Hat yai: Comstech and Prince of Songkla University of Thailand Are Organizing The 15th World Halal Products Exhibition and Conference at The Prince of Songkla University International Convention Centre in Hat Yai, Thailand. The Event, Which Began Last Sunday, August 2, 2026, Stands as A Significant International Platform Focused on Halal Trade, Scientific Research, And Innovation, Attracting Participation from Member and Observer Countries of The Organization of Islamic Cooperation. According to Union of OIC News Agencies, the event is collaboratively organized by the Standing Committee on Scientific and Technological Cooperation of the Organization of Islamic Cooperation (COMSTECH) and the Halal Institute at Prince of Songkla University, themed around Health and Innovation in the Halal Industry. The conference convenes a diverse group of researchers, policymakers, halal accreditation bodies, entrepreneurs, scientists, and academics from countries such as Bahrain, Bangladesh, China, Indonesia, Malaysia, Paki stan, Qatar, Saudi Arabia, and Uzbekistan to showcase cutting-edge products, technologies, services, and scientific research aimed at bolstering the global halal ecosystem. The opening ceremony witnessed participation from government officials, ambassadors, leaders of the halal industry, university representatives, and international academic and diplomatic figures. A memorandum of understanding was exchanged between COMSTECH and Prince of Songkla University, originally signed electronically in April 2026, to enhance institutional cooperation in halal science, scientific research, training, and innovation. Following the opening, the first roundtable meeting of HAPEX Global Leaders was conducted jointly by COMSTECH and the Halal Institute at Prince of Songkla University. Participants explored the current state of the halal industry among OIC member and observer countries and discussed developing joint platforms for cooperation in scientific research, innovation, and capacity building. COMSTECH General Coordi nator, Professor Dr. Mohammad Iqbal Chowdhury, extended his appreciation to Prince of Songkla University and the Halal Institute for hosting the event, highlighting the strengthening partnership between the university and COMSTECH. He underscored the rapid growth of the halal industry and the necessity of reinforcing scientific research, establishing internationally recognized standards, fostering innovation, and creating effective partnerships among universities, research centers, regulatory bodies, and the industrial sector. Dr. Chowdhury affirmed COMSTECH's commitment to promoting scientific cooperation, technology transfer, and capacity building among member states, emphasizing its support for creating platforms that unite universities, research institutions, governments, standardization bodies, and the private sector to advance the international halal system. He expressed confidence that the meeting's outcomes would lead to practical partnerships in halal research, development, vocational training, tes ting, accreditation, and innovation, thereby boosting the competitiveness of OIC member states in global markets. Conference speakers highlighted that the halal economy now spans beyond food industries to include healthcare, pharmaceuticals, cosmetics, tourism, Islamic finance, logistics, digital technologies, and advanced industries, making innovation and international collaboration pivotal in shaping the future of this expanding sector. The conference is set to continue with specialized scientific sessions, policy dialogues, business meetings, and exhibitions aimed at fostering cooperation between governments, universities, research institutions, and the private sector, while opening new avenues for investment and innovation in the burgeoning global halal market.