TH CHANNELS RM2.6 MILLION IN ZAKAT WAKALAH FOR STUDENTS TO PURSUE PROFESSIONAL COURSES

By Nur Adlina Huda Zulkhairi

KUALA LUMPUR, Feb 5 (Bernama) -- Lembaga Tabung Haji (TH) has channelled more than RM2.6 million in zakat wakalah to 50 students since 2019 to pursue professional courses and studies related to Islamic finance, haj and umrah through its IQRA’ Plus Programme as part of a strategic effort to develop highly skilled human capital.

TH chief executive officer, Mustakim Mohamad, said the IQRA’ Plus Programme is an education initiative under TH’s zakat wakalah implementation, with a core focus on building professional expertise in fields aligned with the institution’s role and mandate as the national Islamic institution for haj savings and management.

“A portion of our zakat wakalah is specifically allocated for education. That is the purpose of the IQRA’ Plus Programme, to develop professional human capital,” he told Bernama after the presentation of asnaf sponsorship for post-graduate studies in Islamic finance at INCEIF University here, on Wednesday.

He said the programme goes beyond academic excellence, aiming to nurture professionals capable of contributing directly to Islamic finance, investment management and haj and umrah operations.

Since 2019, TH has sponsored 25 students under the Association of Chartered Certified Accountants (ACCA) programme, with funding exceeding RM1.5 million for full- and part-time studies.

“Of that number, 17 have completed their studies and obtained ACCA Affiliate status.

“After ACCA, we extended sponsorship to the Chartered Financial Analyst (CFA) programme to develop investment expertise. So far, 10 students have been sponsored, with two having completed the programme,” said Mustakim.

To strengthen academic and professional expertise in Islamic finance, he said TH has also forged a strategic collaboration with INCEIF University through the SEED Programme, focusing on talent development in the Islamic finance industry.

Under the partnership, TH sponsored seven students to pursue master’s degrees at INCEIF University, namely the  Executive Master in Islamic Finance (eMIF), Master in Islamic Finance Practice (MIFP) and Master of Science in Islamic Finance (MSc), with total funding of RM212,000.

Mustakim said TH’s involvement in SEED reflects its commitment to close collaboration with industry players and academia to ensure holistic and high-impact human capital development.

“Institutions such as ACCA, CFA and INCEIF are known for producing professionals who serve the industry. We want more asnaf beneficiaries to become professionals and eventually give back to society,” he said.

Mustakim noted that TH also runs a Bachelor’s Degree in Hajj and Umrah programme in collaboration with Universiti Islam Melaka, sponsoring eight full-time students for three years.

Overall, he said the impact of the IQRA’ Plus Programme extends beyond professional development, encompassing human capital growth across different segments of society.

“Our goal is to ensure no group is left behind, hoping that those who were once zakat recipients will one day contribute back to the community,” he said, adding that TH will continue to review and refine its zakat wakalah for education programmes, including exploring new fields of study in line with current needs and the institution’s long-term direction.

-- BERNAMA