The organisers
Our Organising Partners
Our Team
Dr Bekim Hasani
Founder & CEO
Biography
Dr. Bekim Hasani is an internationally recognized Halal food expert, trainer, and consultant with over 20 years of experience in Islamic law and compliance. Holding a PhD in Shariah and Law alongside a background in human rights advocacy, he is the Founder and Managing Director of the International Halal Centre. Dr. Hasani has pioneered educational initiatives that set global benchmarks for halal food certification and ethical practices. A published author and public speaker, he excels in regulatory harmonization and cross-cultural collaboration, guiding the halal industry toward greater ethical, operational, and globally compliant excellence.
Besar Mustafi
Co-Founder & Head of Operations
Biography
Besar Mustafi is a respected halal industry professional, community leader and business owner with over a decade of experience in halal certification, auditing, market access, food safety, and halal meat exports. He holds a Master’s degree in Islamic Studies and has extensive expertise in halal and international standards, certification systems, export documentation, and livestock and meat supply chains.
Throughout his career, Besar has worked closely with processors, exporters, accreditation bodies, market representatives, and local and overseas regulators, developing a strong professional network across Australia and internationally. He also possesses substantial knowledge of the Australian red meat industry, gained through AUS-MEAT courses, training programs, industry conferences, workshops, and international engagement, providing him with valuable insight into production, processing, logistics, and global market requirements.
Dr. Yassine Belkamel
International Relations Manager
Biography
Dr. Yassine Belkamel is a passionate advocate for community engagement, international collaboration, and the growth of the halal economy in Australia and New Zealand. With a professional background in education, multicultural affairs, and stakeholder engagement, he has built strong connections across diverse communities and industries.
As a member of the Australia & New Zealand Halal Expo team, Dr. Yassine is committed to fostering partnerships between businesses, government, industry leaders, and local and international markets.
Yassine brings a collaborative and people-focused approach to the Expo, working to create opportunities for networking, trade, investment, and cultural understanding. His vision is to help build a dynamic platform that connects businesses and communities while promoting the values of quality, integrity, and inclusiveness that underpin the global halal industry.
Sam Ervin
Logistics Manager
Biography
Sam Ervin is a Turkish-born Australian professional Melbourne-based professional with a diverse career spanning over three decades. Armed with a Bachelor of Science degree in Chemistry, he has successfully applied his rigorous scientific expertise across multiple complex sectors, including the textile and transport industries. His deep understanding of chemical compliance and quality standards naturally paved the way for his transition into the global trade sector. Notably, Sam has excelled as a Technical Halal Auditor and currently serves as the Director of a prominent Meat Export Company, driving operational excellence and cross-cultural trade partnerships within the region’s expanding ethical food industry.
Sami Hashim
Digital Operations & Marketing Lead
Biography
Sami Hashim is a seasoned creative director and digital strategist with 25 years of experience in crafting end-to-end brand solutions. As the Co-founder of Yazy Signs & Print and Optima Media, Sami leads the marketing and digital infrastructure for the Australia & New Zealand Halal Expo. His deep expertise in Web Development, Online Marketing, and social media management ensures the event achieves maximum visibility globally and across the Asia-Pacific region. Sami’s dedication to innovative design and technical excellence provides our partners and exhibitors with a sophisticated, high-performance platform to showcase their brands to the world.
Dr. Tariq Al-Qahtani
Middle East Representative
Biography
Dr. Tariq Ayidh Al-Qahtani is a distinguished healthcare executive, military veteran, and innovation leader with over 30 years of elite administrative and strategic planning experience in Saudi Arabia. Having served as the General Director of Strategic Implementation Offices for Military Hospitals in the Eastern Province, he has a masterful command of regional operations, governance, and public-private sector ecosystems. An established entrepreneur, Dr. Al-Qahtani actively drives commercial initiatives in digital transformation, PropTech, and smart real estate across the GCC. As our Middle East Representative, his deep institutional network, executive leadership, and cross-border commercial expertise make him an invaluable bridge for driving strategic partnerships and regional growth.
Mustafa Kazmi
Official Representative
Biography
Mustafa Kazmi is the Chairperson of the Pakistani Cultural Society of Australia and Founder of OZ Career Gurus. With extensive experience in community and large-scale events, he has remained actively involved in initiatives that bring people together and support the wider community. A passionate philanthropist, Mustafa also served as Operations Manager for the Pakistani Food & Mango Festival Melbourne in both 2025 and 2026.
Recaz Rizvie
Official Representative
Biography
Recaz is an Islamic Finance professional with over 15 years of experience in Islamic banking, investment advisory, wealth and asset management, treasury, business development, and strategic growth. He has a strong record of transforming businesses, creating innovative financial solutions, and driving sustainable growth in diverse markets. He has contributed to major milestones in Sri Lanka’s Islamic finance industry and has extensive experience in Sri Lanka, the Maldives, and international markets. His expertise includes strategic leadership, investment solutions, Islamic capital markets, wealth management, and business transformation. An experienced speaker, consultant, and panelist, he has contributed to international Islamic Finance forums, roadshows, investment conferences, and industry discussions, sharing insights on the evolving landscape of Islamic finance, investment, and financial innovation.
