THE ISDEV-BRUNEI TIES (PART 1): CHANNELING EXPERTISE

Upon arrival at the Brunei International Airport -ISDEV lecturers were welcomed by the Dean of Centre for Postgraduate Studies and Research  Universiti Islam Sultan Sharif Ali (UNISSA) Dr. Hjh Rasinah Hj Ahim (left), International Officer, Ustaz Yunus (second from right) and lecturer of Imam Shafi'e Centre Ustaz Hayatuddin (right).

ISDEV lecturers are much sought after in Brunei Darussalam to share some of their experience and expertise managing development based on Islamic epistemology and worldview. On 30 November 2014 ISDEV Director, Prof. Dr. Muhammad Syukri Salleh was accompanied by ISDEV Deputy Director Dr. Zakaria Bahari and ISDEV senior lecturer Dr. Wan Norhaniza Wan Hasan to fulfill an invitation to act as the facilitators in a research workshop organized by the Centre for Postgraduate Studies and Research Universiti Islam Sultan Sharif Ali (UNISSA).

Such meaningful silence as participants work hard to prepare a research grant proposal.

The 2-day research workshop was held from 1 until 2 December, 2014. The workshop was well attended by over 30 lecturers from UNISSA. Through this workshop, participants were presented with the method of preparing a distinctive and comprehensive research grant proposal. The core of the presentation consists of the building up of the research background, problem statement, objectives and research questions presented by Prof. Syukri.

Prof Syukri in full concentration before his presentation.

Thereafter Dr. Zakaria guided participants with the structure of literature, research framework and research methods while Dr. Wan Norhaniza explained the details of a Gantt chart, project milestones and budget development which are necessary components for a research grant proposal. The facilitators also shared their personal experiences in conducting research.

Dr. Zakaria explaining to the participants on what constitutes a Literature Review (left) while ISDEV senior lecturer
Dr. Wan Norhaniza details on the essential components for a research grant proposal. 

As an added incentive to the participants, the organizers invited the Brunei Research Council (BRC) of the Department of Economic Planning and Development of Brunei Darussalam to give a briefing on the funds available for potential research which can contribute to Brunei Darussalam.

Some of the male participants from UNISSA with Prof Syukri (third from right) and Dr Zakaria (centre).

The commitment provided by these three ISDEV facilitators in guiding the participants has shown a resounding success. This is corroborated by the near to complete six research proposals that were able to be garnered at the end of the research workshop. These six research proposals consisted of multi-centered studies which are related to the Islamic perspective namely: charity, calligraphy, national development and munakahat (the Islamic laws of marriage).

Not wanting to be missed - a group photo of the participants in the research workshop.

The presence of ISDEV lecturers in Brunei was also filled with a sharing and exchange of ideas and expertise session. Such opportunities presented in a private meeting between ISDEV Director Prof. Syukri with the Minister of Education of Brunei Darussalam, Yang Berhormat Pehin Orang Kaya Dato Seri Setia Haji Awang Abu Bakar Hj Apong. This meeting aimed to further foster the friendship that was built when a delegation of His Majesty Sultan Hassanal Bolkiah, the Sultan of Brunei Darussalam, visited Universiti Sains Malaysia (USM) last November in conjunction with USM 50th Convocation Ceremony. During the meeting, among the ideas highlighted by Prof. Syukri was about the attitude of the people of the suffah during the time of Rasulullah S.A.W who were poor but yet never begged especially to the government.

Prof Syukri (right) having a private discussion with the Education Minister of Brunei Darussalam,
Yang Berhormat Pehin Orang Kaya Dato Seri Setia Haji Awang Abu Bakar Haji Apong (left).

In addition, within the very limited time availed , ISDEV lecturers did not miss a beat to strengthen the silaturrahim (bond of brotherhood) with friends of ISDEV in Brunei Darussalam. Such opportunity presented itself through a dinner reception under the invitation of ISDEV Advisory Council member, Yang Mulia Pehin Orang Kaya Lela Dato Seri Laila Jasa Haji Awang Abdul Rahman Haji Abdul Karim.

Two close friends of ISDEV in Brunei, the Chief Executive Officer of Abdul Razak Holdings Yang Mulia Pehin Orang Kaya Lela Dato Seri Laila Jasa Haji Awang Abdul Rahman Haji Abdul Karim (centre),  and the Brunei Times Group Editor-in-Chief Tuan Haji Bujang Haji Masu'ut (left).

The travel to Brunei Darussalam did not just end with such a note. A mutual understanding was reached with a group of UNISSA researchers to produce three ISDEV USM – UNISSA collaborative researches. They are researches on Zikir Nation in Brunei Darussalam, Istibdal Awqaf, and Quality Management of Islamic Institutions.

A group of ISDEV-UNISSA researchers on "Policies of Islamic-Based Developement in the Context of Zikir Nation in Brunei Darussalam" will be coming to ISDEV in March 2015 to present their findings.

In Sha Allah (If Allah S.W. T. so wills), as an extension of the visit by these three ISDEV lecturers to Brunei Darussalam in successfully facilitating the research workshop, a group of UNISSA researchers is expected to come to USM in March, 2015 to present the results of their research.

A NAS A WEEK - 1 RABBI'UL AWWAL 1436

Narrated Sahl bin Sa`d: I saw Allah's Messenger (ﷺ) pointing with his index and middle fingers, saying. "The time of my Advent and the Hour are like these two fingers." The Great Catastrophe will overwhelm everything [English reference: Vol. 6, Book 60, Hadith 458; Arabic reference: Book 65, Hadith 4936].

ANNOUNCEMENT OF FLOOD OPS: RETURN OF MISDEV STUDENTS TO MAIN CAMPUS

The examination fever is just around the corner for Universiti Sains Malaysia (USM) students. However the recent announcement made by the Students' Representative Council of USM stated that the affected students by the recent flood situation back in their hometown should not unduly worry back in their hometown and whose movement back to USM Main Campus at Minden Heights in Pulau Pinang have been curtailed by the flood situation.They have been given the assurance that their case would be considered as a Natural Disaster case.

This announcement is applicable to the five identified MISDEV students from Kelantan. Yet it is heartening to note that due to the constant and close communication that these students have with ISDEV, especially through ISDEV Director, Professor Dr. Muhammad Syukri Salleh and their peers, these students are endeavouring to make their way back to USM Main Campus to sit for the examinations that is just around the corner.

The following is a brief update on the movement of the five MISDEV students:-

No.	Name	Update of Movement
1.	Ahmad Nazrul Alif bin Yahya (MISDEV ’14)	Stranded at Universiti Malaysia Pahang after boarding the USM bus from USM Health Campus due to the Pahang-KL route closure.
2.	Fathin Amalina binti Yaacob (MISDEV ’13)	Still in Kelantan as plans to drive have been cancelled due to the Pahang-KL route closure.
3.	Nooramira binti Ghazali (MISDEV ’13)	Expected to arrive at USM Main Campus on Monday 29/12/2014 by flight.
4.	Siti Romilah binti Majid (MISDEV ’13)	Stranded at Universiti Malaysia Pahang after boarding the USM bus from USM Health Campus due to the Pahang-KL route closure.
5.	Syaidatana Siti Aishah binti Ab Aziz (MISDEV ’13)	Safely arrived at USM Main Campus on Saturday 27/12/2014 by flight.

Alhamdulillah. Praise is to Allah S.W.T. One of the five MISDEV students have to-date safely arrived at USM Main Campus. ISDEV is committed to constantly pray for the safety and well being of ISDEV students especially the remaining four MISDEV students who have not yet arrive at USM Main Campus. ISDEV prays for these students and their family members to remain strong and supplicate to Allah S.W.T for protection at all times during this period of tremendous hardship and ordeal and to remain patient and stay steadfastly strong to Allah S.W.T. Ameen.

ANNOUNCEMENT OF FLOOD OPS: AFFECTED ISDEV STUDENTS

The details of the five MISDEV students who are currently in their hometown
and are unable to return to the main campus.

As a prompt response to the announcement made by the Students' Representative Council of Universiti Sains Malaysia (USM) earlier, the Centre for Islamic Development Management Studies (ISDEV) has identified five of its MISDEV (ISDEV Postgraduate by Mixed-Mode) students who are currently gravely affected by the flood situation back in their hometown. Their movement back to the main campus at Minden Heights, Pulau Pinang have been hampered by the flood situation All these five students are from Kelantan. Their names, contact numbers and addresses are as shown above.

ISDEV prays for the safety and well being of these five identified MISDEV students and their family members. It is hoped that the relevant authorities can render assistance and take necessary steps to reach these students and their family members in ensuring their safety. ISDEV prays for these students and their family members to remain strong and to seek Allah S.W.T protection at all times during this period of heavy trial and tribulation affecting the ummah in Malaysia in general and these five MISDEV students and their family members in particular. Ameen.

ANNOUNCEMENT OF FLOOD OPS: RETURN OF STUDENTS TO MAIN CAMPUS

ISDEV students who are affected by the floods  please contact ISDEV General Office at 04 - 653 3422 (Ms. Eshah Waris) or   04 - 653 5812 (Ms. Khairun Adawiyah) to update information on students' well being as well as for the purposes of ISDEV records.  Meanwhile, ISDEV students who are affected can also directly contact ISDEV Director, Prof. Muhammad Syukri Salleh at  04 - 653 2656 / 017 - 400 2886.

ISDEV ardently hopes that all victims affected by the floods are in safe condition and are courageously facing this grueling test from Allah S.W.T with patience and perseverance as well as steadfastness to Allah S.W.T. ISDEV prays that all the victims in general and ISDEV students in particular are always under the protection of Allah S.W.T. May Allah S.W.T ease the affairs of all the victims involved in this difficult and trying times. Ameen.

THE BAN NUA 5.0 PROGRAMME

Not to be missed - a group photo to commemorate the Ban Nua 5.0 Programme

With a theme on "Empowering Community for Development", MISDEV'14 (ISDEV Postgraduate by Mixed-mode) students had successfully organized an empowering program aimed at the grass root level of the Ban Nua community in Thailand. The 3-day-2 night programme ran from 21 November 2014 until 23 November 2014. The Ban Nua 5.0 Programme represents the commitment of ISDEV and the Ban Nua community to forge closer the ties that have been consistently renewed and strengthened annually for the past years.

 

ISDEV Director, Professor Dr. Muhammad Syukri Salleh led the delegates consisting of ISDEV Deputy Director, Dr. Zakaria Bahari, ISDEV Programme Coordinator, Dr. Fadzila Azni Ahmad and ISDEV lecturers Dr. Mohd Shukri Hanapi, Dr. Mohd Syakir and Dr. Wan Norhaniza as well as 35 MISDEV'14 students and four RISDEV (ISDEV Postgraduate by Research Mode) students.

Professor Syukri (centre) with four lecturers from UNISSA, Brunei Darussalam.

In addition to ISDEV members, this year's programme were also joined by four lecturers from Universiti Islam Sultan Sharif Ali (UNISSA), Brunei Darussalam. They are Pengiran Dr. Saiful Bahrin Pengiran Hj Kula, Muhammed Sahrin Hj. Masri, Hajah Nurul Halimatul Wara’ Hj Mumin, and Hajah Rafizah Haji Abdullah.

A member of the Ban Nua community guided ISDEV members on the pronunciation
of some basic expression in the Thai Language.

The programme was packed with useful activities such as “Qiamullail” which started as early at 4.00 am followed by the congregational Subuh prayer. A nasyeed teaching session, pantomime practice, reorganizing the Mini Library of the Ban Nua community, and Thai Language Class were also organized with the cooperation of Ban Nua representatives specially for participation of the programme. 

Make me beautiful the Islamic way - part of the "Comelkan Saya" activity.

“Comelkan Saya" was a programme specially dedicated for the muslimah children of the Ban Nua community that focused on teaching them how to wear hijab in the proper way of Islam. Besides that Islamic cultural performances were also presented to participants by the innocent children of Ban Nua.

Cultural performance by the little Muslimah of the Ban Nua community.

The “Gotong-royong’’, a never-to-be-missed activity was also included in the programme as participants worked together to spruce up the clean surroundings and well maintained Ban Nua Mosque.There was also a friendly futsal match between ISDEV brothers with UNISSA representative playing one team against the Ban Nua community team. The ISDEV-UNISSA team won the match on penalties after both team drew 4-4.

The sisters of ISDEV hard at work during the gotong royong

Dr. Mohd Syakir (wearing a white cap) during the friendly futsal match.

Besides having informal activities there were also two academic programmes consisting of “Dialog Pendedadan Pembangunan Wakaf’ and 'Pembangunan Koperasi Komuniti Ban Nua". Both dialogues were discussed by three panels, ISDEV Director Prof. Muhammad Syukri Salleh, Dr. Zakaria Bahari and Dr. Wisoot Lateh@Tobrani. Naimah Mohd Najib and Siti Rubiah were served as Moderators for the two dialogue sessions.

The dialogue on Pendedahan Pembangunan Wakaf Kominiti Ban Nua . 
(From right to left) Dr. Zakaria, Dr Tobrani, Prof. Syukri and the moderator Naimah.

From the activities that were organized, the participants learned that the Ban Nua 5.0 programme has further strengthened the ukhuwwah between the Ban Nua community, through several initiatives such as in the areas of knowledge sharing and cooperative ownership, management and improvement of mini library, sports and youth culture, and of course of learning the Thai language.

3 representatives - ISDEV, Ban Nua and UNISSA sharing a feeling of blissful contentment after the closing ceremony.

Furthermore participants were also able to develop their knowledge and understanding hands-on on the community's involvement in developing the self-sustaining Ban Nua community. An apt place for one to have on the ground practical knowledge of managing development according to the worldview and epistemological basis of Islam.

Saying goodbye to the Ban Nua community - till we meet again next year, in sha Allah.

ISDEV students are also given the chance to use the Ban Nua community and another community in Malaysia as a social laboratory of ISDEV where development theories built in ISDEV can be tested, published its findings and even produce theses at the Masters and Doctorates levels through the engagement with both communities and empowering them to achieve sustainability. 

A NAS A WEEK - 29 SAFAR 1436H

They ask you about wine and gambling. Say, "In them is great sin and (yet, some) benefit for people. But their sin is greater than their benefit." And they ask you what they should spend. Say, "The excess (beyond needs)." Thus Allah makes clear to you the verses (of revelation) that you might give thought [al-Baqarah, 2:219].

IDMAC2014: MOVING ISLAMIC POLITICAL ECONOMY FORWARD

The Participants of IDMAC 2014 with USM Vice Chancellor (front row seated second from right)
Prof. Dato' Dr. Omar Osman.

ISDEV recently organized the 8th ISDEV International Islamic Development Management Conference (IDMAC 2014) at the University Conference Hall (DPU) of Universiti Sains Malaysia (USM), Pulau Pinang. This is the eighth in a series of initiative to encourage related research in Islamic social sciences perspective, with the theme of Islamic Political Economy. The two days conference was held from the 9 till 10 December 2014 with the focus to provide a platform and opportunities for practitioners, managers, scholars, researchers, academicians, graduate students and others from all over the world to engage on an intellectual discourse on Islamic Political Economy and to explore new ideas and issues that is able to lead to the maximization of benefits for the Ummah.

USM Vice Chancellor, Prof. Dato' Dr. Omar Osman (centre) with ISDEV Advisory Council Member, Pehin Orang Kaya lela Dato Seri Laila Jasa Haji Awang Abdul Rahman Haji Abdul Karim (left) and ISDEV Director, Prof. Muhammad Syukri Salleh (right).

The opening remarks for this conference was given by Professor Dato' Dr. Omar Osman , Vice-Chancellor of USM. This year’s IDMAC 2014 also welcomed a very special guest from Brunei Darussalam, Yang Mulia Pehin Orang Kaya Lela Dato Seri Laila Jasa Haji Awang Abdul Rahman Haji Abdul Karim, ISDEV Advisory Council Member.

The packed hall of DPU for IDMAC 2014.

There were two keynote addresses delivered at IDMAC 2014. On the first day, the keynote address was delivered by ISDEV Director, Professor Dr. Muhammad Syukri Salleh on "Islamic Political Economy - Importance, Perspectives and Issues for Research" while the second keynote address was delivered by Dr. Mohd Syakir Mohd Rosdi, Chairman of the 8th IDMAC 2014 on "Tahaluf Siyasi Dalam Ekonomi Politik Islam" (Tahaluf Siyasi in Islamic Political Economy) on the last day of IDMAC 2014.

One of the concurrent sessions in IDMAC 2014 which saw presenters
(from right to left) from Indonesia, Malaysia and Brunei Darussalam.

A total of 30 papers were presented ranging from topics on Islamic Political Economy with the focus on the philosophy, strategy, society, socials, waqf, zakat and the economy itself. Meanwhile, the presenters and participants for IDMAC 2014 came from within USM and other local universities such as Universiti Utara Malaysia (UUM), Universiti Teknologi Mara (UiTM) and few foreign universities such as Universiti Islam Sultan Sharif Ali (UNISSA) of Brunei Darussalam, Universitas Sumatera Utara (USU) and Universitas Medan Area (UMA) of Medan, Indonesia, Universitas  Airlangga  (Surabaya), Universitas  Jember (Jember), and University of  Lahore (Pakistan).

ISDEV members with IDMAC 2014 Special Guest, (seated - centre) Pehin Orang Kaya Lela Dato' Seri Laila Jasa
Haji Awang Abdul Rahman Haji Abdul Karim.

The closing remarks for the conference was given by ISDEV Director, Professor Dr. Muhammad Syukri Salleh. He expressed his optimism that the Islamic Political Economy as an academic field of study is viable, relevant and more importantly has attracted numerous researchers seen from the quantity of quality papers presented at IDMAC 2014. Prof Syukri at the end of the remarks then officially closed IDMAC2014.

An ISDEV tradition - books written by ISDEV members were on sale during IDMAC 2014.

A NAS A WEEK - 22 SAFAR 1436H

'Aishah Radiyallahu 'Anha reports, that: "It was not the nature of Rasulullah Sallallahu 'Alayhi Wasallam to talk indecently, nor did he engage himself in the use of obscene language. Nor did he shout and talk in the bazaars (which is against dignity). He did not avenge a bad deed with a bad one, but forgave it, and thereafter did not even mention it". [From Shama'il Muhammadiyah, Book 47: Noble Character and Habits of Rasulullah, Hadith 330].

THE ACADEMIA OF MEDAN, INDONESIA VISITS ISDEV



The presentation prepared by ISDEV Director, Prof. Muhammad Syukri Salleh.

 

In conjunction with the 8th ISDEV International Islamic Development Management Conference (IDMAC 2014), academicians from various universities in Medan, Indonesia paid a friendly visit to the Centre for Islamic Development Management Studies (ISDEV), Universiti Sains Malaysia (USM) to forge closer ties as well as to share expertise on the social sciences from the Islamic perspective.  

 

One of the ties that binds - A group photo of ISDEV and the academia from Medan.

The delegates from Medan were headed by ISDEV Alumni member in Medan, Dr. Heri Kusmanto. The delegates comprised of lecturers and postgraduate students from various universities namely: Universitas Medan Aria (UMA), Universitas Sumatera Utara (USU) and Universitas Muhammadiyah Sumatera Utara (UMSU).



Prof Syukri (right) presenting a historical account of ISDEV.

The occasion was chaired by ISDEV Deputy Director, Dr. Zakaria Bahari. Also present were ISDEV lecturers, staff and students. It started with a brief ta’aruf (orientation) between ISDEV members and the delegates from Medan. ISDEV Director, Prof. Dr. Muhammad Syukri Salleh then extended the informal discussion with a historical account of establishing ISDEV and its development up till its recognition and elevated status as a Research Centre of Excellence (COE).
 

Shereeza, a RISDEV student, giving her account of what it takes (and receives) to be a postgraduate student at ISDEV.

 

Simultaneously, ISDEV students also shared their experiences about their intellectual and spiritual journey throughout their studies as a postgraduate student of ISDEV.


 

Kasyfull (front - centre) brilliantly serves his dual roles as a RISDEV student as well as one of the delegates from Medan.

 

The friendly visit has definitely achieved to bring closer the ties that bind ISDEV and the academia from Medan, Indonesia. This meeting of the minds and hearts are akin to positive entertainment for the intellectualism and spirituality of all those present. It has provided the platform for informal discussion and sharing of ideas about the need to strive for the utmost in the wake of the Ummah particularly in Malaysia and Indonesia through the academic route.

FULL PROFESSORSHIP? NOW WITHIN GRASP!

A very sentimental moment for Assoc. Prof Ab Aziz  (centre) as he believed his success was greatly attributed by the relentless effort of his two supervisors Prof Syukri (right) and Dr Fadzila Azni (left). 

Alhamdulillah, praise is indeed to Allah SWT as Assoc. Prof. Ab Aziz Yusof, a RISDEV (ISDEV Postgraduate by Research) student passed his viva voce that was held on a blessed Friday afternoon at three, 5 December 2014 at C06, Social Sciences Conference Room, Universiti Sains Malaysia (USM). Following the footsteps of his seniors, Pak Ajiz as he is affectionately known within ISDEV fraternity, was awarded with a Grade "1". 

A truly serious business throughout the viva  examination as shown by the pictures above.

As an icing on the cake, Assoc. Prof. Ab Aziz's PhD thesis was also announced to be nominated for Best PhD Thesis at least at the University's level.His excellently written PhD thesis was on “Penialain Prestasi Maklum Balas 360 Darjah: Satu Kajian Teoretis Dari Perspektif Islam” (The 360 Degree Feedback Performance Evaluation: A Theoretical Study from the Islamic Perspective).

Professor Dr. Abdullah @ Alwi Hj.Hassan (left) requesting Assoc. Prof. Ab Aziz to clarify how his theoretical study of 360 degree feedback performance evaluation can be applied in the various institutions of Malaysia.

The Board of Examiners for Assoc. Prof. Ab Aziz's viva consisted of the Chairperson, Professor Dr. Md. Roslan Hashim from the School of Physics, USM, external examiner, Professor Dr. Professor Dr. Abdullah @ Alwi Hj.Hassan from Open University Malaysia and two internal examiners who were Dr. Zakaria Bahari and Dr. Zahri Hamat. In the meantime, Dr. Mohd Zaini Abu Bakar represented the Dean of Institute of Postgraduate Studies. His main supervisor, Dr Fadzila Azni Ahmad and co-supervisor, Prof. Muhammad Syukri Salleh were also present.

A grateful Assoc. Prof. Ab Aziz  (seated 2^nd from right) captures his triumphant moment with the 

panel of examiners after his viva voce.

The culture of ISDEV two strict routines was carried out on the day of Assoc. Prof. Ab Aziz's viva voce to prepare him in all four aspects - intellectually, physically, emotionally as well as spiritually. With these two routines, the mock viva and the performance of the nawafil solat hajat congregationally amongst ISDEV members after solat Juma'ah at Masjid Al-Malik Khalid, USM provided the impetus for Ab Aziz to be well prepared for his viva that took place thereafter.

Big time, hands down. Assoc. Prof Ab Aziz Yusof grabs the chance 
to share the joyous news with his beloved wife.

Assoc. Prof. Ab Aziz has been a long serving academician with Universiti Utara Malaysia (UUM). Besides popularly known as Pak Ajiz, he is also affectionately known as the "first born" of Dr Fadzila Azni. This term refers to his status as the first registered PhD student for Dr Fadzila Azni in her capacity as the main supervisor.

In addition ISDEV fraternity ardently prays to Allah SWT that Assoc. Prof. Ab Aziz will be conferred his full professorship by UUM soon, Ameen. Heartiest Congratulations Assoc. Prof. Ab Aziz!

A NAS A WEEK - 15 SAFAR 1436

Have you not seen that Allah created the heavens and the earth in truth? If He wills, He can do away with you and produce a new creation [Ibrahim, 14:19].

A RUN UP ON THE UPCOMING 8TH IDMAC2014

The IDMAC2014 banner that has been strategically placed throughout USM

The 8th ISDEV International Islamic Development Management Conference (IDMAC 2014) is just around the corner. This 8th-in-series annual research based conference, carries a theme "Islamic Political Economy" has the organizing committee members busy preparing for the final touches. A final meeting was held in C05 on Thursday 4 December, 2014 in order to wrap up on the schedule of the 2-day programme, to confirm the detailed schedule, protocols and other related matters to make IDMAC2014 a success.

The back-bone of IDMAC2014. (From right to left) Encik Abdul Aziz, Dr Mohd. Syakir and Prof. Syukri.

The final meeting was chaired by ISDEV Director, Professor Dr Muhammad Syukri Salleh. IDMAC2014 Chairman, Dr Mohd Syakir Mohd Rosdi, ISDEV Executive Research Officer, En Abdul Aziz Tahar and the rest of the committee members were also present to brief on the latest and to tie up any loose ends that may be faced by any one of them. The meeting also provided for the various committees to coordinate with one another. Every one is committed to ensure as smooth a flow as possible for IDMAC2014 as it is anticipted that there are participants from the region, Indonesia, Brunei, Thailand, Singapore and the Philippines.

Going through the final touches - the team behind IDMAC2014.

With this year’s IDMAC2014, ISDEV hopes to provide a platform for a meeting of minds to further develop the discipline of Islamic Political Economy as well as build a network of scholars, academicians, researchers, practitioners and others to strengthen the knowledge and ukhwwah among one another. 

IDMAC2014 will be held on 9 until 10 December, 2014 at the University Conference Hall (DPU), Universiti Sains Malaysia (USM).

MISDEV'14: THE JOURNEY FOR EXCELLENT DISSERTATION BEGINS

It is the first semester for MISDEV ‘14 (ISDEV Postgraduate by Mixed-Mode) students. It is a course requirement (SIW506 - Islamic Research Methodology) for each of the 35 students to prepare and submit their Research Proposal before the semester ends. However they need to present their proposals before submission of the first three chapters (Introduction, Literature Review and Research Methodology).

Athirah (left) anxious to hear the comments from ISDEV lecturers. Seen here are three ISDEV lecturers,
(from right to left) Dr Mohd Shukri, Dr. Mohd. Syakir and Assoc. Prof. Dr. Abdul Fatah.

According to the original arrangement, the presentation by all 35 students are to be divided into 3 sessions consisting of 11-12 students each. Each student is allocated 10 minutes for presentation and another 5-8 minutes for comments and suggestions from supervisors and lecturers. However, during the first session, held on Tuesday 25 November, 2014 at C05, only five students managed to present. 

It was noticed that the mistakes and technical errors especially of the students were recurrent so ISDEV lecturers unanimously agreed to correct the weaknesses on the spot with the hope that the students in the next session would not repeat the same flaws again.

Dr Zakaria (left) in full concentration with the rest of MISDEV'14 students

The five MISDEV'14 students who managed to present in the first session, nonetheless exhibited the depth and originality of their research. The filling of the literature gap and the potential to contribute to knowledge was very apparent. The first five blessed presenters with the respective Research Proposal titles were:

1) Ade Yunita Mafruhat on Perlaksanaan Ekonomi Politik Islam di Koperasi Pondok Pesantren Daarut Tauhid, Bandung, Indonesia (Implementation of Islamic Political Economy in Koperasi Pondok Pesantren Daarut Tauhid, Bandung, Indonesia);

2) Afnan Hamimi Taib Azamudden on Tahaluf Siyasi Dalam Politik Dakwah: Kajian Kes Parti Islam SeMalaysia (PAS) di Pulau Pinang (Tahaluf Siyasi in Da'wah Politics: Case Study of Parti Islam SeMalaysia (PAS) in Pulau Pinang).

3) Ahmad Nazrul Alif Yahya on Pembangunan Lestari USM: Analisis Berdasarkan Pembangunan Berteraskan Islam (USM Sustainable Development - Analysis based on Islamic-based Development).

4) Amirah Abdullah – Analisis Kritikal Terhadap Dogma Dalam Penyelidikan (Critical Analysis of Dogma in Research.

5) Athirah Abu Bakar – Kriteria Indikator Ranking Universiti Dunia: Analisis Berdasarkan Prinsip Pembangunan Berteraskan Islam (World University Ranking Criteria Indicators: Analysis based on Islamic-based Development Principles).

Atirah (right) presenting her proposal while ISDEV Director, Prof. Syukri (left) looks on.

Although these five students arrived at Universiti Sains Malaysia (USM) in the late evening of Sunday from the Ban Nua 5.0 Programme, they were all amazingly calm and exude an air of humble confidence while successfully delivering their proposals. Lecturers were also very generous by sharing tips, comments and suggestions to ensure that excellent dissertations are within reach of all MISDEV’14 students. Jazakumullah khairan kathiran to all ISDEV lecturers.

The remaining sessions will continue after the 8th ISDEV International Islamic Development Management Conference (IDMAC2014) scheduled on 9 - 10 December 2014 at the University Conference Hall (DPU), USM.