Demand for halal certified foods and beverages by Millennial Muslims have been expanding fast, thus Muslim majority countries have no choice but import from Muslim minority countries who control 90% of the global halal market. The need for reputable halal certification bodies (HCBs) to expedite the exponentially growing halal market has become pivotal to halal industry growth. Since different HCBs apply differing assessment criteria, standardisation of halal standards across the globe becomes critical. Yet, history shows that reconciliation and harmonisation of halal standards is nearly impossible due to the differing madhabs and sensitivities of sovereign powers. The chaos brought by COVID-19 pandemic and its associated restrictions, has hastened the application of Fourth Industrial Revolution technology (IT4.0), including deployment of drones to assess halal compliance; and utilization of Enterprise Resource Planning (ERP), Artificial Intelligence, Blockchain Technology, Internet of Things (IoT), and radio-frequency identification system (RFID) for halal integrity assurance. This study seeks to assess the level of difference in the set of valuation criteria currently practiced by 8 HCBs from Muslim majority and minority countries, and if harmonisation can be achieved while respecting each nation’s culture and sovereignty. Recommendations are also made on how IR4.0 technology can be implemented to support halal industry sustainability and societal wellbeing. Keywords: Halal certification bodies; Halal integrity; IR4.0 technology; blockchain; Internet of Things

The global halal cosmetics industry is a lucrative market worth US$ 27.31 billion in 2021, and its value is expected to grow to US$ 54 billion by 2027. However, the overall cosmetics industry is monopolized by multinational companies, and many products have no halal certification, an assurance system for certifying a particular product as permissible and good for Muslims to use. Among Muslim consumers, the level of awareness about halal cosmetics is low in comparison to their awareness of halal food. These low levels of uptake by cosmetics manufacturers and consumer awareness must be addressed, especially since cosmetics are utilized in everyday Muslim life. In addressing these issues, a comprehensive understanding is needed of the halal ecosystem for cosmetics. An initial step in this direction would be to study the system of halal certification for cosmetics. Utilizing the Viable System Model (VSM) as the framework, this study diagnosed the halal certification system for cosmetics in Malaysia. This study gathered data from interviews with representatives from institutions and departments directly involved in the halal certification system. The halal certification system for cosmetics in Malaysia was found to already have established some elements of viability. However, there is neither a dedicated policy for the development of halal cosmetics nor a comprehensive legal framework governing the development of halal cosmetics and its usage. There are also some missing links related to the monitoring function and among the operating units. This understanding paves the way for developing a viable certification system for halal cosmetics in Malaysia and worldwide

The consumption of Halal cosmetics products has experienced significant growth in recent years. The State of the Global Islamic Economy Report (2022) reported that the global market size of Halal cosmetics is estimated to reach US$93 billion in 2025 at a 4-year CAGR of 7.4%. This empirical study attempts to examine the determinant factors of purchasing behavior of Muslim Millennials and Gen Z in Malaysia towards Halal cosmetics behaviors in the expansion of the Halal economy. In addition, it also seeks to unearth whether faith acts as the mediating variable between determinants of purchasing behavior of Halal cosmetics amongst Malaysian Muslims. The determinants of purchasing behavior(product, price, place, promotion, and people) were examined in this study. Data were collected from 303 Malaysians through a questionnaire used to test the proposed model drawn from the Theory of Planned Behaviour (TPB). Structural equation modeling analysis revealed that three marketing stimuli variables of price, product, and promotion affect the faith and purchasing behavior of Halal cosmetic products, that faith mediates the relationship between price, product, and promotion and purchasing behavior of Halal cosmetic consumers. Results indicated that price, product, and promotion are considered as complementary mediation and that price is “direct-only non-mediation” in Gen Z, but “no-effect non-mediation” in Gen X and Millennials. The outcome of this research will not only advance theoretical knowledge but also provide practical implications to industry players involved in Halal cosmetics industry.

Purpose This study aims to identify and examine the growth constraints of the halal cosmetics ecosystem in which SMEs are operating in, with special focus on the situation in Malaysia. Design/methodology/approach The study adopted a qualitative methodology consisting of a systematic literature review and interviews with selected consumers and policymakers. The instruments were developed based on cybernetics and a systems-based approach, which allows for the understanding of the dynamics of growth variables in the halal cosmetics ecosystem. Based on data gathered, their relationships were mapped and major growth constraints were identified. Findings Cybernetics and systems approach coupled with growth diagnostics framework has enabled identification of comprehensive growth constraint variables for halal cosmetics ecosystem and mapping of growth constraints (variables) in a relationships network. The study found that the enforcement activities of the National Pharmaceutical Research Agency (Cosmetics Unit) directly affect five growth constraints and is associated with three other growth constraint variables; subsequently the most binding growth constraint. The relationship network derived from the mapping of the growth constraints indicated that changes in the behaviour of any element will affect the overall operations of the ecosystem. Research limitations/implications While the cosmetics industry is large and varied, this study is centred on halal colour cosmetics only. The growth constraint variables studied are those chosen by researchers and other growth constraints could be studied to guide policymakers. Future research can revolve around other halal cosmetics business sectors; impact of IR4.0 technology, COVID-19 pandemic impact; crisis and risk management issues, in the halal cosmetics industry. Practical implications The results derived from the cybernetics analysis affirms the “outside-in” marketing perspective, thus stakeholders should continuously monitor changes in the halal cosmetics ecosystem to ensure to ensure sustainability and profitability. Small and medium enterprises (SMEs) and policymakers can initiate pre-emptive actions by conducting simulations of various situations on the halal ecosystem. Social implications Enabled to simulate the effect of changes to the halal cosmetics ecosystem, stakeholders are able to take intervention initiatives, safeguard accessibility to halal cosmetics and make the halal cosmetics industry sustainable. Originality/value To the best of the authors’ knowledge, this is the first comprehensive research to identify the growth constraints of the halal cosmetics industry in Malaysia that focusses on three groups of stakeholders (consumers, SMEs and government institutions) concurrently. The growth constraints relationship network of the halal cosmetics ecosystem can be further used to simulate the impact of changes within the system.

As a Muslim-majority country, Malaysia has a responsibility to fulfil the needs of Muslim citizens to practise their religion. Therefore, the Malaysian halal certification system needs to be viable, i.e., self-sufficient within its environment. The extant literature has explained the elements of viable systems but placed less emphasis on how systems develop into viability. This study aims to bridge this gap by using the Viable System Model to diagnose the globally recognised Malaysian halal certification system as the system-in-focus. This qualitative study gathered data mainly from interviews with 20 executives from relevant institutions with direct involvement in the system’s implementation. The findings of the study provide insights into the development milestones of a system with elements of viability. Among others, this development was found to happen in stages that are marked by crises and corresponding actions by the respective authorities. Suggestions for the system’s viability are provided.

Literature on service management and marketing suggests that service co-creation, or the process of active involvement between providers and consumers of a service, contributes to an enhanced service experience and offers competitive advantage to organizations. Such ideal conditions, however, are not often present in certain situations, particularly due to information asymmetry issues prevalent in many types of services, given the knowledge-intensive nature of these interactions. This problem is exacerbated in less-developed economic systems and among less savvy consumers. This article extends the discussion of service co-creation by proposing integration of the al-bay’ (business exchange) principles based on the Islamic concept of transactions. This conceptual article is designed as a theory synthesis paper developed by synthesizing the main principles of al-bay’ and the service co-creation. Observing the fundamentals of al-bay’ overcomes information asymmetry related issues in service dealings, ensures that justice is achieved and fosters trust-based relationships among contracting parties. This conceptual article extends the discussion of service co-creation that typically highlights the provider-customer interaction. The integrated framework serves as a normative model that could guide service providers and businesses to go beyond generating positive participant experiences by protecting the stakeholders in their particular environments.

Halal cosmetics sector is fast expanding in lieu of the growing affluent 1.8 billion Muslim population globally. Unlike attention given to research on consumer purchase behaviour of halal food, consumer purchase behaviour of halal cosmetics is limited. To date, out of forty-five research papers on halal cosmetics, only four research papers have been conducted to deliberate on halal cosmetics consumer purchase behaviour. To discover the current state of knowledge and practice on halal consumer behaviour, a review of published literature in hightiered bibliographic data base was conducted. This was followed by affirmation from a personalised online survey on Malaysian consumers. Consequently, the study identified prevailing factors affecting halal cosmetics consumer purchase behaviour of working adults and students in Malaysia and unearthed peculiarities in their purchase behaviour. In tandem the study also noted the knowledge gaps for future research. Results from the study will assist halal cosmetics companies to design marketing programs that can maintain and grow their customer base both domestically and internationally. Recommendations was also made on how to create strategic marketing programs leveraging on IR4.0 technology.

Halal industry has grown exponentially despite the global disruptions caused by the COVID-19 pandemic and subsequent restrictions. Muslim spending is forecasted to grow at a 5-year Cumulative Annual Growth Rate (CAGR) of 3.1% and reach USD2.4 trillion by 2024. However, issues surrounding Halal certification have persistently created problems for Halal industry stakeholders. This article aims to provide a holistic overview of Halal certification research carried out across the globe between 2004 – 2021 by employing bibliometric analysis to review 248 journal articles. Based on the data, the annual publication trends, author contribution, number of citations, the contribution of countries, trending scientific journals, and an overview of the co-occurrence of author keywords and historiography were obtained. The results will contribute critically towards identifying relevant future research aspects and gaps that need to be undertaken so that it can address concerns troubling Halal consumers, industry players, and administrators of Halal certification.

In 2019, Muslim expenditure on halal cosmetics reached USD66 billion globally and projected to attain USD75 billion in 2024 (GIER 2020/21) thus representing a substantial and sustainable opportunity for nations seeking economic security. Many halal cosmetics SMEs have venture into this emerging sector, but not all were successful. Halal cosmetics sector is still in its infancy thereby few literature reviews have been conducted worldwide to evaluate research gaps in the halal cosmetics and skincare business domain. The present study integrated multiple methods analysis and the publication standard ROSES (RepOrting standards for Systematic Evidence Syntheses). This study used bibliographic databases namely Scopus, ScienceDirect, Google Scholar and Springer Link. Only 31 articles from 761, met the criteria and were studied, revealing five main themes that were subdivided into 19 sub-themes. The outcome of this systematic review process enables identification of existing knowledge breach in the field, serves as the basis for conducting future research on halal cosmetics and skin care in a systematic manner, and paves the way towards doing further research to assist policy makers and business sectors to close the apparent gap. This understanding will enable emerging nations to achieve sustainable development goals through halal cosmetics industry.

Trade is important in the attainment of prosperity and development of nations. The Prophet Muhammad (Peace be upon him; PBUH) established Islamic commerce based on Shariah principles which enamoured merchants of different race and religion to convert. Uzbekistan during the Golden Age of Islam, produced learned scholars and became the centre of trade and Islamic culture. However, during the Soviet era occupation, the understanding of Islam was distorted and never regained even after the end of Soviet rule. This conceptual article sets to highlight that Halal economy and Industry 4.0 can be the transformative agent towards the revival of Islam in Uzbekistan.

Purpose Uzbekistan, a former Soviet Union state whose population is 96% Muslim, is aiming to penetrate the global halal market. Since 2016, its government has been committed to establishing a halal economy, purportedly comprising halal product exports and inbound halal tourism services. Given that a conducive halal ecosystem is a critical condition for creating and sustaining a viable halal economy, the current condition of the halal industry in the country must be diagnosed. For this purpose, we developed a diagnostic framework based on the halal principles and the Viable System Model (VSM) to identify the existing players and stakeholders in the halal industry ecosystem in Uzbekistan and their respective roles and functions, as well as the information flows amongst them. Design/methodology/approach The study utilised the qualitative methodology with the data gathered mainly from in-depth interviews with industry experts and consumers in Uzbekistan. Findings The findings revealed that the country has considerable potential to develop its halal tourism market due to its beautiful landscape, rich history and cultural heritage, which is supported by a full-fledged development policy. Uzbekistan's industrial sector exhibits substantial readiness to serve the Muslim market; however, the country lacks a specific policy for the development of the halal manufacturing export industry. Originality/value Our findings generate emergent themes that are relevant to the operations and future viability of halal industry of a Muslim country in a transitioning economy. These emerging themes further strengthened existing conceptualisation of the Viable System Model in terms of the elements of the environment and the function of policymaking in contributing toward a system's viability. Implications of the findings and suggestions for future research are also provided.

To improve the incomes of a population and attain sustainable development, a nation’s primary goal must focus on continuous and inclusive economic development. Such optimal conditions will create economic security with greater and better employment opportunities for her citizens. This study seeks to look at the halal cosmetics sector, which is fast expanding globally, with special focus on the situation in Malaysia. Subsequently, it is crucial to diagnose the factors affecting the growth of halal cosmetics SMEs operating in the halal cosmetics ecosystem. A cybernetics and systems-based approach will be developed to understand the dynamic nature of growth variables and their relationships will be mapped based on data gathered from various groups of stakeholders in Malaysia. The research method chosen is qualitative due to the multi-faceted nature of the halal cosmetics industry. The cybernetics analysis had identified the most binding constraint variable within the halal cosmetics industry. This will enable policy makers and SMEs to take intervention initiatives and thereby ensure the growth of halal cosmetics industry and increase inclusive growth in this industry. It has also paved the way for the stakeholders to predict behavioural changes of the affected variables should any of the related growth constraint variable alter. Advent of COVID19 pandemic has impacted the cosmetics industry as a whole and use of augmented reality coupled with the rise of skin care gadgets has ensured survival of this industry.

In the rapidly evolving landscape of the Halal cosmetics market, the MADANI society represents a significant demographic with unique needs and preferences rooted in Islamic principles. As ethical consumers, members of the MADANI society seek transparency, authenticity, and adherence to Halal standards in their cosmetic products. The study delves into how Industry 4.0 technologies and data analytics can empower discerning consumers, such as the MADANI society, in the burgeoning Halal cosmetics market valued at USD 84 billion. Through qualitative literature review, it assesses the potential of IR4.0 technologies including blockchain, artificial intelligence, and data analytics to enhance transparency, authenticity, and compliance with Halal principles thereby strengthening consumer trust. Findings suggest these technologies can improve supply chain transparency, personalize consumer experiences, and drive innovative product development, fostering long-term market viability. Additionally, the research highlights the alignment of these advancements with Maqasid Syariah principles, emphasizing justice, fairness, and environmental stewardship. By addressing trust and transparency concerns and promoting ethical practices, this study contributes to a future where technological innovations empower consumers, promote sustainability, and drive growth in the Halal cosmetics market.

Halal Industry has expanded beyond food and beverage industry to encompass growing industries such as pharmaceutical, cosmetics, consumer goods, fashion, tourism, media and entertainment plus other services. Drivers of this economy include a third of the world population, comprising of young affluent tech savvy Muslims, and non-Muslims who are passionate about green economy. The increased interest in halal is brought on by the whole philosophy behind halal production. Specifically, halal is a new paradigm to global issues such as food safety, environmental awareness, economic sustainability and animal welfare. Integrating the different dimensions of halal economy for future proofing thus needs a new approach which can be afforded by the application of Internet of Everything (IoE). The IoE concept is based on the idea of all-round connectivity, intelligence and cognition. It means that intelligent internet connections are not restricted by Internet of Things (IoT). The IoE way of life depicts the world in which a multitude of devices, machines and conventional objects are perpetually interacting, giving them comprehensive networking opportunities, thus making them smarter. IoE is the connections between people, things, data and processes combined into a common interrelated system, the goal of which is to improve experiences and decision making. A halal ecosystem that is fortified with the implementation of IoE will ensure that halal stakeholders are abreast with present and future situations and are enabled to make timely and more effective decisions thereby future proofing their businesses and ensure sustainability of the halal industry and preserve the societal well-being.

With a 4-yearCompound Annual Growth Rate(CAGR)of 7.5%, the Halal economy is estimated to reach US$2.8 trillion by 2025. To obtainand retain Halal certification, businesses must guarantee that their workers are knowledgeable and skilled. Implementing Halal-toyyiban in businesses can be complex, especially when the manufacturing entities are owned and managed by non-Muslims. Therefore, developing a Halal training programmeis crucial. The main challenge is ensuring that trainees can retain and recall what they have learned, ultimately changing their work culture and mindset. To address this challenge, corporate Halal training programmes must include built-in learning retention elements, such as gamification through games. Gamification can enhance employee engagement and safety awareness, reduce training costs, and lower learning curves. Moreover, recent technological advancements in Augmented Reality (AR), Mixed Reality (MR), and gamification enhance user experience and performance in various domains. AR and MR are viable options as they can include aspects of the current environment in real-time and present a combination of the virtual world and reality. This study explores the viability of AR and MR gamified Halal training to empower Halal workers for businesses’sustainability and expansion. The study reviews and analyses published literature from bibliographic and other acknowledged sources. Consequently, the authors discovered that while AR and gamification have been used extensively, combining both to enhance experiential learning and immersive experience is in its infancy. The findings suggest that leveraging these options can lead to future-oriented Halal training that improves experiential and immersive learning and is accessible anytime and anywhere.