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We are pleased to share an impactful highlight from the Program Pentauliahan Profesional by JPPKK, conducted under the Usrah In Action course. On Friday, 31 October 2025, participants successfully organised a community engagement session titled “AI: Empowering Inclusive Digital Entrepreneurship” at the Malaysian Association for the Blind (MAB). The session was led by Dr. Azizee bin Aziz from MDEC, who shared valuable insights into how Artificial Intelligence (AI) can support and enhance the entrepreneurial journey of visually impaired individuals. The program also saw the meaningful involvement of facilitators from the IIUM Graduate School of Management (GSM) and interns from Universiti Malaya (UM), contributing to a rich and collaborative learning experience. This initiative aimed to introduce practical AI applications that can help visually impaired entrepreneurs navigate digital tools, improve operational efficiency, and expand their business potential in an increasingly technology-driven economy. We extend our heartfelt appreciation to the MAB team and all participants for their warm hospitality, active engagement, and inspiring spirit throughout the event. Their openness and enthusiasm made the session truly memorable.

We are pleased to share an update from the participants of the Program Pentauliahan Profesional, organised by the Jabatan Pendidikan Politeknik dan Kolej Komuniti (JPPKK) as part of the Usrah In Action course. On Friday, 7 November 2025, the participants conducted a community engagement visit to Sekolah Bimbingan Jalinan Kasih (SBJK). The visit aimed to foster meaningful interaction and promote collaborative learning between the students and the program participants. Throughout the session, participants facilitated a series of interactive activities and engaging games, designed to build confidence, encourage teamwork, and create a supportive learning environment for the students. The initiative also served as a platform for participants to exercise leadership, empathy, and social responsibility—key values embedded in the Usrah In Action course. We extend our sincere appreciation to the teachers and students of Sekolah Bimbingan Jalinan Kasih for their warm hospitality, active participation, and meaningful collaboration throughout the session. All photographs shared from the event have been published with the consent and approval of the school.

The International Islamic University Malaysia (IIUM) continues to be recognised among the world’s leading institutions in Theology, Divinity and Religious Studies, reflecting its strength in Islamic intellectual tradition. At IIUM Graduate School of Management (GSM), this recognition is translated into how knowledge is taught and applied in the classroom. Rather than treating business education as purely technical, learning is structured to emphasise interpretation, judgement, and responsibility in decision-making. This is evident in how financial and management accounting is taught. Today’s strategic leaders are not those who memorise formulas, but those who understand what the numbers mean. Financial information is introduced as a tool to answer key business questions: Where is the money going? Which customers are truly profitable? Are we pricing correctly? Are we investing wisely? Are we growing sustainably? Students learn to read financial statements as a narrative, understand cost behaviour, and evaluate whether decisions make sense beyond the numbers. More importantly, they develop the confidence to question assumptions, challenge budgets, and engage in strategic discussions. This approach transforms learners from functional specialists into strategic contributors. Regardless of background, the ability to interpret financial information becomes essential for effective decision-making. In this way, value-based education is not presented as an abstract concept, but embedded in how students think, analyse, and act!

At the GSM, IIUM, learning Islamic Finance goes far beyond textbooks. Students are immersed in dynamic discussions that explore not just what Islamic finance is, but how it works in practice, questioning real industry structures, and engaging with its challenges in the field. A recent class brought this approach to life through a roundtable discussion on the East Coast Rail Link (ECRL), analysed through a maslahah–mafsadah lens. Students debated its economic and social benefits against practical concerns such as cost, sustainability, and governance while developing the ability to think critically and make balanced judgments. From foundational concepts to financial structuring and broader economic impact, the course equips students with more than knowledge. It builds a sharper, more thoughtful perspective on Islamic finance. With diverse perspectives in the room, discussions become more grounded, insightful, and impactful, reflecting the realities of today’s Islamic finance landscape. In response to growing interest, GSM will open this course to open learners starting next semester (May 2026). Professionals and aspiring learners alike will have the opportunity to join, contribute, and engage in meaningful dialogue. Let’s join our Islamic Finance class that challenges how you think and prepares you for how Islamic finance really works.

On January 19, 2024, the Graduate School of Management (GSM) was honored to host a Mobility Programme visit from Universitas Indo Global Mandiri (UIGM). The UIGM delegation, consisting of 18 students from the Master of Management program and a few academic advisors, aimed to promote the Doctoral programs at KENMS, DeBA, and GSM. The primary objectives of the visit were to showcase the opportunities available in the Doctoral programs and to facilitate knowledge sharing on research methodology in management. We anticipate that this visit will lay the foundation for valuable collaborations. Until we meet again.