GEORGE TOWN, February 29 — The Penang International Zakat Conference 2024, themed “Innovations in Zakat Management to Narrow Socioeconomic Gaps of the Ummah,” was jointly organized by four collaborating agencies: the Penang State Centre for Islamic Thought and Civilization Studies (Al-Hady Centre), Penang Zakat (ZPP), Penang International Islamic College (KITAB), and Universiti Sains Malaysia (USM). Held over two days from February 15 to February 16, 2024, at the Tuanku Syed Putra Hall, Universiti Sains Malaysia (USM), the conference was inaugurated by His Excellency, Tun Dato’ Seri Utama Ahmad Fuzi Bin Haji Abdul Razak, the Governor of Penang, on February 15, 2024, while the keynote address was delivered by the Right Honorable Anwar bin Ibrahim, the Prime Minister of Malaysia, on February 16, 2024.
The objectives of the conference included consolidating the best ideas among scholars, academics, and experts internationally to advance zakat institutions, identifying optimal methods to enhance the Muslim community’s welfare using zakat instruments, exploring new paradigms in zakat management based on maqasid syariah, and identifying current issues in zakat management in Penang and Malaysia. Participants in the Penang International Zakat Conference 2024 included special invited panelists from Malaysia and neighboring countries such as Indonesia and Thailand, as well as attendees from various backgrounds, including state and federal government agencies, Penang State Islamic Religious Council agencies, mosque and surau committee members, religious teachers, zakat collectors, academics, and students from institutes of higher learning.
The conference also featured an exhibition by Penang State Islamic Religious Council agencies and presentations of research posters by academics and students from institutes of higher learning nationwide, focusing on the theme “Innovations in Zakat Management to Narrow Socioeconomic Gaps of the Ummah.” The collaborative efforts of various stakeholders in supporting the zakat ecosystem were highlighted, emphasizing the importance of strengthening the role of Penang Zakat through smart synergy among interested parties to ensure optimal socioeconomic development impacts, especially in Penang. Coherence in ensuring good zakat governance will bring significant benefits to every zakat contribution received from contributors, fostering socioeconomic unity and bringing prosperity to society and the nation.
