a key platform to connect academic learning with industry exposure, while inspiring students to pursue STEM pathways and contribute meaningfully to the expanding Halal industry ecosystem.”
During the Halal STEM Expo, one of the key highlights was the“Halal Frontier Talk”, a panel session featuring representatives from Nestlé Malaysia and the Department of Islamic Development Malaysia (JAKIM), offering students first-hand perspectives from industry leaders and shedding light on career opportunities within Halal STEM fields.
The programme continued with the Innovate Challenge, where secondary school and university students were encouraged to develop and showcase innovative prototypes focused on sustainability and aligned with Halal STEM principles. Nestlé Malaysia also played an active role throughout the competitions, as judges and mentors. Complementing this, interactive showcase booths allowed students to explore Nestlé Malaysia’s Halal value chain up close, illustrating the vital role STEM plays across the industry.
This MoU marks the beginning of a long-term collaboration, with various initiatives planned over the next two years to empower students and advance Halal STEM education. Together, Nestlé Malaysia and IIUM Kuantan are committed to nurturing future-ready talent, while strengthening Malaysia’s innovative Halal ecosystem.
