One of Indonesia’s most vibrant food and beverage brands, Ai-CHA, is setting new standards in Malaysia’s F&B scene by officially obtaining halal certification from JAKIM for its first outlet at Berjaya Times Square.
As the first Indonesian ice cream and tea brand in the country to achieve this status, Ai-CHA is on a mission to ensure at least five more outlets are certified halal by the end of the year.
With more than 362 outlets operating nationwide and a customer base of over three million Malaysians each month, Ai-CHA’s halal milestone is more than just a formality—it’s a reflection of deep brand values rooted in transparency, inclusivity, and consumer trust.
Building Trust Through Halal Commitment
Danny Tahardi, Global Deputy General Manager of Ai-CHA, emphasized that halal certification is not just a box to tick. “We’re scaling fast in Malaysia—opening 300 stores in a single year was a record—but what matters just as much is our commitment to halal integrity,” he shared. “All our ingredients are already halal, and now we’re aligning operations with JAKIM’s certification process.”
This commitment is ongoing, as more Ai-CHA outlets have already begun the process of securing official recognition from JAKIM, Malaysia’s foremost Islamic development authority.
A dedicated Halal Compliance Team has been established to ensure that ingredient sourcing, preparation methods, and staff training all meet the required standards.
Ai-CHA was already certified halal by Majelis Ulama Indonesia (MUI) in its home country, making its pursuit of Malaysian halal standards a natural progression in its regional expansion.
Strong Local Support and Clear Mission
Echoing Tahardi’s remarks, Jason Chung, Country Manager of Ai-CHA Malaysia, confirmed the brand’s long-term vision. “Halal is at the heart of our brand. It matters to our customers and to our franchisees. It strengthens confidence across the board.”
The commitment to halal is further reinforced by Encik Zafran Khair, Chairman of Ai-CHA’s Halal Committee. He assured that all levels of operations in Malaysia are being optimized for full halal compliance. “We’re investing in proper training and systems to ensure that every outlet, every team member, and every process upholds the halal values that matter so much to Malaysian consumers.”
Zafran added that Ai-CHA has aligned its sourcing and supply chain strictly with JAKIM standards, creating a robust framework for future expansion.
A Halal Franchise Model for Aspiring Entrepreneurs
Ai-CHA’s low-barrier, low-capital franchise model has been a major driving force behind its rapid growth. The simplified onboarding process appeals to new entrepreneurs, and with halal certification in place, the brand becomes even more attractive.
“Halal is not just about food. It represents operational discipline, sourcing integrity, and brand maturity,” explained Chung. “This strengthens our appeal to business owners who want to build with confidence.”
This focus has already earned Ai-CHA two national records from the Malaysian Book of Records:
- Most Ice Cream Chain Stores Opened in a Year
- Most Beverage Chain Stores Opened in a Year
In addition, the brand won the 2025/2026 Consumer Choice Award from the National Consumer Action Council (MTPN)—a clear sign of public approval and trust.
Ai-CHA – A Brand That Resonates with Malaysians
Known for its vibrant soft-serve ice creams, milk teas, and seasonal drinks, Ai-CHA has quickly become a favourite among younger consumers, not only for its products but also for its Instagrammable aesthetics and approachable pricing.
To celebrate its halal milestone, Ai-CHA is running a Buy 1, Free 1 promotion on all menu items at its Berjaya Times Square outlet from now until Wednesday, August 6.
Looking ahead, the brand has plans to expand its halal menu with hot snack items such as fried chicken and French fries at selected outlets, turning Ai-CHA into a go-to halal casual snacking destination.
More Than Just Ice Cream and Tea
While the brand has roots in Indonesia, Ai-CHA now operates in nine countries including Thailand, Vietnam, the Philippines, Laos, Cambodia, Myanmar, Brunei, and of course, Malaysia.
But in Malaysia, the brand is clearly setting new benchmarks—not only in terms of store expansion but also in upholding halal values that matter deeply to the local community.
“This is only the beginning,” Chung said. “We want to be a brand that Malaysians can rely on, not just for quality taste, but also for the assurance of halal compliance and operational integrity.”
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