By Armando Hisuan, Jr.

Prof. Ybarzabal and Dr. Luceño pose for Photo-op with the Chef Dato Ismail Bin Ahmad, Malaysia Tourism Ambassador and Chair of the Department of Heritage.

Prof. Evelyn Ybarzabal, Dr. Armando Hisuan Jr., and Dr. Myrna Luceño proudly represented the College of Hospitality Management at the Davao Global Halal Academic Forum 2025, held from June 18–19, 2025, at the SMX Lanang Convention Center, Davao City, in conjunction with the 10th Philippine Halal Trade and Tourism Expo.

This year’s forum brought together renowned scholars, industry leaders, and educators from across the ASEAN region to engage in a meaningful exchange of insights and initiatives in Halal studies, tourism, and sustainable education. The event highlighted the growing relevance of Halal systems not only as a religious or cultural practice but as an emerging pillar of economic development, ethical tourism, and global market integration.

Among the distinguished international resource speakers were:

• Assoc. Prof. Dr. Yazrina Binti Yahya, Senior Lecturer at Universiti Kebangsaan Malaysia, who emphasized the strategic role of Halal curriculum development in higher education institutions and its alignment with international standards.
• Mr. Harfiz Rasul Mohamad, Country Manager of the Singapore University of Social Sciences, who discussed interdisciplinary academic frameworks for Halal studies and opportunities for research collaboration in ASEAN.
• Chef Dato Ismail Bin Ahmad, Malaysia Tourism Ambassador and Chair of the Department of Heritage, who captivated the audience with his cultural perspective on Halal heritage cuisine and shared best practices from his experience as a restaurateur and culinary educator.

Prof. Ybarzabal, Dr. Hisuan, and Dr. Luceno actively participated in sessions exploring:

• Development of localized Halal certification modules for academic programs
• Cross-border collaboration in Halal tourism research and teaching
• Sustainable integration of Halal lifestyle practices into hospitality and culinary training
• Institutional networking with Malaysian and Singaporean universities for joint research, student mobility, and professional exchanges

Dr. Hisuan, Dr. Luceño and Prof. Ybarzabal pose at the Photo Wall during the Halal Conference.

Their presence contributed to the dialogue on establishing stronger academic-industry-government linkages aimed at preparing future professionals for the expanding Halal sectors in food, travel, and hospitality.

As the College of Hospitality Management continues to pursue innovation and inclusivity in its academic programs, this forum opened pathways for new curriculum frameworks, collaborative publications, and international partnerships centered on Halal studies and sustainability.

The forum marks a significant step for CHM in integrating inclusive, global, and sustainable Halal practices into its hospitality and tourism programs — opening doors for student exchanges, joint research, and curriculum innovations.

Stay tuned as CHM continues to lead with purpose and progress!