Nestlé Malaysia and IIUM Kuantan Partner to Strengthen Halal STEM Education

Nestlé Malaysia has reaffirmed its commitment to strengthening Malaysia’s Halal ecosystem and developing future-ready talent through a new strategic partnership with the Kulliyyah of Science, International Islamic University Malaysia (IIUM) Kuantan. This collaboration was formalised through a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) aimed at advancing Halal Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics (STEM) education, marking a significant step in bridging the gap between industry and academia.

The MoU signing took place during the Halal STEM Expo held at the IIUM Kuantan campus, which gathered around 500 participants, including upper secondary school students from across Pahang. The initiative reflects both parties’ shared vision of equipping young Malaysians with the knowledge and skills needed to thrive in the rapidly evolving Halal industry, which continues to grow as a key global economic sector.

Under this partnership, IIUM Kuantan will develop specialised educational modules with support from Nestlé Malaysia, alongside hands-on competitions designed to provide students with real-world learning exposure. The Halal STEM Expo served as a platform for interactive learning, featuring experiments, exhibition booths, knowledge-sharing sessions, and innovation-driven competitions that encouraged student participation and creativity.

[From left] Assoc. Prof. Dr. Erna Normaya Abdullah, Chairperson of Halal STEM Expo 2026 and Head of SuNCoM, Kulliyyah of Science, International Islamic University Malaysia (IIUM) Kuantan, Prof. Dr. Kamaruzzaman Yunus, Dean, Kulliyyah of Science, Assoc. Prof. Dr. Mohd. Arifin bin Kaderi, Vice Director, IIUM Kuantan, Dato’ Mohamad Nizar Najib, State Executive Councillor for Investment, Industrial Development, Science, Technology and Innovation of Pahang, representing the Chief Minister of Pahang, Raja Nurmaria Murni, Executive Director, Group Corporate Affairs for Malaysia and Singapore, Nasrul Hadi Mohamed Nor, Head of Halal Affairs, Nestlé Malaysia and Siti Hazlin Jantan, Halal Operation Manager, Nestlé Malaysia at the Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) signing with the Kulliyyah of Science, IIUM Kuantan to advance Halal Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics (STEM) education for young Malaysians.

Beyond student engagement, the collaboration also includes broader academic and industry initiatives such as joint research in Halal science and food innovation, participation in conferences and workshops, as well as co-authored publications. These efforts aim to strengthen academic-industry linkages while fostering innovation and building a strong talent pipeline for the Halal sector.

Speaking on the initiative, Nasrul Hadi Mohamed Nor, Head of Halal Affairs at Nestlé Malaysia, emphasised that the company’s commitment to Halal goes beyond compliance, focusing instead on nurturing talent and sparking interest in STEM fields through a Halal lens. He highlighted that such programmes align with national aspirations to increase student interest in STEM education while positioning Malaysia as a global Halal hub.

Participants from Sekolah Menengah Kebangsaan Peramu Jaya, Pekan presenting a STEM project at the Halal STEM Expo at IIUM Kuantan to Raja Nurmaria Murni, Executive Director, Group Corporate Affairs for Malaysia and Singapore [third from right], showcasing an innovative natural soap based on tomatoes. The project incorporated Halal STEM principles by utilising only Halal-sourced ingredients, while also aligning with Toyyib values through its strong emphasis on sustainability and environmental stewardship.

Meanwhile, Assoc. Prof. Dr. Erna Normaya Abdullah, Chairperson of the Halal STEM Expo 2026 and Head of SuNCoM at IIUM Kuantan, described the collaboration as a reflection of the university’s commitment to integrating knowledge, values, and holistic human development. She noted that the partnership is rooted in the Tawhidic philosophy, which emphasises the unity of knowledge and purpose in education.

One of the key highlights of the expo was the “Halal Frontier Talk”, a panel discussion featuring representatives from Nestlé Malaysia and the Department of Islamic Development Malaysia (JAKIM), offering students insights into industry practices and career opportunities within Halal STEM fields. The event also featured the Innovate Challenge, where students developed innovative prototypes focused on sustainability and aligned with Halal principles, with Nestlé Malaysia contributing as judges and mentors.

[From right] Nasrul Hadi Mohamed Nor, Head of Halal Affairs, Nestlé Malaysia, with participants of the Halal STEM Expo, where Nestlé Malaysia also served as judges and shared industry expertise, providing real-world insights into Halal manufacturing practices.

Additionally, interactive exhibition booths allowed students to explore Nestlé Malaysia’s Halal value chain, providing a closer look at how STEM disciplines are applied across food production and compliance processes. This hands-on exposure helped participants better understand the practical applications of science and technology within the Halal industry.

The MoU marks the beginning of a long-term collaboration between Nestlé Malaysia and IIUM Kuantan, with multiple initiatives planned over the next two years. Both parties aim to empower students, promote innovation, and strengthen Malaysia’s position as a leader in the global Halal ecosystem through education and industry collaboration.