Halal Taiwan application: Facilitating access to products for minority Muslim communities

Purpose – Taiwan, as a non-Muslim-majority country, presents challenges in accessing halal products and services for both the local Muslim community and visiting tourists. This study aimed to explore the key challenges faced in the development of Halal.TW, a mobile application initiated by Indonesian students in Taiwan, to address this issue.Methodology – A qualitative descriptive approach was employed, utilizing data collected through a literature review, in-depth interviews with the developers of the application, and document analysis related to the halal ecosystem in Taiwan.Findings – The study identifies several critical challenges in the development and implementation of Halal TW, including the lack of standardized halal certification in Taiwan, limited technical expertise among the student development team, difficulties in integrating data from traditional halal businesses, low public awareness of halal needs, and competition from other digital platforms.Implications – The findings underscore the need for cross-sectoral collaboration involving halal certification bodies, Taiwanese authorities, and local business stakeholders to improve the platform's data reliability and market adoption. Strategic partnerships and ongoing innovation are crucial for enhancing a platform’s impact and sustainability.Originality – This research provides new insights into diaspora-led digital innovation in a mainstream societal context, highlighting how community-based technological solutions can address inclusivity and accessibility challenges for minority groups.