Kuala Lumpur: The Ministry of Investment, Trade and Industry (MITI) has not yet appointed a new chairman for Halal Development Corporation Bhd (HDC) following the conclusion of former chairman Khairul Azwan Harun’s contract. Minister Tengku Datuk Seri Zafrul Aziz highlighted the ministry’s intention to monitor the progress of the proposed merger between HDC and the Malaysia External Trade Development Corporation (MATRADE).

According to BERNAMA News Agency, Tengku Zafrul mentioned the importance of observing how the merger involving the Halal Commission unfolds, including whether it will receive Cabinet approval. These remarks were made during an interaction with reporters at the ASEAN-GCC Economic Forum 2025.

Tengku Zafrul also took the opportunity to express gratitude to Khairul Azwan and the HDC management for their contributions to the halal industry’s growth in Malaysia. He acknowledged Khairul Azwan’s dedication over the past two years, noting the end of his service as HDC chairman effective May 17, 2025, as announced by MITI on the social media platform X.

Khairul Azwan, who began his tenure on May 18, 2023, holds a master’s degree in management from Open University Malaysia and has attended a global leadership course at Harvard Kennedy School of Government. He continues his professional journey as chairman of VSolar Group Bhd, having formerly held chairmanships at mTouche Technology Bhd and Malaysia Debt Ventures Bhd (MDV).