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