Yearly Archives: 2025

Akademi Zakat (AZKA-PPZ), representing Pusat Pungutan Zakat – Majlis Agama Islam Wilayah Persekutuan (PPZ-MAIWP), is honored to announce the appointment of Dr. Muhsin Nor Paizin of AZKA-PPZ, as a Member of the International Advisory Board (IAB) for the Faculty of Islamic Economics and Business (FEBI), Universitas Islam Negeri (UIN) Ar-Raniry, Banda Aceh, Indonesia. This appointment, officially confirmed through a letter dated 8 September 2025 by Dean of FEBI UIN Ar-Raniry, reflects recognition of AZKA-PPZ’s contribution in advancing zakat research and global collaboration in Islamic social finance. The Role of the International Advisory Board The International Advisory Board (IAB) is part of FEBI UIN Ar-Raniry’s strategic vision to become a leading faculty of Islamic economics and business in Southeast Asia. It serves as a platform for: Providing strategic advice on academic development, research, and international collaboration. Supporting the enhancement of curriculum and research capacity in alignment with global standards. Building networks and partnerships with leading academic and professional institutions worldwide. The appointment spans 2025–2030, with board meetings scheduled twice a year (virtually or in-person) alongside continuous consultations as needed. Distinguished Board Members The International Advisory Board brings together eminent scholars and leaders from Malaysia, Indonesia, and the wider Muslim world, including: Prof. Emeritus Dato’ Dr. Mohd Azmi Omar, INCEIF University, Malaysia Prof. Dr. Mohamed Aslam Haneef, International Islamic University Malaysia (IIUM) Prof. Dr. Abdul Ghafar Ismail, Universiti Kebangsaan Malaysia (UKM) Dr. Muhammad Subhan Ishak, King Abdul Aziz University, Saudi Arabia Nik Mohd Yusoff Nik Ismail, Forum Ekonomi Manusiawi (FEM), Malaysia Dr. Muhsin Nor Paizin, Akademi Zakat (AZKA-PPZ), PPZ-MAIWP, Malaysia Together, this distinguished panel provides invaluable expertise to guide FEBI UIN Ar-Raniry in academic excellence, societal impact, and international leadership. A Shared Mission AZKA-PPZ views this appointment as an opportunity to strengthen Malaysia–Indonesia collaboration in the field of zakat and Islamic social finance. It highlights shared priorities: Embedding zakat literacy and social finance in higher education. Driving cross-border academic partnerships. Supporting FEBI’s vision of producing graduates with both intellectual excellence and social responsibility. Looking Ahead AZKA-PPZ is committed to contributing actively to the International Advisory Board, ensuring that zakat and Islamic social finance remain at the forefront of global conversations on sustainable development and ummah empowerment. We extend sincere appreciation to UIN Ar-Raniry Banda Aceh for this recognition and look forward to impactful collaboration in the years ahead.   ✨ This appointment not only enhances AZKA-PPZ’s international presence but also reinforces its mission to advance zakat research, education, and policy for the betterment of society. Image Gallery

2 September 2025 – Pusat Pungutan Zakat – Majlis Agama Islam Wilayah Persekutuan (PPZ-MAIWP) had the honour of receiving a courtesy visit from the Arshad Ayub Graduate Business School (AAGBS), Universiti Teknologi MARA (UiTM) Shah Alam. The visit was aimed at exploring opportunities for strategic collaboration between the two institutions. Purpose of the Visit The courtesy call served as a platform to discuss potential collaborations in several areas, including: Community development, particularly in nurturing awareness of zakat and strengthening the culture of knowledge. Education, through joint research initiatives, knowledge-sharing, and professional training programmes. Social well-being, with initiatives designed to provide direct impact to communities in need. Such collaborations are expected to bring benefits not only to the Federal Territories but also to contribute meaningfully to the socio-economic development of Muslims at the national level. A Meaningful Discussion During the session, both parties exchanged views on areas where their strengths could complement one another. AAGBS, as a centre of postgraduate excellence in management and Islamic finance, and PPZ-MAIWP, as a professional zakat collection and management institution, each bring unique expertise that can be synergised. The collaboration is envisioned to pave the way for joint research, the production of academic publications, and capacity-building programmes that will further strengthen the ecosystem of zakat and Islamic finance. Looking Ahead PPZ-MAIWP welcomes this engagement with AAGBS UiTM Shah Alam as an important first step towards building a stronger strategic partnership. With shared commitment, both parties hope to make this collaboration a catalyst for future high-impact initiatives. May this partnership continue to bring benefits to society and serve as a model of synergy between academia and zakat institutions in advancing community development.

Kuala Lumpur | 27 August 2025 – The global stage for zakat and waqf is set to shine in Malaysia this October. PPZ-MAIWP joined the Sponsorship Handover Ceremony & Press Conference for the World Zakat & Waqf Forum (WZWF) 2025, held at Seri Pacific Hotel, Kuala Lumpur, and officiated by YB Senator Dato’ Setia Dr. Haji Mohd Na’im Mokhtar, Minister in the Prime Minister’s Department (Religious Affairs). The ceremony formally recognised the commitment of institutions and corporate partners that will make this international gathering possible. Among the main sponsors for WZWF 2025 are: Pusat Pungutan Zakat – MAIWP (PPZ-MAIWP) Kumpulan MBSB Yayasan Waqaf Malaysia (YWM) Lembaga Zakat Negeri Kedah (LZNK) BERNAS Malaysian Kuwaiti Investment Co. Sdn Bhd (MKIC) Yayasan Infaq ANGKASA A Global Platform in Kuching The World Zakat & Waqf Forum 2025 will take place on 13–15 October 2025 in Kuching, Sarawak, carrying the theme “New Global Zakat & Waqf Order.” As the 14th Annual Meeting & International Conference, WZWF 2025 will convene scholars, policymakers, and practitioners from across the world to explore how zakat and waqf can serve as powerful instruments for: Sustainable development Social justice Economic empowerment It is an opportunity for Malaysia to showcase its leadership in zakat and waqf management, while also learning from global best practices. PPZ-MAIWP’s Commitment For PPZ-MAIWP, being a corporate partner in this prestigious event is more than a sponsorship — it is a statement of commitment. As one of the country’s leading zakat collection institutions, PPZ-MAIWP recognises the importance of contributing to global conversations that shape the future of Islamic social finance. Through its research arm, Akademi Zakat (AZKA-PPZ), PPZ-MAIWP continues to produce knowledge, publications, and initiatives that inform practice and strengthen governance. By supporting WZWF 2025, PPZ-MAIWP reaffirms its role not only in serving the Federal Territories but also in helping to shape the global direction of zakat and waqf. Looking Ahead The Sponsorship Handover Ceremony marked the beginning of the final stretch of preparations towards October’s landmark gathering in Kuching. With strong institutional backing, WZWF 2025 promises to be a dynamic platform for new ideas, deeper collaboration, and renewed commitment to the role of zakat and waqf in building a just and sustainable world. As the countdown to WZWF 2025 begins, PPZ-MAIWP stands ready to play its part in ensuring that Malaysia continues to lead, contribute, and inspire in the global zakat and waqf movement.

Kuala Lumpur | 25 August 2025 – Malaysia, like many nations, is facing the reality of a rapidly ageing population. By 2030, one in six Malaysians is projected to be aged 60 or above. With this demographic shift comes pressing questions: how do we ensure dignity, care, and sustainability for our elderly? And what role can Islamic social finance play in addressing these challenges? These questions formed the heart of a Focus Group Discussion (FGD) on “Islamic Social Finance Solutions in Addressing Challenges in Elderly Care in Malaysia,” organised at IBIS Hotel, Kuala Lumpur, with support from the Islamic Economics Research and Innovation Fund (IERIF). The session brought together researchers, practitioners, and Shariah experts to critically assess emerging ideas and refine proposed solutions. The Objectives of the Study The research underpinning the FGD is ambitious and timely. Its goals are fourfold: Identify the socioeconomic impact of Malaysia’s ageing society. Review current policy gaps in elderly care provisions. Assess the effectiveness of existing Islamic social finance mechanisms in addressing elderly care. Propose innovative solutions that are both practical and Shariah-compliant. With healthcare costs rising and family support systems shifting due to urbanisation and economic pressures, the need for structured, sustainable support for the elderly has never been greater. Exploring the Role of Zakat and Islamic Social Finance A key focus of the discussion was how Islamic social finance instruments — particularly zakat, waqf, and sadaqah — can be mobilised for elderly care. Several issues were debated: Zakat eligibility: Can elderly care centres, and by extension their residents, be supported under asnaf categories such as faqir and miskin? Governance and trust: How can zakat institutions ensure transparency and accountability if they allocate funds for senior care? Integration with waqf: Could waqf properties or investments be structured to generate continuous funding for elderly care centres? Sadaqah and CSR: How might voluntary contributions complement institutional zakat and waqf support? What emerged from these discussions was the recognition that Islamic social finance has the potential to provide not only short-term relief, but also long-term sustainability if managed with professionalism and foresight. Our Role as Expert Reference We are humbled to participate as one of the expert references in this FGD, representing the knowledge and institutional perspective of AZKA-PPZ. Our contributions centred on the practical realities of zakat management, the evolving expectations of zakat payers, and the importance of aligning any new solutions with Shariah principles while ensuring operational feasibility. It was particularly meaningful to share insights on how zakat has already been utilised in certain contexts for elderly care and to highlight the need for national-level guidance so that such initiatives can be harmonised across states. Building Towards Practical Outcomes What makes this FGD significant is its applied orientation. Rather than remaining at the level of theory, the session sought realistic feedback from experts to refine proposed financial models. By the end, it was clear that the research team intends to shape outcomes that can influence both policy frameworks and institutional practice. Among the innovative ideas explored were hybrid models that combine zakat allocations with waqf-based investments, enabling the creation of elderly care facilities that are both financially sustainable and socially impactful. A Shared Responsibility Caring for the elderly is more than just a policy challenge; it is a moral and spiritual responsibility. In Islam, respect and care for parents and the elderly is deeply enshrined, and institutions must ensure that this value translates into action. Islamic social finance offers tools that can bridge the gap between community values and modern welfare needs. Conclusion The Focus Group Discussion on Islamic social finance and elderly care was an important step in reimagining how zakat and related instruments can address one of the most urgent challenges of our time. For AZKA-PPZ, participation in such initiatives underscores its commitment to advancing zakat knowledge, policy, and practice in ways that are responsive to evolving social realities. By contributing expertise and institutional experience, AZKA-PPZ continues to strengthen the role of zakat as a catalyst for community empowerment and sustainable welfare. The insights gathered from this FGD will not only inform the research team’s final outputs but also open pathways for zakat institutions to play a greater role in ensuring that Malaysia’s elderly are cared for with dignity, compassion, and sustainability.