Yearly Archives: 2025

Kuala Lumpur, 16 June 2025 – As part of the Muamalat Industrial Tour 5.0, PPZ-MAIWP was honoured to host a delegation from the Department of Shariah and Management, Academy of Islamic Studies, Universiti Malaya (UM). The visit was part of the academic enrichment component for students enrolled in the course IIE3004 – Islamic Wealth Management. A total of 42 students participated in the visit, accompanied by their lecturer Dr. Asmuliadi Lubis, aiming to deepen their understanding of real-world zakat governance, collection systems, and digital transformation within Malaysia’s Islamic finance ecosystem. Welcoming the Next Generation of Islamic Finance Leaders The delegation was welcomed by Dr. Muhsin Nor Paizin, Senior Manager of Akademi Zakat (AZKA), who also served as Chairperson for the session. In his welcoming remarks, Dr. Muhsin highlighted the vital need to nurture a generation of professionals who are zakat-literate, ethically grounded, and socially responsible. The session included a comprehensive presentation by Muhamad Hazrin Sayuti, Executive at AZKA, who elaborated on: The structural roles of PPZ-MAIWP in zakat collection and administration Implementation of cash waqf and zakat fitrah Digital initiatives including the MyZakat platform Ongoing asnaf development programmes The use of modern and inclusive payment channels A Platform for Practical Learning and Inspiration More than just a visit, this academic-industry engagement offered students a chance to reflect on the operational intricacies of Islamic social finance, connect with practitioners, and explore how theory is applied in live institutional settings. The enthusiasm and inquisitiveness shown by the students underscored the importance of continuous collaboration between institutions of higher learning and zakat agencies to ensure knowledge is not just learned, but lived. Strengthening the Knowledge Ecosystem PPZ-MAIWP and AZKA remain committed to supporting academic institutions in building a future generation of Islamic finance leaders. We sincerely thank Universiti Malaya for choosing PPZ-MAIWP as a learning destination and look forward to more impactful collaborations ahead. 📍 Venue: PPZ-MAIWP Headquarters🏫 Visitor: Students of Islamic Wealth Management (IIE3004), Department of Shariah and Management, Universiti Malaya🎓 Facilitated by: Akademi Zakat (AZKA-PPZ)📅 Date: 16 June 2025

Shah Alam, 13 Jun 2025 – The Seminar Inovasi Zakat-Wakaf 2025 successfully took place at the FBM PPZ–Etiqa Corner, Faculty of Business and Management (FBM), Universiti Teknologi MARA (UiTM), in collaboration with PPZ-MAIWP and Yayasan Inovasi Malaysia. The seminar brought together scholars, practitioners, and zakat professionals to explore the evolving role of zakat and waqf in shaping an inclusive, tech-driven and spiritually grounded society. Reimagining Zakat in the Digital Age One of the highlights of the seminar was the presentation by Dr. Muhsin Nor Paizin, Manager of Akademi Zakat (AZKA-PPZ), who delivered a talk titled:“Digital Era Zakat – Engaging Digital Natives.” The session explored how zakat institutions must rethink their communication methods, digital strategies, and educational outreach to resonate with the younger generation — a cohort defined by immediacy, digital fluency, and a growing search for purpose. Dr. Muhsin highlighted the need for zakat bodies to be both digitally responsive and spiritually relevant in today’s connected world. Other Presentations and Thought Leadership The seminar also featured distinguished speakers who shared valuable insights: Dr. Sharmila Mohamed Salleh (CEO, Yayasan Inovasi Malaysia) spoke on Social Innovation Initiatives through zakat and waqf. Assoc. Prof. Dr. Amirul Afif Muhamat (FBM, UiTM) presented on Revolutionising Zakat into Micro-Takaful. The session was moderated by Dr. Faziatul Amillia Mohamad Basir, who ensured a dynamic and engaging flow throughout the discussions. Each presentation reaffirmed that strategic innovation in zakat and waqf can lead to real change — especially when integrated with data, community empowerment and cross-sector collaboration. Book Launch: Bridging Ideas and Implementation A key moment during the event was the official launch of the book:“New Ideas and Concepts on Zakat and Waqf Towards Society 5.0.”This publication, developed through the AZKA-PPZ initiative, serves as a compendium of emerging thought and proposed solutions aimed at future-proofing zakat and waqf systems in Malaysia and beyond. Moving Forward The success of this seminar reflects the increasing need for dialogue between tradition and transformation, as zakat and waqf are no longer confined to ritual — but are vital tools in nation-building, poverty alleviation, and ethical economic reform. AZKA extends its appreciation to UiTM, Yayasan Inovasi Malaysia, and all speakers and participants for their contribution to this meaningful event. May this be the first of many initiatives that continue to inspire innovation in Islamic social finance. 📍 Venue: FBM PPZ – Etiqa Corner, UiTM📅 Date: 13 June 2025📘 Highlight: Launch of “New Ideas and Concepts on Zakat and Waqf Towards Society 5.0” 🖊️ By: Akademi Zakat (AZKA-PPZ)#ZakatInnovation #WaqfLeadership #Society5_0 #DigitalEraZakat #AZKAPPZ #PPZMAIWP #UiTM

Kuala Lumpur, 10 Zulhijjah 1446H – As the ummah around the world commemorates the holy celebration of Aidiladha, we are reminded once again of the timeless values of sacrifice, obedience, and sincerity in our journey toward Allah SWT. At Akademi Zakat (AZKA-PPZ), this sacred occasion serves as a spiritual anchor — drawing us closer to the meaning of true submission and the willingness to give for the sake of others. Inspired by the legacy of Prophet Ibrahim A.S. and his son Ismail A.S., Aidiladha teaches us that the greatest offerings are not measured by quantity, but by the depth of our niyyah (intention) and the strength of our faith. Sacrifice in Every Form In today’s world, the concept of qurban extends beyond the act of slaughtering livestock. It is also about sacrificing time, ego, wealth, and comfort for a higher cause. Whether we are corporate leaders, public servants, educators, or professionals, each of us has the opportunity to perform small but meaningful acts of service — be it in the form of zakat, sedekah, or sincere contribution to the ummah. As shared in this year’s Aidiladha greeting by Dr. Muhsin Nor Paizin, Manager of AZKA-PPZ: “May every sacrifice made — no matter how small or great — be accepted by Allah SWT as an act of worship.” A Prayer for the Ummah On this blessed day, we extend our heartfelt doa that: Our sacrifices are accepted, Our hardships are eased, And our efforts in the path of knowledge, justice and community well-being continue to be blessed. May Aidiladha be a time of reflection, unity and gratitude — and may the spirit of giving continue to flourish in our hearts and institutions. Salam Aidiladha 1446H from all of us atAkademi Zakat (AZKA)Pusat Pungutan Zakat – MAIWP

Terengganu, 27 Mei 2025 – In our continued efforts to strengthen the role of Akademi Zakat (AZKA-PPZ) in higher education and knowledge empowerment, we had the opportunity to visit two esteemed institutions in Terengganu that have established AZKA Corner: Al-Wathiqu Billah Library, Universiti Sultan Zainal Abidin (UniSZA) Sultanah Nur Zahirah Library, Universiti Malaysia Terengganu (UMT) These AZKA Corners serve as strategic knowledge spaces that bring together curated materials on zakat, Islamic social finance, and community development. They aim to support academic inquiry, student engagement, and public understanding of the transformative power of zakat. Visit to ISF UniSZA During the same visit, we also had the pleasure of touring the new office of the Islamic Social Finance Research Centre (ISF) at UniSZA. We were warmly received by Assoc. Prof. Dr. Muhammad Shahrul Ifwat bin Ishak and his team. Our discussions focused on ISF’s expanding role in bridging research, policy, and industry — particularly in areas such as zakat-based financing, digital asset inclusion, and social protection through Islamic mechanisms. The ISF team’s dedication to nurturing impactful, interdisciplinary research aligns strongly with our mission at AZKA to elevate the intellectual and operational ecosystem of zakat institutions in Malaysia. AZKA Book Handover & Local University Initiatives As part of the visit, we also carried out a handover of AZKA’s latest publications to enrich the libraries’ existing collections. These titles will help reinforce AZKA Corner as a living resource for students, researchers, and the public to access current thought leadership and findings in zakat studies. Encouragingly, both UniSZA and UMT have taken proactive steps by organising their own programmes and engagements around AZKA Corner. These include student-led discussions, seminars, and collaborations with local zakat institutions — a testament to the shared vision of making zakat knowledge accessible and actionable. Looking Forward These visits reaffirm our commitment at AZKA to strengthening partnerships with academic institutions and expanding our presence where knowledge is cultivated and shared. As the demand for innovative Islamic social finance grows, collaborations like these are crucial in shaping a generation that is not only informed, but empowered to lead. We look forward to continuing this journey — one corner, one campus, one community at a time. 📍 Locations: UniSZA & UMT, Terengganu📚 Focus: AZKA Corner, ISF Visit, Academic Partnerships🖊️ By: Akademi Zakat (AZKA-PPZ)

Kuala Nerus, 26 Mei 2025 – The Muzakarah Kewangan Sosial Islam 2025 (MKSI 2025), organised by the Islamic Social Finance Research Centre (ISF) of Universiti Sultan Zainal Abidin (UniSZA), was successfully held at the Al-Zahrawi Auditorium, Hospital Pengajar Sultan Zainal Abidin (HoSZA), Gong Badak Campus. This inaugural event aimed to build strategic linkages between academics, policymakers, and industry practitioners in Islamic social finance. It also served as a platform to promote knowledge sharing and highlight ISF’s emerging role as a thought leadership hub in this critical field. Launch and Opening Reflections The event was officiated by YBhg. Prof. Ts. Dr. Shukor bin Abd Razak, Deputy Vice Chancellor (Research & Innovation), representing YBhg. Prof. Dato’ Dr. Fadzli bin Adam, Vice Chancellor of UniSZA. During the ceremony, he also launched ISF’s new publication: “Pengenalan Kewangan Sosial Islam: Komuniti Lestari Berpandukan Wahyu” — a foundational text that repositions Islamic finance within a framework of revelation-driven sustainability. Distinguished guests included YBhg. Dato’ Selamat bin Paigo, Director-General of JAWHAR, and Dato’ Prof. Madya Dr. Ahmad Azrin bin Adnan, CEO of MAIDAM, reflecting high-level institutional support for ISF’s mission. Keynote Addresses: Bridging Research and Governance The first keynote was delivered by Assoc. Prof. Dr. Muhammad Shahrul Ifwat bin Ishak, Director of ISF, who emphasised the role of research as an instrument of islah (reform) in refining zakat systems. This was followed by Dato’ Prof. Madya Dr. Ahmad Azrin (MAIDAM), who addressed the gap between academic critique and the realities faced by zakat institutions — a call for more constructive engagement. Session 1: Innovation for Asnaf Transformation Moderated by Cik Shaira binti Yusoff (Al Rajhi Bank), this session featured: Dr. Mohd Faisal bin Mustaffa, Deputy CEO of Lembaga Zakat Negeri Kedah (LZNK), who shared insights on the Projek Hassan — an initiative focused on structured, developmental support for asnaf. En. Mohd Zaid bin Haji Othman, Director of Business Development & Corporate Initiatives, CIMB Islamic, who presented the CIMB Islamic Rider Entrepreneur Programme as a zakat-funded microentrepreneurship platform. Dr. Nooramira binti Ghazali, ISF Research Fellow, served as the discussant. Session 2: Innovation for Zakat Fund Sustainability In the afternoon, Dr. Habibah Solehah (ISF Associate Fellow) moderated the second session with: Ustaz Muhammad Arham Munir Merican, CEO of Sharlife Sdn. Bhd., who introduced digital assets as potential zakatable wealth, stressing the need for ijtihad in defining modern forms of property. Ustaz Mohd Fazli bin Masri, Senior General Manager & Head of Shariah at Co-opbank Pertama, who highlighted the importance of institutional shariah governance. Ustaz Muhammad Furqan bin Abdullah, Senior Executive (Shariah & International Unit, PPZ-MAIWP), who brought practical perspectives from the zakat collection side. Looking Ahead MKSI 2025 clearly demonstrated that zakat is no longer just a tool of redistribution, but a strategic pillar for economic transformation — provided it is underpinned by innovative thinking, inclusive partnerships, and strong academic foundations. The presence of key industry and religious leaders signifies the collective will to future-proof Islamic social finance. As a participant representing Akademi Zakat (AZKA-PPZ), I am encouraged by the forward-looking conversations and committed to advancing collaborative efforts in research, capacity building, and sustainable zakat implementation. 📍 Venue: Al-Zahrawi Auditorium, HoSZA, UniSZA Gong Badak Campus📅 Date: 26 May 2025🧠 Organised by: ISF, UniSZA