Yearly Archives: 2025

Gombak, 23 May 2025 – A productive discussion and site visit was held at International Islamic College (IIC) as part of Akademi Zakat (AZKA-PPZ)’s initiative to expand its outreach through the establishment of AZKA Corner in higher learning institutions. The visit, which took place at the IIC Library, was hosted by Pn. Roszaina Che Wahab, Manager of Business Development & Corporate Communication Unit at IIC. The engagement focused on identifying suitable spaces and discussing collaborative efforts that align with AZKA’s mission to promote awareness on zakat, Islamic social finance, and community development among students. The proposed AZKA Corner at IIC is envisioned as a knowledge-sharing hub, providing curated materials, resources, and promotional content related to zakat, waqf, and Islamic economic development. It also aims to support student learning, enhance institutional partnerships, and serve as a platform for AZKA’s outreach and education efforts. This visit marks another meaningful step in AZKA’s growing engagement with institutions of higher learning — bringing knowledge closer to the community and empowering the next generation with Islamic financial literacy.

22 May 2025, Kuala Lumpur – A strategic engagement session was held at the PPZ-MAIWP headquarters, convening representatives from the Institute of Mathematical Sciences, Universiti Malaya (ISM-UM) and Etiqa Takaful Berhad to discuss the establishment of the proposed Etiqa-AZKA Corner at ISM and explore broader collaboration opportunities in student development. The discussion, held at Wisma PPZ, was attended by Professor Dr. Ibrahim Mohamed, Head of ISM and Professor of Statistics, alongside his team. While Etiqa Takaful representative was Mr. Irfan. The session was facilitated by representatives from Akademi Zakat (AZKA) PPZ-MAIWP. Vision for the Etiqa-AZKA Corner The proposed Etiqa AZKA@ISM initiative, as presented in the ISM working paper, outlines a renovation project to transform and integrate two student learning spaces — ISMcube and Mathematics Tutorial Room 1 (BTM1) — into a modern, dual-purpose zone that supports collaborative learning, informal academic engagement, and outreach activities. Beyond physical space, the Etiqa-AZKA Corner represents a symbol of strategic cooperation in higher education — where academia, industry, and Islamic social finance intersect for mutual enrichment. Broader Areas of Collaboration In addition to the facility upgrade, discussions also explored potential avenues for structured support from Etiqa, such as: Professional development sponsorships for actuarial science and statistics students Scholarships and fee subsidies for B40 students at undergraduate, master’s, and PhD levels Support for student-community engagement programmes, including academic competitions, community statistics outreach, and Islamic finance awareness campaignsKertas kerja etiqa AZKA, as an academic and thought leadership arm of PPZ-MAIWP, sees this collaboration as a model for linking zakat-driven values with corporate social responsibility (CSR) frameworks in meaningful, measurable ways. Conclusion The meeting concluded with mutual optimism and a shared commitment to bring the Etiqa-AZKA Corner to life — not just as a learning hub, but as a centre for impact, innovation, and Islamic-inspired academic excellence. We look forward to formalising this collaboration in the coming months and welcoming the future of industry-academic synergy in the heart of Universiti Malaya.

Melaka, 20 May 2025 – A delegation from the Federal Territories Zakat Collection Centre (PPZ-MAIWP), including representatives from the Akademi Zakat (AZKA), participated in the Simposium Zakat 2025: Sustainability in Zakat Governance (SiPZ25) held on 19–20 May 2025 at Dusit Princess Hotel, Melaka. The symposium brought together zakat administrators and policymakers from across the country to engage in meaningful discourse surrounding the governance, operational efficiency, and strategic direction of zakat institutions in Malaysia. The two-day event was jointly organised by JAWHAR, MAIM, JAIM, the Melaka State Mufti Department, and Zakat Melaka. Opening Ceremony and Strategic Discourse The event was officiated by Dato’ Selamat bin Paigo, Director-General of the Department of Waqf, Zakat and Hajj (JAWHAR), with a welcoming address by YB Datuk Rahmad Mariman, Melaka State EXCO for Education, Higher Education and Islamic Affairs, and Deputy Chairman of MAIM. The opening also included the symbolic launch of the “Usahawan Berkat” (Blessed Entrepreneurs) logo by Zakat Melaka. High-Level Knowledge Sharing Sessions Throughout the symposium, the PPZ-MAIWP delegation attended various sessions and forums that addressed critical issues in the zakat sector, including: Zakat Governance Across Generations – presented by the Mufti of Melaka Current Landscape of Zakat Management in Malaysia – by the Director-General of JAWHAR Accounting Standards and Corporate Tax Forum – featuring experts from the Accountant General’s Department and Inland Revenue Board (LHDNM) Best Practices in Zakat Management Forum – showcasing case studies from Melaka, Pahang, and other statesATURCARA SIMPOSIUM ZAKA… PPZ-MAIWP in Key Session on Wakalah One of the most significant moments for PPZ-MAIWP was the presentation titled “Wakalah Practices in Zakat Payment”, delivered in Session 4 on Day 2 of the symposium. The presentation offered a research-driven exploration of wakalah as a strategic tool that strengthens transparency, corporate engagement, and asnaf outreach — while aligning closely with shariah governance standards. Closing Remarks and Future Commitments The key message throughout the event was clear: the future of zakat management in Malaysia demands sustainable governance, robust data capabilities, and active participation from all sectors of society. 🟢 Prepared by: PPZ-MAIWP Delegation to SiPZ25📍 Dusit Princess Hotel, Melaka📅 19–20 May 2025 DOWNLOAD EVENT MATERIALS

On Monday, 28 April 2025, the Islamic Social Finance Research Centre (ISF) of Universiti Sultan Zainal Abidin (UniSZA) made a courtesy visit to the Zakat Academy (AZKA) at PPZ-Majlis Agama Islam Wilayah Persekutuan (MAIWP) for an initial dialogue on potential collaboration. The visit was led by Associate Professor Dr. Muhammad Shahrul Ifwat bin Ishak, Director of ISF. A Step Towards Institutional Synergy The purpose of the meeting was to explore and establish strategic academic and research-based collaborations in the field of Islamic Social Finance, particularly zakat, waqf, and related socio-economic empowerment efforts. The session included a presentation on the background and aspirations of ISF-UniSZA, followed by an open discussion on: Research collaboration in Islamic finance and zakat policy development Joint academic and professional training initiatives Student engagement, including industrial attachments and knowledge exchange Visibility efforts through platforms like the proposed “AZKA Corner” and co-branded outreach programmes Shared Vision for Societal Impact Both institutions share a commitment to advancing the ecosystem of Islamic social finance in Malaysia through rigorous research, academic development, and community engagement. The visit reflects the growing interest among academic institutions to partner with operational bodies like AZKA to translate theory into impactful practice, particularly in addressing real-world economic challenges through Islamic solutions.