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PPZ-MAIWP Strengthens Global Leadership in Zakat and Waqf Transformation Kuching, Sarawak, 15 October 2025 — Pusat Pungutan Zakat – Majlis Agama Islam Wilayah Persekutuan (PPZ-MAIWP) is honoured to be part of a historic milestone in shaping The New Global Zakat and Waqf Order through its active participation in the 14th World Zakat and Waqf Forum (WZWF) held in Kuching, Sarawak. The forum’s closing ceremony was officiated by the Minister in the Prime Minister’s Department (Religious Affairs), YB Dato’ Setia Dr. Mohd Na’im Mokhtar, who also presented tokens of appreciation to the international delegates. The PPZ-MAIWP delegation was led by Tuan Haji Azrin Dato’ Haji Abdul Manan, Deputy Chief Executive Officer (Management). During the forum, PPZ-MAIWP was entrusted to deliver a keynote paper titled: “Zakat and Waqf Transformed: Shariah Integrity, Digital Innovation and the Quantum Leap in Social Finance – Do It Now or Be Disrupted,”presented by Dr. Muhsin Nor Paizin, Senior Manager of Akademi Zakat PPZ-MAIWP (AZKA). Core Pillars In his presentation, Dr. Muhsin emphasised that the transformation of zakat and waqf systems must be firmly rooted in three core pillars: Shariah integrity, digital innovation, and the courage to take a quantum leap in social finance. He urged global zakat and waqf institutions to act decisively and immediately—not to wait for change, but to lead it. This message resonates strongly with the Kuching Declaration 2025, a symbol of global commitment to fortify zakat and waqf as key instruments of social justice and sustainable development for the ummah. Our Commitment Beyond participation, this moment marks a declaration of Malaysia’s leadership position—with PPZ-MAIWP reaffirming its readiness to be at the forefront of global discourse in advancing professional and innovative zakat and waqf management. Malaysia’s commitment to international collaboration was further solidified when the country was appointed as the Permanent Secretariat of the World Zakat and Waqf Forum (WZWF). This recognition underscores Malaysia’s growing role as a global reference hub in Islamic social finance—anchored on the principles of justice (adl), excellence (ihsan), and humanity (insaniyyah).

Akademi Zakat (AZKA-PPZ) is pleased to announce the publication of the latest issue of the AZKA International Journal of Zakat & Social Finance (AZJAF), Vol. 6, No. 2 (2025). As the official journal dedicated to zakat and Islamic social finance research, AZJAF continues to provide a platform for academics, researchers, and practitioners to share innovative insights and scholarly contributions that strengthen the field. A Platform for Knowledge and Collaboration We are honored to see AZJAF grow steadily in reputation, readership, and scholarly impact. This achievement reflects the hard work of our authors, reviewers, and editorial team, as well as the support of institutions and readers worldwide who continue to engage with zakat and Islamic social finance scholarship. AZJAF is indexed and abstracted by multiple platforms including MyCite, MyJurnal, Google Scholar, WorldCat, Crossref, CiteFactor, Scilit, ACADEMIA, and DRJI, ensuring that contributions reach a broad and diverse global audience. Highlights of This Issue The current volume brings together 10 thought-provoking articles, offering a wide spectrum of perspectives from different regions and contexts: The Spiritual, Social, and Economic Impacts of Zakat on Its Payers: A Qualitative Study in the Eastern Province of Sri Lanka Exploring Waqf Management Models in Turkey: Implementation Potential and Adaptation Barriers in Indonesia Zakat Management for Bengkalis Economic Transformation: A Comprehensive Empowerment Strategy Tax–Zakat Relationship in Islamic Law Exploring Zakat Distribution Methods and Payoffs Through Scoping Reviews Driving Zakat Payment Decision in the Indonesian Zakat Institution: The Role of Shariah Audit, Accountability and Trust A New Analytical Framework of Saudi’s Economic Diversification Through a Systemic Approach to Zakatable Assets Traditional Approaches to Zakat Fund Management in Bangladesh: An Analysis of Mechanisms, Constraints, and Countermeasures Digital Zakat Management in Muslim Countries: A Comparative Analysis Through a Literature-Based Lens Efficiency Analysis of Indonesian Zakat Institutions at the Provincial Level These studies collectively enrich our understanding of zakat and waqf management, explore new frameworks for economic transformation, and highlight the intersections of Islamic law, digital innovation, and institutional efficiency. Access the Journal 🌏 All articles are freely accessible online at: https://azjaf.zakat.com.my📨 For updates, follow AZKA on Telegram: https://t.me/AZKAakademizakat Moving Forward AZJAF remains committed to fostering intellectual dialogue and practical solutions in the field of zakat, waqf, and Islamic social finance. We invite scholars, practitioners, and policymakers to read, cite, and share these articles — and to consider contributing to future issues as authors or reviewers. Together, we can continue building a stronger body of knowledge that empowers the ummah through zakat and Islamic finance. ✨ Congratulations once again to all authors and contributors of AZJAF Vol. 6 No. 2 (2025). Your dedication plays a vital role in advancing this field of knowledge.

Kuala Lumpur, 12 September 2025 – Akademi Zakat (AZKA-PPZ), in collaboration with Zurich General Takaful Malaysia Berhad, has successfully established its latest ZURICH-AZKA Corner, strategically located at the International Islamic College (IIC), Taman Batu Muda, Batu Caves. The newly set-up and fully furnished corner is designed to be a vibrant hub that nurtures Islamic social finance literacy, strengthens academic engagement, and promotes community outreach. This initiative continues AZKA’s mission to transform higher education spaces into accessible platforms for knowledge-sharing on zakat, waqf, and Islamic financial management. A Modern, Engaging Learning Space The ZURICH-AZKA Corner at IIC features a thoughtfully designed environment that includes: Custom-made bookshelves, island counters, and modular storage units Comfortable FRAGOLA sofas, modern lighting, and Nordic carpeting Smart Android TV with live broadcasting capability Green plants, signage, and wall designs reflecting Islamic finance themes This aesthetic and functional transformation demonstrates how zakat-linked corporate social responsibility (CSR) funds can be channelled into impactful infrastructure that not only enriches minds, but also instils enduring values. A Strategic Partnership The collaboration between Zurich Takaful and AZKA-PPZ reflects a shared commitment to empowering students and academic communities with literacy on zakat, waqf, and Islamic finance. With IIC being a higher learning institution under IIUM Holdings, this initiative ensures that future graduates are exposed to both academic knowledge and practical insights into Islamic social finance. Growing the AZKA Corner Network To date, 19 AZKA Corners (including this) have been established across Malaysia, each tailored to support academic institutions in fostering financial literacy and community engagement. The ZURICH-AZKA Corner at IIC further strengthens this growing network, enhancing accessibility and visibility for zakat education in a youthful and dynamic setting. A Symbol of Impactful Collaboration This project was made possible through Zurich Takaful’s support, utilising zakat wakalah funds for infrastructure development. It stands as a symbol of impactful collaboration where academia and corporate values meet for the greater good of the ummah. 📍 Location: International Islamic College (IIC), Taman Batu Muda, Batu Caves, Kuala Lumpur🎉 Completion Date: 12 September 2025 (Launch TBC) 🤝 Supported by: Zurich General Takaful Malaysia Berhad, IIC & AZKA-PPZ

Langkawi Island, Kedah, 9–11 September 2025 – The 4th Kedah International Zakat Conference (KEIZAC 2025), themed “AI-Driven Innovation in Islamic Social Economy: Empowering A Better Ummah”, gathered global experts, scholars, and practitioners to discuss the future of zakat, waqf, and Islamic social finance in the age of digital transformation. This prestigious event served as a platform to exchange critical ideas on the role of technology, research, and collaboration in shaping the Islamic social economy, while also addressing challenges such as governance, digital integrity, and sustainable community empowerment. AZKA’s Strong Presence at KEIZAC 2025 Akademi Zakat (AZKA-PPZ) was actively engaged throughout KEIZAC 2025. Our involvement underscored AZKA’s role as a knowledge leader and research hub for advancing zakat literacy, policy, and practice. The conference highlighted how institutions like AZKA are essential in bridging academic research with real-world solutions, ensuring that zakat and waqf continue to remain relevant and impactful in today’s rapidly evolving environment. AZKA’s participation also aligned with our ongoing mission: to empower society through impactful research, collaboration with universities and corporates, and advocacy for zakat as a dynamic instrument of socio-economic justice. Paper Presentation: Zakat on LTAT Contributions: Ownership, Eligibility, and Implementation Challenges As part of the parallel sessions under the theme Zakat, Waqf, Sadaqah & Infaq Fund Management and Distribution, I had the privilege of presenting my paper titled “Zakat on LTAT Contributions: Ownership, Eligibility, and Implementation Challenges”. This paper explored the emerging issue of zakat on Lembaga Tabung Angkatan Tentera (LTAT) contributions — a topic that has long been under-discussed in the zakat discourse. Key insights shared include: Ownership Questions: At what stage do contributors truly ‘own’ their LTAT savings, and how does this impact zakat liability? Eligibility (Asnaf & Muzakki): Determining who is obligated and under what conditions zakat should be levied. Implementation Challenges: The lack of fatwa guidance, limited public awareness, and operational complexities that need to be addressed before any formal imposition of zakat on LTAT can take place. I emphasised that collaboration, clear guidelines, and structured awareness campaigns are essential for strengthening the future implementation of zakat on LTAT. Only with these in place can the potential of this zakat category be fully realised for the benefit of the ummah. Key Takeaways from the Conference KEIZAC 2025 was rich with knowledge-sharing. Among the highlights: Digitalisation of Zakat & Waqf: Institutions showcased blockchain applications, AI-driven beneficiary profiling, and real-time zakat dashboards, proving how technology enhances trust and transparency. Shariah and Social Justice: Speakers stressed the importance of maqasid al-shariah in guiding innovation so that digital tools empower, rather than compromise, social equity. Global Collaboration: Participants from Indonesia, Singapore, Nigeria, Thailand, Jordan, and beyond shared successful models of zakat and waqf, inspiring new opportunities for Malaysia’s institutions. Green Zakat and Sustainability: Emerging frameworks such as the Green Zakat Framework emphasised the need to link zakat with climate resilience and ecological balance. These sessions reinforced AZKA’s conviction that innovation must go hand-in-hand with Islamic principles, ensuring that technology serves humanity and faith. Moving Forward AZKA’s involvement in KEIZAC 2025 reaffirmed our commitment to thought leadership, research excellence, and practical engagement in shaping the future of zakat. The discussions and networking opportunities provided fresh momentum to explore: New zakat categories such as LTAT contributions, FCPO, and Sukuk, Deeper integration of AI and big data into zakat systems, and Stronger partnerships across academic, corporate, and policy institutions. Through initiatives like KEIZAC, AZKA continues to champion the vision of zakat not only as a religious obligation but also as a transformative force for economic resilience, social justice, and ummah empowerment. ✨ We extend our gratitude to Lembaga Zakat Negeri Kedah (LZNK) for hosting this impactful conference, and to all knowledge partners for their invaluable insights. AZKA looks forward to continued collaboration and collective progress in advancing the Islamic social economy. 📑 For those interested in exploring the full presentation slides, the materials can be accessed via the following link:👉 https://drive.google.com/drive/folders/1E4jdP4v8zTInx0G-J0XdyniqoXQLUlgO?usp=drive_link Image Gallery