Singapore and Brunei sign landmark bilateral MOU to strengthen halal cooperation

The Islamic Religious Council of Singapore (MUIS) and the Islamic Religious Council of Brunei Darussalam (MUIB) have signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) to formalise the mutual recognition of halal certificates and marks between both countries. This marks a significant milestone in bilateral halal cooperation. The agreement will facilitate halal trade and strengthen consumer confidence in halal-certified products between Singapore and Brunei. The MOU is MUIS's sixth international halal cooperation agreement. Singapore is honoured to be Brunei's first partner in this area.

The MOU was signed by Chief Executive of MUIS, Mr Kadir Maideen, and Acting Secretary of MUIB, Pengiran Ahmad Faris Ramadhani, and witnessed by Acting Minister-in-charge of Muslim Affairs Mr Zaqy Mohamad and Brunei's Minister of Religious Affairs, Pengiran Dato Seri Paduka Haji Mohd Tashim bin Pengiran Haji Hassan. The signing took place during Acting Minister Zaqy's first official visit to Brunei since assuming the portfolio in July 2026.

Through the MOU, MUIS and MUIB will also continue cooperation through technical exchanges and sharing of expertise, underpinned by the mutual recognition of halal certification. This will reduce duplication in halal certification processes and provide greater assurance to businesses and consumers, while maintaining the integrity of both countries' halal certification systems.

Reflecting on the significance of the partnership, Acting Minister-in-charge of Muslim Affairs Mr Zaqy Mohamad said: "Singapore and Brunei share longstanding and close ties, including between our Muslim communities and religious institutions. I am glad that my first official visit to Brunei in this role has provided an opportunity to further strengthen these ties. This MOU between MUIS and MUIB reflects the strong trust and cooperation between both our countries. With the mutual recognition of our halal certificates and marks, I look forward to seeing this partnership deepen for the benefit of our communities, businesses and consumers."

Chief Executive of MUIS, Mr Kadir Maideen said: "This MOU provides a strong framework for MUIS and MUIB to deepen cooperation through technical exchanges and the sharing of expertise. With the mutual recognition of halal certificates and marks, we will further uphold the integrity and rigour of our respective certification systems, providing greater assurance to businesses and consumers when engaging with halal-certified products from both countries."

MUIS has signed similar agreements with Saudi Arabia (2023), the United Arab Emirates (2024), Jordan (2024), Morocco (2024) and Indonesia (2024), strengthening cooperation and recognition of Singapore's halal certification internationally.

As part of the visit, Acting Minister Zaqy had audiences with His Majesty Sultan Haji Hassanal Bolkiah Mu'izzaddin Waddaulah, Sultan and Yang Di-Pertuan of Brunei Darussalam, and His Royal Highness Prince Al-Muhtadee Billah, Crown Prince and Senior Minister at the Prime Minister’s Office. Acting Minister Zaqy also made a courtesy call on State Mufti Pehin Dr. Haji Awang Abdul Aziz Juned. These engagements reaffirmed the longstanding ties between Singapore and Brunei, including the close relationship between both countries' Muslim communities.