THIDA AGM 2026: HOW TAIWAN IS REDEFINING THE $5 TRILLION GLOBAL HALAL ECONOMY

Author: Muhammad Riki Shindi P.
Editor: Rosyid Shidiq Hidayatulloh 

TAIPEI, Taiwan — On May 20, THIDA (Taiwan Halal Integrity Development Association) held its 2026 Annual Meeting at Howard International House, Taipei. Nearly 700 scholars, industry experts, and manufacturers attended, including 16 delegates from 7 member countries of the World Halal Food Council (WHFC) Regional Asia and 8 delegations from foreign trade offices, including Jordan, Nigeria, Brunei, Saudi Arabia, Malaysia, and Indonesia.

The gathering was more than a routine membership meeting. It was a signal that Taiwan is serious about positioning itself as a global halal industry hub.

"Old Trunk, New Branches"

THIDA Chairman Chang Ming-Chun opened by noting the association has now entered its 16th year. He highlighted two internal milestones: a move to new office premises and the launch of a trial online certification application system, designed to improve service efficiency.

On strategy, Chang emphasized THIDA's approach of blending experienced professionals with young talent, what he called "old trunk, new branches." The goal is to keep the organization moving without losing institutional memory.

He also pointed to THIDA's recent expansion into biomedical certification, including exosomes (Omison) and a halal flu vaccine (Antiflu Vaccine), framing both as contributions to Taiwan's "second silicon shield" policy. "Through cooperation with neighboring countries," Chang said, "we can build Taiwan into an important global halal industry center."

Malaysia: Trust Is the New Technology

Izzati Aisyah Adnan, Deputy Representative of the Malaysian Friendship and Trade Centre, offered a broader framing. Halal today, she argued, is no longer just a product category or certification label. It is a global ecosystem built on trust, integrity, quality, and increasingly, technological innovation.

She pointed to the scale of the opportunity: the global halal economy is projected to grow from $3.5 trillion to $5 trillion by 2030, driven by over 2 billion Muslims worldwide who are younger, more digitally connected, and more globally integrated than any previous generation.

Taiwan's strengths in precision manufacturing, biotechnology, smart logistics, and digital innovation position it well for this shift. Platforms like THIDA, she said, will continue to play an important role in building new partnerships and creating opportunities in areas the halal industry has not yet fully entered.

Indonesia: From Trade Partner to Supply Chain Partner

Wara Agustina Rukmini, Director of Trade at the Indonesian Economic and Trade Office (KDEI) in Taipei, gave the most concrete update of the event.

Since November 2023, the Mutual Recognition Agreement (MRA) between THIDA and Indonesia's BPJPH has been in operation. To date, 60 Taiwanese companies have successfully obtained BPJPH halal certification through this pathway. Wara emphasized that Indonesia's role is not just as an export destination, but as a strategic partner in building out halal supply chains.

She also pointed to the domestic dimension that often goes unnoticed. Around 400,000 Indonesian citizens currently reside in Taiwan, roughly 2% of the total population. Most are Muslim. They are supported by approximately 700 Indonesian shops across the island, which function as part of an existing halal product distribution network. Indonesia, she said, intends to continue deepening this partnership to benefit both sides.

Where This Is Heading

Around 700 audience members filled the venue

What came through clearly from the 2026 meeting is that Taiwan's halal ambitions are no longer limited to food. Certification now covers cellular biotechnology. The MRA with Indonesia is active and expanding. Internal systems are being digitized.

The question for 2030 is not whether Taiwan can participate in the global halal economy. It already is. The question is how deep that participation goes.

WHFC Asia Spotlights Member Products at THIDA's Mini Halal-Expo

Delegates from the World Halal Food Council (WHFC) Regional Asia attended the Taiwan Halal Integrity Development Association's (THIDA) Annual General Meeting (AGM) to review local certified goods at the Mini Halal-Expo.

The specialized exhibition served as a dedicated showcase for THIDA members to present their export-ready items directly to regional leadership. There are 10 stands that consist of food, cosmetics, new technology eco lab, and raw materials on display. Audiences focused on looking at the diverse range of certified by THIDA. 

This targeted exposure at the mini expo provides a vital platform for THIDA members to strengthen international trust and secure broader trade pathways across the Asian Halal market.