Waqf Management Needs New Impetus To Face Global Challenges Driven By AI
KUALA LUMPUR: In facing a world transformed by artificial intelligence (AI), digital technology, climate change and socioeconomic challenges, waqf management needs to be given fresh impetus without neglecting the Islamic principles and values that form the basis of its establishment.
Sarawak Premier Datuk Patinggi Tan Sri (Dr) Abang Abdul Rahman Zohari Tun Datuk Abang Openg said this approach is important to ensure waqf institutions remain relevant and able to meet the needs of society amid an increasingly dynamic development landscape.
Datuk Patinggi Abang Zohari, who is also President of the Muslim Welfare Organisation of Malaysia (PERKIM), explained that the fundamental principles of waqf need not be changed — rather, its management, development and utilisation should be transformed to meet current needs.
"The answer does not lie in changing the philosophy of waqf, but in reassessing how it is managed, developed and utilised so that it can meet present-day needs, while remaining anchored in the Islamic values that underpin it," he said.
He was speaking at the opening address of the International Dakwah Waqf Convention 2026 at the Kuala Lumpur Convention Centre on Monday.
The Sultan of Perak, Sultan Nazrin Muizzuddin Shah, graced the opening ceremony of the convention, which brought together scholars, waqf experts, academics and delegates from various countries to discuss the future of waqf institutions at the global level.
Datuk Patinggi Abang Zohari said waqf should no longer be viewed merely as a charitable institution, but should instead be recognised as a strategic instrument capable of supporting sustainable socioeconomic development.
"Today, waqf should no longer be seen only as a charitable institution. Instead, it must be recognised as a strategic instrument for driving sustainable socioeconomic development," he said.
He also highlighted the concept of Wakaf Ilmu (Knowledge Waqf) as a new approach capable of strengthening human capital development in the era of a knowledge-based economy.
"Besides land and physical assets, knowledge has now become one of the most valuable forms of wealth. For this reason, the concept of Wakaf Ilmu deserves attention, as it has a significant role to play in future development," he explained.
He added that Malaysia is also ready to play a greater role in driving waqf innovation at the global level, through sharing experiences, strengthening international cooperation, and adopting modern technology and governance to maximise the potential of waqf as a catalyst for sustainable development. -UKASnews
