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Tag: #NestleMalaysia

  • Nestlé Malaysia and JAKIM Reinforce Long-Standing Partnership to Empower Communities and Elevate Halal Integrity

    Nestlé Malaysia and JAKIM Reinforce Long-Standing Partnership to Empower Communities and Elevate Halal Integrity

    Nestlé Malaysia and the Department of Islamic Development Malaysia (JAKIM) have formalized a renewed strategic commitment to the national Halal agenda through the launch of the SYNERGY (Strengthening Your Network and Ecosystem for Resilient Growth) initiative. Under the thematic banner of ‘Memacu Halal, Memperkasa Komuniti’, the partnership seeks to fortify an inclusive and sustainable Halal industry, further cementing Malaysia’s leadership within the global Halal economy.

    JAKIM has commended Nestlé Malaysia for its sophisticated end-to-end Halal ecosystem—a framework the company has refined since it first pioneered Halal practices in the 1970s. Serving as the Global Centre of Halal Excellence for the Nestlé Group, the Malaysian division now acts as a primary knowledge hub, exporting local expertise across its international network to enhance global trust in Malaysian Halal standards.

    The partnership underscores the necessity of a unified front between regulators and industry leaders to maintain the integrity of the Halal value chain. Nestlé’s commitment is evident from its certified manufacturing facilities to its extensive grassroots outreach. By aligning with JAKIM, the company is scaling initiatives designed to empower Malaysian youth, support local entrepreneurs, and optimize the national supply chain, ensuring that the benefits of the Halal economy reach all levels of society.

    Education and human capital development remain central to this long-term strategy. Key highlights include:

    • Halal@School: A collaboration with Universiti Sains Islam Malaysia (USIM) that has introduced Halal values to over 6,000 students.
    • Halal@STEM: Launched in 2025 to encourage secondary students to explore science through a Halal lens, supported by the inaugural HalalSTEM Expo.
    • Nestlé Youngpreneurs Programme: A business mentorship initiative that has equipped 200 university students with practical insights into Halal best practices.

    Beyond education, Nestlé Malaysia continues to drive capability-building within the SME sector. Since 2010, its SME Mentoring Programme has assisted more than 1,200 enterprises in achieving Halal certification. In a more recent development, Nestlé and JAKIM introduced a specialized mentoring program for third-party logistics (3PL) providers, engaging 27 companies to ensure rigorous compliance across the entire logistics and delivery network.

    Through these multifaceted efforts—including a nationwide awareness podcast with the Institute of Islamic Understanding Malaysia (IKIM)—Nestlé Malaysia and JAKIM are ensuring that Halal remains a core organizational and national value, providing a resilient foundation for the future of the global Halal sector.

  • Nestlé Malaysia Goes Fully Local with 100% Homegrown Chillies for MAGGI

    Nestlé Malaysia Goes Fully Local with 100% Homegrown Chillies for MAGGI

    Nestlé Malaysia has officially achieved a landmark milestone in its sustainability journey, announcing that 100% of the fresh chillies used in the production of its iconic MAGGI Chilli Sauce are now sourced entirely from local Malaysian farmers.

    This achievement was highlighted during an official working visit by the Minister of Economy, YB Tuan Haji Akmal Nasrullah Bin Haji Mohd Nasir, to the IPRINTAN Putrajaya Project. The visit showcased the success of well-structured farmer partnerships in strengthening national food security while simultaneously providing sustainable livelihoods for B40 communities.

    A Milestone in Self-Sufficiency and Economic Empowerment

    The project is powered by the Nestlé Chilli Club (NCC), a contract farming program established in 1995. Today, the initiative supports farmers across 12 strategic sites in Kelantan, Selangor, Putrajaya, and Johor, spanning 146 acres of farmland.

    During the briefing, the Minister was updated on the high-yield farming initiative’s socio-economic impact. Key highlights include:

    • Income Security: Participating farmers in the IPRINTAN Putrajaya project now earn an average monthly income of approximately RM3,000.
    • Economic Contribution: The current 2026 cycle (the project’s fifth) has yielded over 200 tonnes of chillies, with an estimated market value of RM1.5 million.
    • Traceability: By sourcing directly, Nestlé ensures a fully traceable and high-quality supply chain for its locally produced MAGGI products.

    Building a Resilient Food System

    Mr. Juan Aranols, Chief Executive Officer of Nestlé Malaysia, emphasized that the company’s “Creating Shared Value” (CSV) approach is the driving force behind these partnerships.

    “Supporting the livelihoods of local farmers is integral to both our value chain and the nation’s food security agenda. Long-term partnerships with farming communities and government stakeholders, such as our collaboration with IPRINTAN, reflect our shared responsibility to build a more resilient and self-sufficient food system while empowering B40 households,” said Aranols.

    Expansion and Regenerative Agriculture

    Nestlé Malaysia provides participating farmers with specialized training in eco-friendly regenerative agricultural practices. This modern approach focuses on soil health and farm productivity, ensuring sustainable yields for generations to come.

    Originally established in Kelantan in partnership with Pertubuhan Peladang Kawasan (PPK) Bukit Awang, the program expanded to Selangor in 2021 via PPK Kuala Langat. In 2025, the initiative advanced further with a specialized greenhouse project in collaboration with Chin Siam Chiap (CSS) Johor, ensuring a stable, year-round supply of fresh chillies.

    Broader Impact: The Farmer Connect Programme

    The success of the Nestlé Chilli Club is a cornerstone of the broader Farmer Connect initiative. This program supports hundreds of farmers across various commodities nationwide:

    • Kedah and Perlis: Sustainable rice cultivation and agronomy support.
    • Sabah and Sarawak: Responsible cocoa sourcing in collaboration with the Malaysian Cocoa Board.
    • Kelantan and Kedah: Dedicated coffee farming programs in Gua Musang and surrounding areas.

    By integrating locally grown ingredients directly into its manufacturing value chain, Nestlé Malaysia continues to provide consistent market access and long-term capacity building for Malaysian smallholders, paving the way for a more sustainable and food-secure future.

  • Nestlé Malaysia and IIUM Kuantan Drive Halal STEM Education Partnership

    Nestlé Malaysia and IIUM Kuantan Drive Halal STEM Education Partnership

    Nestlé Malaysia has reaffirmed its long-standing commitment to strengthening Malaysia’s Halal ecosystem and developing future-ready talent through the signing of a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with the Kulliyyah of Science, International Islamic University Malaysia (IIUM) Kuantan. The collaboration aims to advance Halal Science, Technology, Engineering and Mathematics (STEM) education.

    The MoU marks a significant step in bridging the gap between industry and academia, with both parties sharing a common objective of equipping young Malaysians with the knowledge and skills needed to thrive in the evolving Halal industry. The signing ceremony was held during the Halal STEM Expo at the IIUM Kuantan Campus, which brought together around 500 participants comprising upper secondary school students from across Pahang.

    Under this partnership, IIUM Kuantan will develop educational modules with support from Nestlé Malaysia, alongside the introduction of hands-on competitions designed to provide students with practical, real-world learning experiences. As part of the Halal STEM Expo initiative, the programme featured interactive experiments, exhibition booths, competitions and knowledge-sharing sessions aimed at enhancing student engagement and understanding of Halal STEM.

    Beyond student-centred programmes, the MoU also outlines wider areas of collaboration, including joint research in Halal science and food innovation, knowledge-sharing initiatives, as well as participation in conferences, workshops and academic publications. These efforts are expected to strengthen academia-industry linkages, encourage innovation and build a strong pipeline of future Halal talent.

    [From left] Assoc. Prof. Dr. Erna Normaya Abdullah, Chairperson of Halal STEM Expo 2026 and Head of SuNCoM, Kulliyyah of Science, 
    International Islamic University Malaysia (IIUM) Kuantan, Prof. Dr. Kamaruzzaman Yunus, Dean, Kulliyyah of Science, Assoc. Prof. Dr. Mohd. Arifin bin Kaderi, Vice Director, IIUM Kuantan, Dato’ Mohamad Nizar Najib, State Executive Councillor for Investment, Industrial Development, Science, Technology and Innovation of Pahang, representing the Chief Minister of Pahang, Raja Nurmaria Murni, Executive Director, Group Corporate Affairs for Malaysia and Singapore, Nasrul Hadi Mohamed Nor, Head of Halal Affairs, Nestlé Malaysia and Siti Hazlin Jantan, Halal Operation Manager, Nestlé Malaysia at the Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) signing with the Kulliyyah of Science, IIUM Kuantan to advance Halal Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics (STEM) education for young Malaysians. 

    Nestlé Malaysia Head of Halal Affairs, Nasrul Hadi Mohamed Nor, said the company’s commitment to Halal goes beyond maintaining high product and operational standards, extending to nurturing future talent for the industry. He added that the collaboration aims to spark students’ interest in STEM from a Halal perspective while providing them with practical insights into how science and technology contribute to the Halal ecosystem. He also noted that these efforts support national aspirations to increase STEM participation among students and further reinforce Malaysia’s position as a global Halal hub.

    Assoc. Prof. Dr. Erna Normaya Abdullah, Chairperson of Halal STEM Expo 2026 and Head of SuNCoM, Kulliyyah of Science, IIUM Kuantan, said the collaboration reflects a shared commitment to developing future leaders and strengthening Islamic STEM (Halal-STEM) education. She highlighted that the initiative is grounded in the IIUM Tawhidic philosophy, which integrates knowledge, values and holistic human development, while serving as a platform to connect academic learning with industry exposure and inspire students to pursue STEM pathways within the Halal ecosystem.

    A key highlight of the Halal STEM Expo was the Halal Frontier Talk, a panel session featuring representatives from Nestlé Malaysia and the Department of Islamic Development Malaysia (JAKIM), which provided students with first-hand insights from industry leaders and highlighted potential career opportunities in Halal STEM fields.

     [From right] Nasrul Hadi Mohamed Nor, Head of Halal Affairs, Nestlé Malaysia, with participants of the Halal STEM Expo, where Nestlé Malaysia also served as judges and shared industry expertise, providing real-world insights into Halal manufacturing practices.

    The programme also featured the Innovate Challenge, where secondary school and university students were encouraged to develop and present innovative prototypes focused on sustainability and aligned with Halal STEM principles. Nestlé Malaysia played an active role throughout the competition as judges and mentors. In addition, interactive exhibition booths enabled students to explore the company’s Halal value chain more closely and gain a clearer understanding of the role of STEM across the industry.

    This MoU marks the beginning of a long-term collaboration, with various initiatives planned over the next two years to further empower students and advance Halal STEM education. Through this partnership, Nestlé Malaysia and IIUM Kuantan remain committed to nurturing future-ready talent while strengthening Malaysia’s innovative Halal ecosystem.

  • Nestlé Malaysia Celebrates Ramadan by Supporting 300,000+ Malaysians

    Nestlé Malaysia Celebrates Ramadan by Supporting 300,000+ Malaysians

    In the spirit of Ramadan, a month defined by compassion, unity, and generosity, Nestlé Malaysia brought these values to life through its “Ramadan Penuh Bermakna bersama Nestlé” programme, ensuring underprivileged communities nationwide had access to nourishing meals and essential food items during the holy month. Through close collaboration with local religious authorities, NGOs, media partners, and universities, Nestlé Malaysia’s efforts reached over 300,000 beneficiaries, supported by approximately RM2 million worth of food aid.

    Juan Aranols, Chief Executive Officer of Nestlé Malaysia, said, “The month of Ramadan calls on all of us to care for one another. In line with our ongoing efforts to uplift Malaysians, we are committed to easing the burden of underserved communities who may face additional challenges during this period. Through ‘Ramadan Penuh Bermakna bersama Nestlé,’ we work hand in hand with our partners and mobilise our Nestlé Sayang Komuniti employee volunteers to ensure that nourishing food reaches those who need it most, reflecting our promise of Good Food, Good Life.”

    Central to this year’s nationwide outreach was the packing and distribution of more than 15,000 Bakul Ramadan, alongside provisions for iftar and the nationwide distribution of MAGGI Bubur Lambuk. Working with various partners, Nestlé delivered essential products including MILO, MAGGI, NESCAFÉ, EVERYDAY Milk, NESTUM, NESTLÉ GOLD Cornflakes, and MAGGI to help families stay nourished throughout the fasting month.

    A key partner in these efforts was the Department of Islamic Development Malaysia (JAKIM), which helped distribute 1,500 Bakul Ramadan to vulnerable communities across the Klang Valley and other regions, including Tanjung Malim and Hulu Selangor. Nestlé also supported JAKIM’s Iftar MADANI programme by providing beverage sampling for breaking fast and contributed a two-week supply of NESCAFÉ and MILO products to 70 mosques, including those under JAKIM and six State Religious Authorities, benefiting nearly 40,000 mosque community members.

    Nestlé Malaysia also collaborated with media organisations to extend aid to the urban poor, East Coast communities, and charitable foundations supporting the homeless, indigenous children, and orphanages. Partnerships with PRESMA and Ali Maju further expanded outreach, enabling support for an additional 3,500 Ramadan Relief packages. Beyond these efforts, the company provided targeted community support through product contributions and financial aid via Malaysian Humanitarian Aid and Relief (MAHAR), benefitting 500 refugee households, and engaged in gotong-royong activities, including providing a year’s worth of food support to an orphanage in collaboration with the Selangor Youth Community (SAY).

    In addition to food aid, Nestlé continued its cherished tradition of preparing and sharing MAGGI Bubur Lambuk, reaching over 400,000 individuals across more than 300 locations nationwide, including zakat-eligible students at UiTM, UMT, and UMK. The initiative brought together Nestlé Sayang Komuniti volunteers and university students in meaningful gotong-royong efforts, strengthening the spirit of volunteerism among youth.

    With a longstanding presence in Malaysia since 1912, Nestlé remains committed to creating a positive impact in the communities it serves. Through “Ramadan Penuh Bermakna bersama Nestlé,” the company continues to uphold its promise of Good Food, Good Life, ensuring that care, generosity, and togetherness remain at the heart of every Ramadan.