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 with immediate effect.
HDC said Mohd Afandi will play a key role in strengthening Malaysia’s position as a global leader in the halal economy, with a focus on enhancing international collaboration, policy development 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,” the agency said in a statement.
Mohd Afandi holds a PhD in International Relations from Durham University, United Kingdom, a Master of Laws in International Law from Lancaster University, and a Bachelor of Human Sciences in Political Science from the International Islamic University Malaysia.
He has held several leadership roles in academia, including deputy vice chancellor (student affairs and alumni), and is currently a professor of international relations at Universiti Sultan Zainal Abidin (UniSZA).
HDC also noted that he has contributed to international platforms such as the United Nations Universal Periodic Review process, and has engaged with organisations including the Geneva International Centre for Justice, the ASEAN University Network and the Norwegian Centre for Human Rights.
The agency said it is confident that his leadership and global experience will help further accelerate Malaysia’s halal industry development and strengthen the country’s position as a hub for halal trade, investment and innovation.
