Malaysia Secures RM4 Billion Halal Industry Investment from China

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Malaysia is set to receive a significant boost in halal industry investments from China, amounting to RM4 billion. Deputy Prime Minister Datuk Seri Dr. Ahmad Zahid Hamidi announced a series of high-profile meetings with key Chinese halal industry players at the Malaysia-China Halal Business Forum in Shanghai. This development signals a strong economic partnership between the two nations, positioning Malaysia as a major player in the global halal market. Aamer Yaqub Reports

Halal Industry Investments from China

The potential RM4 billion in investments is aimed at various sectors within the halal industry, including food and beverages, pharmaceuticals, cosmetics, herbal medicine, and vaccines. These sectors are expected to drive economic growth and create new opportunities for Malaysia’s expanding halal industry. The importance of halal-certified products, especially in Muslim-majority regions like Southeast Asia and the Middle East, cannot be understated. As the global demand for halal products continues to rise, Malaysia is positioning itself as the primary hub for investors who want to tap into this burgeoning market.

“Forty Chinese companies have expressed serious interest in investing in Malaysia, with estimated investments totaling RM4 billion,” said Ahmad Zahid during a press conference. “The priority sectors are food and beverages, but there are also significant interests in pharmaceuticals, cosmetics, vaccines, and herbal medicinal products.”

This investment surge comes at a time when the halal industry is witnessing exponential growth. According to the State of the Global Islamic Economy Report 2023, the global halal market is projected to reach $2.3 trillion by 2024, with the food and beverage sector alone expected to account for nearly $1.5 trillion. Malaysia’s move to attract more foreign direct investments, particularly from China, is well-timed to capitalize on this growth. Read more>>

Malaysia Endorses Baznas as Model for Alms Management

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By Aamer Yaqub

 In a powerful endorsement of innovation in alms management, Malaysian Religious Affairs Minister Mohd Na’im Mokhtar praised Indonesia’s National Alms Agency, Baznas, as a global model at the World Zakat and Waqf Forum (WZWF) Annual Meeting and Conference 2024. With a digital approach to zakat (Islamic alms), Baznas exemplifies a new era of Islamic philanthropy aimed at poverty alleviation, social welfare, and economic equity.

Baznas’s impact has been transformative, showing how digital systems can modernize centuries-old charitable practices, bringing Islamic alms collection and distribution to underserved communities. Mokhtar described Baznas as a “blueprint for effective zakat management” that other countries can adapt to improve economic stability and social well-being.

Baznas as a Model for Alms Management?

Established with a mission to address economic disparity through zakat, Baznas has built a robust digital infrastructure that enables efficient and transparent collection, management, and distribution of funds. Traditional zakat practices were often decentralized and lacked consistent accountability, but Baznas’s model has shifted the paradigm, focusing on scalable digital solutions that align with contemporary needs.

The agency’s digital systems simplify contributions, making it easy for donors to fulfill their religious obligation. Using online platforms and mobile apps, Baznas ensures zakat reaches communities with urgent needs, including areas of healthcare, education, and food security. This streamlined process has strengthened public trust, with contributors able to see real-time impacts and understand exactly where their donations go. Read more>>

How Zakat Can Support Medical Needs and Initiatives

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By Aamer Yaqub

In today’s world, healthcare is a crucial part of human well-being, and access to quality medical services is fundamental for every community. However, millions of people worldwide still face significant challenges in affording essential healthcare. One way to address these health disparities is through the concept of Zakat, an Islamic charitable practice that can play a transformative role in supporting medical needs and health initiatives. In this article, we will explore how Zakat can be effectively utilized to support health-related needs, alleviate financial burdens for the less fortunate, and empower community health initiatives.

What is Zakat and Its Relevance to Health?

Zakat is one of the Five Pillars of Islam, a mandatory act of charity that requires Muslims to give 2.5% of their accumulated wealth annually to those in need. The word “Zakat” means “purification” and “growth,” signifying both the purification of one’s wealth and the growth of a just and caring society. Although Zakat can be allocated to a variety of causes—including poverty relief, education, and debt repayment—its role in supporting health and medical needs is becoming increasingly recognized. Read more>>

Dr. Aishatu Usman Muhammad

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Dr. Aishatu Usman Muhammad is a distinguished speaker at the inaugural Muslim Women in History Series, where she will be presenting on the extraordinary legacy of Nana Asma’u bint Usman Fodio. Dr. Muhammad’s insights will illuminate Nana Asma’u’s contributions to Islamic scholarship, women’s education, and community empowerment—a subject close to her own professional and personal pursuits.

With over fifteen years of expertise in accounting, finance, and Islamic banking, Dr. Muhammad is a Lecturer at Gombe State University. She holds a BSc and MSc in Accounting from the University of Maiduguri and a Ph.D. in Islamic Finance from Universiti Sains Malaysia. Dr. Muhammad is also a Certified National Accountant (CNA) and Certified Islamic Finance Executive (CIFE) with diverse fellowships in human rights and gender advocacy.

Her extensive research, published widely in national and international journals, focuses on Islamic finance, corporate governance, entrepreneurship, and gender studies. Beyond academia, Dr. Muhammad represents Gombe State in New Faces New Voices – Nigeria and serves as an Internal Auditor for the Zakah and Waqf Foundation Gombe. Her collaborations with the Young African Leaders Initiative (YALI) and the US Embassy in Nigeria further underscore her dedication to empowering women and youth.

Dr. Aishatu Usman Muhammad’s presentation on Nana Asma’u will offer valuable insights into the powerful legacy of this historical figure and her impact on education, society, and Islamic scholarship. We invite you to join us for this inspiring session to celebrate Muslim women in history!