Kangar: The Raja Muda of Perlis, Tuanku Syed Faizuddin Putra Jamalullail, emphasized the need for a more innovative and integrated approach to zakat (tithe) management and the development of asnaf (eligible zakat recipients).
According to BERNAMA News Agency, His Royal Highness highlighted that high-quality research is vital for stakeholders to understand the real challenges faced by the asnaf. This understanding would enable the formulation of policies, programs, and interventions aimed at sustainably improving their quality of life.
Tuanku Syed Faizuddin Putra underscored the significance of the Faizuddin Centre of Educational Excellence (FCoEE)-Perlis Islamic Religious and Malay Customs Council (MAIPs) Asnaf Research Centre in enhancing the research ecosystem related to asnaf development. He described the centre as a hub for data collection and knowledge generation, as well as a strategic platform for developing effective, evidence-based solutions to empower the asnaf community.
The remarks were made during the pre-launch of the FCoEE-MAIPs Asnaf Research Centre, along with the unveiling of Volumes 1, 2, and 3 of the International Conference on Holistic Opportunities for Poverty Empowerment (ICOHOPE) and the book "Buku Memahami Aspirasi Pendidikan Tinggi Anak-Anak Asnaf." The event also witnessed the presentation of the Phase 3 FCoEE research grants, with the Raja Puan Muda of Perlis, Tuanku Dr Hajah Lailatul Shahreen Akashah Khalil, in attendance.
Prominent figures present included FCoEE executive chairman Prof Emeritus Datuk Dr Kamarudin Hussin and MAIPs chief executive officer Mohd Nazim Mohd Noor. Tuanku Syed Faizuddin Putra regarded research grants as strategic investments in knowledge and innovation advancement, expressing hope that these grants would be utilized to produce high-impact research, foster collaboration among institutions, and contribute to effective policy formulation for the ummah's well-being.
His Royal Highness concluded by stating that these grants should facilitate more high-quality research, generating findings beneficial to the community, especially those in need.