Perlis Raja Muda: FCoEE Momentum Continues To Grow Through Phase II Research Grants

From Nurrul Huda Ahmad Lutfi

MEDAN, Sept 15 (Bernama) -- Research momentum at the Faizuddin Centre of Educational Excellence (FCoEE) continues to grow through the Phase II Research Grants (2024/2025), which saw an increase to 36 Short-Term Research Grants (STGs).

Raja Muda of Perlis, Tuanku Syed Faizuddin Putra Jamalullail, said the scope of research had also been expanded to cover issues involving asnaf entrepreneurship, zakat (tithe) and waqf funds, conflicts and pressures faced by asnaf (eligible to receive zakat), financial literacy, health, Science, Technology, Engineering and Mathematics (STEM), motivation, teaching and learning, as well as employability.

His Royal Highness said the 36 studies had produced various data and findings on the challenges and opportunities faced by communities, particularly the asnaf.

“This development reflects FCoEE’s shift towards a more holistic research approach in understanding and addressing educational and socioeconomic issues affecting society.

“This research examines poverty not merely from the perspective of assistance, but also encompasses education, skills, entrepreneurship, financial literacy, well-being and social mobility,” he said.

Tuanku Syed Faizuddin Putra said this after presenting contributions from the Perlis Islamic Religious and Malay Customs Council (MAIPs) at Masjid Raya Al-Mashun in Kota Medan, here, today.

Also in attendance were Raja Puan Muda of Perlis Tuanku Dr Hajah Lailatul Shahreen Akashah Khalil; and their daughter Hajah Sharifah Farah Adriana Jamalullail.

MAIPs chief executive officer Mohd Nazim Mohd Noor was also present.

The contributions were aimed at supporting the implementation of religious and community activities, as well as efforts to strengthen the mosque’s role as a centre for worship, knowledge and community unity.

Masjid Raya Al-Mashun, also known as Masjid Raya Medan, which has been in use since 1909, is one of Kota Medan’s major historical landmarks, renowned for its unique architecture and Islamic heritage value.

Tuanku Syed Faizuddin Putra said the research findings served as an important foundation for developing more targeted, practical and evidence-based community interventions, thereby ensuring that the research outcomes brought more tangible benefits to the community.

His Royal Highness said that in efforts to expand the impact of research findings internationally, FCoEE organised the International Conference on Holistic Opportunities for Poverty Empowerment (ICOHOPE), here.

The conference, he said, served as a platform bringing together researchers, academics, government agencies and strategic partners to share approaches and experiences in efforts to eradicate poverty and empower communities.

“ICOHOPE is not merely a platform for knowledge sharing, but also provides opportunities for the exchange of ideas, sharing of best practices, networking and strategic collaboration that can be translated into actions and policies which benefit society,” he said.

The research outcomes from FCoEE’s Phase I and Phase II had been translated into various high-impact outputs, including a national conference, an international conference in Medan, 16 intellectual property registrations, four proceedings, five books on asnaf, and 105 publications.

“Of the 105 publications, they comprise journal publications, book chapters, newspaper articles and magazine articles.

“This achievement demonstrates FCoEE’s ability to translate research into evidence, and subsequently develop the findings into platforms, opportunities and actions which can empower communities,” he said.

-- BERNAMA