International Collaboration Vital In Asnaf Empowerment - Perlis Raja Muda

From Nur Khalidah Abdul Halim

MEDAN, Sept 26 (Bernama) -- International collaboration is vital in efforts to empower the asnaf (underprivileged) community, said the Raja Muda of Perlis Tuanku Syed Faizuddin Putra Jamalullail.

His Royal Highness said the exchange of ideas, experiences and best practices from diverse cultural and systemic backgrounds not only enriches welfare management approaches but also helps shape more inclusive and responsive policies.

“International collaboration broadens access to the resources of the countries involved, whether in terms of knowledge, technology, capital or networks.

“Not all countries have adequate strengths in every aspect of poverty management, but through a cohesive and concerted synergy, each weakness can be complemented by the strengths of others,” he said when officiating the International Conference on Holistic Opportunities for Poverty Empowerment (ICOHOPE) 2025 here today.

Also present was Raja Puan Muda of Perlis Tuanku Hajah Dr Lailatul Shahreen Akashah Khalil.

Perlis Menteri Besar Mohd Shukri Ramli and Faizuddin Centre of Educational Excellence (FCoEE) chairman Prof Emeritus Datuk Dr Kamarudin Hussin also attended the event.

Tuanku Syed Faizuddin said the empowerment of the asnaf is not merely a local concern, as poverty transcends geographical boundaries.

As such, achievements of a country in aspects such as zakat management, for instance, could serve as a reference for best practices by other nations, he said.

On the conference, he expressed hope that it would translate into integrated and continuous actions.

“Let us make this conference a starting point for the emergence of more inclusive policies, more effective programmes and projects that bring real impact to society,” he said.

The Raja Muda also called on participants, particularly scholars, policymakers, industry players and community leaders, to remain committed to empowering the asnaf by strengthening ties, expanding cooperation and championing the humanitarian agenda.

The three-day conference, which began yesterday, is organised by FCoEE through the Perlis Islamic Religious and Malay Customs Council in collaboration with Universitas Deztron Indonesia, Universitas Ubudiyah Indonesia and the Higher Education Service Institute of North Sumatra Region 1.

-- BERNAMA