Revitalizing Waqf

Dr. Omar Farooq Kalair is a seasoned expert in business, finance, entrepreneurship, and activism, with over 30 years of experience from Canada. His deep passion for Islamic finance has led him to engineer, launch, and market groundbreaking Islamic finance products, significantly benefiƟng his clients. Dr. Kalair’s visionary approach has reshaped the Canadian business landscape, with his clients earning over $500 million in profits.

Since 1999, his company, UM Group, has provided advisory services on high-impact projects. Recently, they developed a revoluƟonary Halal financing product available globally for over 2 billion Muslims. Dr. Kalair's dedicaƟon earned him a doctorate in Islamic Economics and Finance, and recogniƟon as one of the Top 100 Alumni of Achievement by his Canadian university. He also holds cerƟficaƟons as a Shariah Auditor and Advisor (CSAA), CerƟfied Islamic ArbitraƟon Expert (CIAE), and an Islamic Banking CerƟficate from CIE DarulUloom Karachi.

UM Group recently advised the Canadian startup Muslim Blocks®, which created Lego-style blocks of iconic mosques for the global Muslim market. Dr. Kalair has been recognized as one of the top 20 Muslim business leaders at the Canadian Parliament and received mulƟple awards, including the Business Leadership Award from World Finance and Entrepreneur of the Year by the Canadian Islamic Chamber of Commerce. Featured in over 200 interviews and publicaƟons, Dr. Kalair has spoken at more than 100 global conferences, including presƟgious plaƞorms like Harvard and Oxford. He conƟnues to be a driving force in Islamic finance and business innovaƟon worldwide.

Dr. Mohammad Mahbubi Ali hails from Indonesia and holds a PhD in Islamic Banking and Finance from the International Islamic University of Malaysia (IIUM). He obtained his Master’s Degree in Islamic Finance from the International Centre for Education in Islamic Finance (INCEIF) and a Bachelor’s Degree in Islamic Finance from Tazkia University College, Bogor, Indonesia.

Dr. Mahbubi currently serves as an Islamic Finance Expert at the Brunei Darussalam Central Bank (BDDCB) and is a registered Shariah adviser with the Securities Commission Malaysia. Internationally recognized, he is a member of the Curriculum Review CommiƩee at the Accounting and Auditing Organization for Islamic Financial Institutions (AAOIFI), Bahrain. He also serves on the Board of Directors of ZICO Shariah; as Director of Shariah at IAFA Consulting; and as a member of the Shariah CommiƩee at FWD Takaful and Shariah Advisor of Dar al- Mujara’ah al-Shari’iyyah, Bahrain.

Previously, Dr. Mahbubi was the Chairman of the Shariah CommiƩee of Affin Islamic Bank Bhd and the former Head of Economics, Finance, Awqaf, and Zakat at the International Institute of Advanced Islamic Studies (IAIS) Malaysia. He also worked as a researcher at the International Shariah Research Academy for Islamic Finance (ISRA) Malaysia.

Dr. Mahbubi is well-recognized for his contributions to Islamic finance, with numerous academic papers and articles that are essential references for students, practitioners, and scholars in the field.

PLC, PhD, PPERT, PMK (Kelantan)
Dr. Ismail Bin Omar is a distinguished academic and professional with over 40 years of experience in property valuation, land economics, and land consultancy. Holding a PhD in Land Economy from the University of Aberdeen, Scotland, he has significantly contributed to Malaysia's property and land management sectors. His academic achievements also include a Master's degree in Business Property from the University of South Australia and a Bachelor's degree in Estate Management from Heriot-Watt University in Edinburgh, UK.

Dr. Ismail began his career in 1983 as an assistant lecturer at Universiti Teknologi Malaysia (UTM), eventually becoming an Associate Professor at UTM and later a Professor at Universiti Tun Hussein Onn Malaysia (UTHM). He most recently served as Vice Chancellor and CEO at University Geomatika Malaysia.

He has successfully completed numerous high-profile projects involving land acquisition, compensation, and development plans for both government and private clients. Notable contributions include advising on the redevelopment of Kg Baru A5 lots and social impact studies for the oil and gas hub in Pengerang, Johor.

Dr. Ismail founded and presides over the Association of Professional Land Society of Malaysia (PERTAMA) and is actively involved with iWaqf. His commitment to research, education, and professional development is evidenced by numerous accolades, including the Award of Excellence in Service and a Waqf Expert Award. Dr. Ismail continues to mentor new generations of professionals while shaping key land development policies in Malaysia.

PhD (Shariah Law & Islamic Finance)
Assoc. Prof. Dr. Hikmatullah Babu Sahib is a distinguished expert in Shariah Law and Islamic Finance. He holds a Ph.D. in Islamic Jurisprudence from the University of Edinburgh and a Postdoctoral Research Fellowship in Metaphysics from Yale University. Dr. Hikmatullah also has a Medical Bachelor in Homeopathic Sciences (MBHS) from ZACHS Malaysia.

He has served as the Shariah Advisor for Standard Chartered Saadiq Bank from 2005 to 2019 and provides Shariah consultancy to Pergas Investment Holdings in Singapore. Additionally, he serves as a consultant and trainer for IHFA and Positive Islamic Psychology Centre.

Dr. Hikmatullah's extensive academic background includes positions at the International Islamic University Malaysia (IIUM), and he has also been an Academic Consultant for Darul Huda Islamic Academy, Kerala, India, and a Visiting Professor at Prince of Songkhla University, Thailand. Most recently, he completed his contract as the Director of Takaful Academy at Universiti Sultan Azlan Shah, Malaysia.

En Azlan Bin Azizuddin is a seasoned economist with over 30 years of extensive experience in the financial industry. Currently serving as the Deputy Chief Executive Officer and Head of the Business Development Department in Asset Management, Azlan has built a distinguished career marked by leadership and strategic expertise.

He began his professional journey as an analyst and futures and equities broker at KN Kenanga, where he honed his skills in financial markets. His career advanced when he joined Affin Bank as the Chief Investment Officer, overseeing fund management operations and demonstrating a keen ability to drive investment strategies. Azlan further expanded his international experience as the regional head for IEC, a web-based Irish company, managing representatives across Indonesia, Thailand, and Malaysia. His role as General Manager at AmanahRaya Investment Management before joining MIDF Amanah in 2010 solidified his
reputation in the asset management sector.

Renowned for his key management approach, Azlan emphasizes collaboration and empowerment within his teams, fostering an environment conducive to achieving strategic objectives.

With his wealth of experience and dedication to both his career and personal pursuits, En Azlan Bin Azizuddin remains a pivotal figure in the financial industry, driving growth and innovation in asset management.

Pn Apnizan Abdullah is an accomplished legal professional with extensive expertise in Islamic financial law. She obtained her LL.B (Honours), Master of Comparative Laws (MCL), and LL.BS (first class) from the International Islamic University Malaysia (IIUM) in 2003, 2004, and 2014, respectively. Recognized for her academic excellence, she received multiple dean’s list and rector’s list certificates and was awarded the Best Student Award for Islamic Banking & Takaful in 2003.

Called to the Malaysian Bar in 2006, Apnizan practiced at Messrs. Mak Farid & Company before transitioning to academia. She lectured at the University of Tunku Abdul Rahman and University Malaya from 2007 to 2010. In 2011, she earned the Chartered Islamic Finance Professional (CIFP) qualification from INCEIF and joined the Chartered Institute of Islamic Finance Practitioners (CIIF).

Apnizan has served as a researcher at the International Shariah Research Academy for Islamic Finance (ISRA) and as a research fellow at the International Institute of Advanced Islamic Studies (IAIS) Malaysia. Her work includes numerous research papers and presentations at national and international forums. She has also been involved in training and consultancy for Islamic banks and other entities, focusing on regulatory, governance, and legal documentation in Islamic finance.

Currently, she is the Managing Partner of her legal firm, Messrs. Apnizan Abdullah & Co, and serves on the Shariah Committee at MBSB Bank. She was honored with the ‘WOMANi Professional For the Year 2022’ award and recognized as one of the “Most Influential Women in Islamic Business and Finance.”

Haji Aminnurllah Mustapah is an accomplished business executive with nearly 25 years of experience in the Malaysian financial markets. Currently, he leads business development at AAM Commodities Sdn Bhd, facilitating commodity murabahah in collaboration with Eiger Trading Advisors Ltd. His leadership has created integrated solutions for Islamic financial institutions, reflecting his deep understanding of Islamic banking products and structured finance.

As the founder of Seamonkey Marine Services, Haji Amin successfully ventured into the marine sector, offering private yacht management and operating a diving center. This initiative showcases his entrepreneurial spirit and ability to diversify his business interests.

He has held key positions in prestigious financial institutions, including Standard Chartered Bank, where he served as Director of Structured Sales, and JP Morgan, where he was Executive Director in Equity Derivatives Sales. His previous role as General Manager at Hong Leong Bank highlights his proficiency in capital markets, risk management, and investment analysis. His professional expertise spans asset management, derivatives, foreign exchange, and cash management. He has a proven track record in delivering successful mandates, ranging from emerging market bond sales to structured products.

Haji Amin is committed to making meaningful contributions to the local community and believes in achieving a balanced work-life culture. His diverse background in both financial services and marine industries positions him as a valuable asset and leader in both fields. He continues to foster growth, innovation, and sustainability, benefiting his businesses and the communities he serves.

Tuan Haji Mohamad Zaidi Adnan has cultivated a distinguished career in the financial services industry, amassing over 30 years of experience with a specialization in corporate risk management. Since 1993, he has served as a financial advisor, leveraging his expertise to guide businesses through complex financial landscapes.

His professional journey began at Coopers & Lybrand (now PricewaterhouseCoopers), a leading international audit firm, where he honed his skills as an auditor. Subsequently, he transitioned into the Finance and Banking sector, gaining valuable insights before joining the esteemed Sime Darby Group, a renowned multinational organization.

Beyond his advisory roles, Hj Zaidi is a Registered Professional Islamic Estate Planner with As-Salihin Trustee Bhd. In this capacity, he specializes in crafting Shariah-compliantcomprehensive Living Trust documents and Estate Management, ensuring adherence to Islamic principles in estate planning.

In addition to his financial expertise, Hj Zaidi served as the CEO of IHF Academy Sdn Bhd, a company majority-owned by the International Halal Labuan Foundation. His leadership focused on providing consultancy and training in Halal auditing, food safety management systems (including MESTI, BESS, GMP, and HACCP frameworks), and Islamic Financial Services modules.

He is also a former co-founder of the International Halal Labuan Foundation, where he served as Secretary General for the last 12 years. Prior to this, he held the position of Honorary Secretary of the Malay Chamber of Commerce Putrajaya Chapter, demonstrating his commitment to advancing the interests of the business community.