HALAL INDUSTRY EDUCATION ECOSYSTEM & GRADUATE EMPLOYABILITY : CASE STUDY OF MALAYSIA

Abstract

Halal education is scientific knowledge with a transdisciplinary curriculum based on halal principles frameworks. Due to the increasing growth of the halal market worldwide, the industry is discussing the need to comprehend halal industry education graduates’ quality. The study addresses the understudied issue of employability among Malaysian halal studies graduates, particularly in the context of halal education ecosystem development. The study examines how these graduates' higher education capabilities match those needed by the Malaysian Halal business. The research aims to determine the current status of employability of halal studies graduates in Malaysia. Secondly, to investigate are the gap in the Halal education governance & and policy that led to halal studies graduate unemployment. Thirdly, to analyze the current job requirements and specialization for halal studies graduate in Malaysia. Fourth, to study the current issues regarding on the employability of halal studies graduate in Malaysia. Fifth, to analyze the model of governance for halal education ecosystem in Malaysia and sixth, to propose the framework for collaboration of halal industry education ecosystem stakes holders. The first goal is fulfilled by analysis on the graduate tracer study report (Kajian Pengesanan Graduan, SKPG) from three selected higher learning institutions in Malaysia. The participants in this study include halal studies graduates from Kolej Profesional Baitulmal Kuala Lumpur KPBKL, Politeknik Sultan Ahmad Shah, Kuantan Pahang POLISAS and Universiti Teknologi MARA UITM. Objectives number two, three, four, five and six is achieved by interviewing four (4) stakes holders namely as government agency, halal studies academicians, halal studies graduate and halal industry employer. From the studies we can conclude that from 2316 halal studies graduates, the overall rate of halal studies graduates’ employability of 68.31% which is below healthy labour market. Based on the research that has been conducted, the concept and component of Halal Industry Education Ecosystem & Graduate Employability can be determined by seven main themes, three Islamic values, two culture and norms, and three ethics. The ecosystem is built on foundational themes such as Islamic Jurisprudence, which provides the religious framework for Halal practices, and extends to technical skills like food science and quality assurance. Soft skills like communication and negotiation are equally vital, as are the roles of educational institutions and government policies in shaping the industry.