Halal studies : education gap analysis of knowledge, skills, and attributes (ksa) for halal profession in Malaysia

Abstract

The growth of the halal industry in Malaysia has intensified the demand for a workforce equipped with relevant knowledge, skills, and attributes (KSAs). Despite 33 Higher Education Institutions (HEIs) offering halal studies programmes at diploma and bachelor’s degree levels (as of September 2025), concerns remain that graduates may not meet industry requirements. As such, this study aims to identify the gaps between KSAs supplied by HEIs and those demanded by the halal profession in Malaysia. A sequential exploratory mixed-methods design was adopted. In the qualitative phase, 200 halal job postings, programme standards for halal studies, and 23 halal programme curricula were analysed to generate a list of KSAs, refined through the halal industry’s occupational framework, Malaysian standard for halal profession, and expert validation, which led to the development of a survey questionnaire. The quantitative phase involved 58 academicians and 114 industry players, who ranked the importance of these KSAs. The findings indicate that the most critical KSAs for the halal profession are halal assurance management system, ethical conduct and integrity, proficiency in the Malay language, knowledge of Malaysian halal standards, and the practice of Islamic values. This study also indicates significant gaps, as most items were rated higher in importance by industry players compared to academicians, particularly in corporate communication, multitasking skills, laboratory testing, traceability, and logistics and supply chain technology. Statistical analysis confirmed significant differences in ten KSAs between the two groups, highlighting a misalignment between academic preparation and industry expectations. These findings highlight the critical need to strengthen halal studies curricula to better align with industry demands. The study contributes to the academic literature by developing an empirically grounded KSAs framework for the halal profession, which may inform curriculum design, policy, and future research, while supporting the sustainable development of halal talent and enhancing Malaysia’s competitiveness in the halal industry.