ETHICAL GOVERNANCE = GOOD GOVERNANCE?

The opening slide on Islamic Ethical Governance.

Professor Dr. Muhammad Syukri Salleh, ISDEV Director, has proven once again that he is indeed an accomplished academician, researcher and most important a teacher-at-heart when he fulfilled an invitation to wow the hearts and minds of the academia in Medan, Indonesia. Such a feat was attained when he gave his speech as the Invited SpSpeakereaker at The 1st International Conference on Social and Political Development (1COSOP) organised by Universitas Sumatera Utara (USU). Prof. Syukri flew to Medan on 20 November 2016 and he was given a heartfelt and warm welcome at Kualanamu International Airport by Dr. Heri Kusmanto, the Deputy Rector of Universitas Medan Area (UMA) and he is also the Deputy Chairman of the Organizing Committee for 1COSOP as well as an Alumni member of ISDEV, together with two other ISDEV Alumni members, Prof. Sukiman and Pak Isnaini.

 Prof Syukri with the top management of USU as well as the Mayor of the City of Medan (5th from left) who is the Guest of Honour at 1COSOP.

The two-day 1COSOP organized by the Faculty of Social and Political Sciences (FISIP), USU and Office of Mayor, Medan Government, was held on 21 until 22 November, 2016 at Aston City Hall, Medan. Prof. Syukri was given the honour on the first day of 1COSOP to address the audience with his lecture pertaining to "Islamic Ethical Governance". Prof Syukri started his lecture by posing a simple mathematical question - is ethical governance equal to good governance? He then went to list the attributes of contemporary ethical governance and compared it with Islamic Ethical Governance.

Prof. Syukri delivering his speech regarding Islamic Ethical Governance.

According to Prof Syukri, the mathematical formulation is incorrect. Ethical governance does not necessarily mean good governance. The contemporary ethical governance is found to be incomprehensive as it is compartmentalised and fragmented. In contrast he advocated for Islamic Ethical Governance as opposed to the other as, the Islamic Ethical Governance consisting of seven principles, encompasses a more holistic aspect of life.

All smiles after their minds and hearts have been touched after listening to the pearls of wisdom from Prof. Syukri.

At the end of his lecture, impressed with the delivery of his speech and especially the words of wisdom contained therein that have touched them intellectually and spiritually, the audience thronged him for a photo session. The organiser of 1COSOP took the opportunity to have a group photo with Prof Syukri at the end of his session. 

Prof Syukri flanked by USU Deputy Rector, Dr Heri (left) and the Dean of FISIP, USU who garb him with the "Ulos" .

As the ultimate honour to Prof. Syukri, the Deputy Rector of UMA, Dr Heri and the Dean of FISIP, USU then garbed Prof. Syukri with an "Ulos". Although it is a simple ceremony yet it carries a solemn declaration to all that Prof. Syukri is accepted as part of USU big family and is now a member of that big family. Alhamdulillah. 

Congratulations Prof. Syukri!

A NAS A WEEK - 27 SAFAR 1438

And (had you been present), you would see the sun when it rose, inclining away from their cave on the right, and when it set, passing away from them on the left, while they were (laying) within an open space thereof. That was from the signs of Allah . He whom Allah guides is the (rightly) guided, but he whom He leaves astray - never will you find for him a protecting guide [al-Kahf, 18:17].

INGRAW 2016 : A RESOUNDING SUCCESS

The participants of INGRAW 2016

Alhamdulillah, indeed praise is to Allah SWT, the Centre for Islamic Development Management Studies (ISDEV), Universiti Sains Malaysia (USM), with the cooperation of the Institute of Postgraduate Studies (IPS), USM had successfully organized the 11th ISDEV International Graduate Workshop 2016 (INGRAW 2016). The two-day annual workshop which is the 11th in series was held on 19 and 20 October, 2016 at the University Conference Hall (DPU) of USM. It was held with the focused aim to provide the platform for  postgraduate research students boh at the Master and PhD levels to present and share their researches on Islam to fellow participants. 

Opening ceremony graced by the new Vice-Chancellor of USM, Prof. Datuk Asma Ismail

INGRAW 2016 was honoured to have the new Vice-Chancellor of USM, Professor Datuk Dr Asma Ismail, to grace and officiate the opening of INGAW 2016 and to officially launch the publication of seven edited books by ISDEV. In the modestly-held ceremony, Prof Datuk Asma congratulated the annual joint effort of ISDEV and IPS in their commitment to organise this international-standing workshop for postgraduate students as well as the publication of the selected papers from INGRAW 2016.

The cover of the seven edited books launched at INGRAW2016.

In the same vein, she posed some challenges to ISDEV to be more tech-savvy in reaching the masses. The use of e-books and three-minute videos to showcase students' research interests should be the way forward today to reach the people at large. Prof. Datuk Dr Asma also reminded the need for students to be holistic in their pursuit for knowledge as well as the need to hone their entrepreneur skills while keeping up at all times with the advancement in technology.

Overly full housed - The 11th INGRAW 2016 in session at DPU, USM

This year's success of INGRAW 2016 was also the result of the tirelessly effort of all the members of its Organising Committee who had managed, among other things, to reap the he lp of government departments and bodies as well as corporate entities to be a significant part INGRAW 2016with their generous contributions whether in terms of monetarily form or in kind. INGRAW 2016 took the opportunity to thank these sponsors during the Opening Ceremony.

Representatives from government  bodies and corporate organization receiving a token of appreciation for their generous contributions from ISDEV Director, Prof. Syukri Salleh.

INGRAW 2016 is a platform for postgraduate students to develop their writing skills and challenge their capabilities in developing new ideas in various fields on Islam for examples Islamic Economics, Islamic Banking and Finance, Islamic Management, Islamic Political Economy, Islamic Asset Management, Islamic Human Development, Islamic Research Methodology and many more. In helping the students to achieve such feat, resource persons from within USM as well as from other universities consisting of ISDEV Alumni students had been appointed to read the students' paper prior to INGRAW 2016 and to give their feedback and comments during the concurrent sessions on how their papers could be improved further. 

Part of the concurrent sessions at INGRAW 2016

For the first time ever in the INGRAW series, there was the "Best Paper Award" to deserving students whose papers were found to be excellently written and presented. The Award was presented for the first, second and third placing. For this year's INGRAW 2016, the "Best Paper Award" went to  all three MISDEV 15.1 (ISDEV Postgraduate by Mixed-Mode) students. The winner was Halimatus Sa'adiah Yusoff while the second and third place went to Faris Murtadha Fazial and Mohd Norfarahim Roslan.

The three MISDEV15.1 students who won the Best Paper Award at INGRAW 2016.

STRENGTHENING THE UKHWWAH THROUGH SHORT COURSE - UNIVERSITAS AIRLANGGA

Group photo with ISDEV lecturers and the postgraduate students of Universitas Airlangga.

12 postgraduate students from Universitas Airlangga, Surabaya, Indonesia completed their academic trip with a 2-day short course organised by the Centre for Islamic Development Management Studies (ISDEV), Universiti Sains Malaysia (USM) on 17 and 18 Oct, 2016. ISDEV lecturers with their expertise shared their knowledge to the Airlangga students who were eager to obtain new knowledge on matters such as:-

1. Contemporary Issues in Islamic Economic- Micro and Macro
(by Associate Prof. Dr. Zakaria Bahari and Puan Azreen Hamiza)

2. Contemporary Issues in Islamic Development Management
(by Dr. Fadzila Azni Ahmad and Dr. Wan Norhaniza Wan Hasan)

3. Contemporary Issues in Islamic Finance-Celestrial and Man-made Assets
(by Associate Prof. Dr. Zakaria Bahari and Cik Murni Yusoff)

4. Contemporary Issues in Islamic Political Economy
(by Dr. Mohd Syakir Mohd Rosdi)

Focus - Participants diligently listening to the lectures during classes.

With the aim to gain more knowledge's, all students gave their full commitment and were focused in all classes. ISDEV lecturers received an overwhelming response from the participants which made the discussion in the classes lively and intellectually and as well as spiritually stimulating. From these classes, ISDEV lecturers took the opportunity to help students in their postgraduate research and also in writing their theses.

Taking a short break after learning new things.

Happy moment - hopefully this Ukhwwah will stay forever.

All the best to the postgraduate students of Universitas Airlangga!

A NAS A WEEK - 21 SAFAR 1438

An-Nu’man ibn Basheer reported: The Messenger of Allah, peace and blessings be upon him, said, “The parable of the believers in their affection, mercy, and compassion for each other is that of a body. When any limb aches, the whole body reacts with sleeplessness and fever.” [Source: Ṣaḥīḥ al-Bukhārī 5665, Ṣaḥīḥ Muslim 2586; Grade: Muttafaqun 'Alayhi (authenticity agreed upon) according to al-Bukhari and Muslim]

A NAS A WEEK - 14 SAFAR 1438

And those who are patient, seeking the countenance of their Lord, and establish prayer and spend from what We have provided for them secretly and publicly and prevent evil with good - those will have the good consequence of [this] home - [Al-Ra'd, 13:22].

1 CONFERENCE 2 SEMINARS 3 KEYNOTE ADDRESSES - ALL IN ONE TRIP!

ISDEV delegates arriving at Jember Airport, Indonesia

Alhamdulillah, Praise is to Allah SWT when five ISDEV lecturers were invited to Surabaya, Indonesia  for four days, recently to participate in one international conference and two international seminars.

The first was the 3rd International Islamic Development Conference (or KIPI-3) organized by Universitas Jember Indonesia. The two day KIPI-3 which started on 22nd Sept provided the opportunity for each ISDEV lecturer to present their paperwork with the theme on "Re-Discover Islamic Development Paradigm".

Dinner hosted by the Dean of the Faculty of Politics, Universitas Jember.

It was a truly historic moment, one that will be preserved in the annals of ISDEV, when ISDEV Director, Professor Dr Muhammad Syukri Salleh sat together with the top leadership of the two largest Muslim Organizations in Indonesia, Nahdatul Ulama and Muhammadiyah when they each presented their keynote addresses at KIPI-3.

Professor Syukri keynote address was on "Prinsip Dasar Paradigma Pembangunan Berteraskan Islam” (Basic Principles of the Islamic-based Development Paradigm). The other two keynote addresses were by Dr. KH Haidar Nasir from Muhammadiyah on "Peradaban Islam Bidang Politik dan Pemerintahan" (Islamic Civilisation of Politics and Government) while Dr. Ir. H.A Helmy Faishal Zaini from Nahdatul Ulama adressed on "Peradaban Islam Bidang Sosial dan Ekonomi" (Islamic Civilisation in the Field of Social and Economics).

ISDEV Director, Prof. Muhammad Syukri together with Rector of  Universitas Yos Soedarso at Seminar

Ther second was the International Seminar on "Exploring the Potential of Islamic Economic Success" organized jointly by Universitas Yos Soedarso and ISDEV followed immediately the succeeding day after the end of KIPI-3. Prof. Muhammad Syukri Salleh was again given the honour to deliver his keynote address. This time he chose to present on "Islamic Management of Poverty - A Critical Analysis of Contemporary Approaches" in front of participants consisting of economists throughout Indonesia and Malaysia. Dr. Mohd Syakir then took his turn to present his keynote address on "What is Islamic Political Economy?". The third keynote address was presented by Drs Ec A Rochim Sidik on Spiritual Leadership to Performance Syari'ah Managers in Surabaya.

For the afternoon session, Associate Professor Dr Zakaria, Dr Mohd Shukri and Dr Shahir Akram took their turn to present their respective papers.

30th Sanah Helwa Dr Syakir - Celebrating Dr Syakir's birthday whilst enjoying breakfast at
Hotel Java Paragon, Surabaya, Indonesia.

As the duration of this trip fell on Dr Mohd Syakir's birthday, a simple birthday festive for him was celebrated among ISDEV lecturers. The harmony in ISDEV is possible through the strength of ukhuwwah amongst ISDEV lecturers.

Prof. Muhammad Syukri together with Prof H Saleh Soegiyanto (centre).

Prof Muhammad Syukri took the chance afforded to him by taking a photo with the pioneer-cum-Foundation Head of Universitas Wijaya Putra, Surabaya Prof H. Saleh Soegiyanto, MSc, PhD (center) during the International Seminar on Islamic Business Environment to Enhance Social Welfare, organised by Universitas Wijaya Putra, Surabaya. At the end of his speech, Prof Muhammad Syukri was approached by the media who were eager to know more and share with their followers what Prof Muhammad Syukri had addressed the audience that day.

All about the conference - Prof. Muhammad Syukri entertaining the barrage of questions posed by reporters after his speech.

Token of appreciation received by ISDEV lecturers after presenting their paper work

HAINNUR AQMA RAMLI - RISDEV STUDENT GETS A NOD

Aqma giving her best during her PhD proposal presentation

RISDEV (ISDEV Postgraduate by research) student, Hainnur Aqma Rahim presented her PhD thesis proposal in front of 20 ISDEV members on 29th September 2016. ISDEV Director, Professor Muhammad Syukri Salleh and ISDEV Deputy Director, Dr. Fadzila Azni Ahmad, as well as ISDEV lecturers and students attended the programme which took place at D04, ISDEV open library. Aqma presented on "Faktor-Faktor yang Mempengaruhi Isi Rumah Muslim Berpendapatan Tinggi Berhutang" (Factors Influencing Muslim High Income Households to be in Debts).

In action - Aqma at her PhD proposal presentation held at ISDEV open library, D04.

Hainnur Aqma Rahim is currently a PhD candidate under the supervision of Associate Professor  Dr. Zakaria Bahari while Dr. Nur Asmat Ismail is her co-supervisor. All ISDEV lectures evaluated Aqma's PhD proposal and gave their views and comments on how it could further be improved.

Dr. Shahir Akram Hassan posing some questions to Aqma.

Alhamdulillah, all lecturers gave a nod to Aqma's effort and agreed to let Aqma continue her research regarding the factors that influence Muslim high income households to incur debts.

All the very best, Aqma!

A NAS A WEEK - 7 SAFAR 1438

Narrated by Abu Huraira: The Prophet said, "The Israelis used to be ruled and guided by prophets: Whenever a prophet died, another would take over his place. There will be no prophet after me, but there will be Caliphs who will increase in number." The people asked, "O Allah's Apostle! What do you order us (to do)?" He said, "Obey the one who will be given the pledge of allegiance first. Fulfil their (i.e. the Caliphs) rights, for Allah will ask them about (any shortcoming) in ruling those Allah has put under their guardianship." [Sahih Bukhari, Volume 4, Book 56, Number 661]

A NAS A WEEK - 3 SAFAR 1438

And if Allah should touch you with adversity, there is no remover of it except Him; and if He intends for you good, then there is no repeller of His bounty. He causes it to reach whom He wills of His servants. And He is the Forgiving, the Merciful [Yunus, 10:107].