Mindanao State University – General Santos, through its Halal Research & Training Center (HRTC), recorded its first international engagement at the International Conference on Islamic and Halal Economic Studies (ICIHES 2026) held on October 15–16, 2026, at Bangsaen Heritage Hotel, Bang Saen, Chonburi, Thailand.

Anchored on the theme “Shaping the Future of the Global Halal Economy,” the conference convened international experts to advance initiatives in Halal economic development, research linkages, and cross-border cooperation.

The event was co-organized by Burapha University International College (BUUIC), Universiti Kebangsaan Malaysia (UKM) – Faculty of Economics and Management, Dana Endowmen Ekonomi Halal, and Pertubuhan Legasi Tun Abdullah Ahmad Badawi.

Representing MSU-GenSan Chancellor Atty. Shidik Zed T. Abantas, MDM, LLM, Prof. Jamilnur D. Sarip, MAIS, Director of HRTC, served as an International Panelist during the plenary discussions.

Prof. Sarip shared the panel with scholars and industry leaders from Thailand, Malaysia, Singapore, Indonesia, and Japan, discussing strategic frameworks for Halal economic growth and regional integration.

During the panel, Prof. Sarip highlighted MSU-GenSan’s initiatives under RA 1387 and BOR Resolution No. 365, s. 2021, emphasizing the university’s mandatory Halal 101 course (BOR Resolution No. 10, s. 2024), research laboratory roadmaps, and policy advocacy.

The milestone marks HRTC’s expansion into internationalization, aligning with MSU-GenSan’s strategic goal of global competitiveness.

Through this participation, MSU-GenSan reaffirms its commitment to work alongside partner institutions in ASEAN and beyond to support initiatives that promote research, capacity building, and community welfare.