Two years ago, the idea of the Penang International Halal Hub (PIHH) had yet to reach the drawing board and references to Penang’s “halal industry” were a nod to kampung-based kuih makers. Fast forward to 2010 and PIHH is turning heads inside and outside the global halal industry. The concerted efforts of the Penang government to position the state as an international halal hub is not an exercise in affirmative action, but a strategic move to build on its existing export-oriented infrastructure and global connectivity.
