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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

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