Dear loyal readers,
Time flies! Another year has passed, and the world continues to grapple with the COVID-19 pandemic despite the rollout of vaccines. Nevertheless, as Albert Einstein once said, “in the midst of every crisis lies great opportunity.”
This has been evident in how COVID-19 has transformed the way businesses adapt to the new normal. Sustainability and fintech have come to the forefront in addressing the global economic crisis and the social challenges exacerbated by the pandemic. As a result, the environmental, social, and governance (ESG) agenda has become a strategic priority for many organisations.
At INCEIF, we have strengthened our efforts to advance the sustainability agenda and promote the adoption of fintech through applied research, publications, and various events.
• Our collaborative research with Maybank Islamic Berhad has resulted in the launch of a pilot project on “Urban Kit Farming,” which aims to improve the socioeconomic status of the Bottom 40% (B40) group.
• Our latest report, Zakat on Blockchain: From Theory to Applications, explores how zakat institutions can leverage blockchain technology to enhance the efficiency of zakat administration.
• Our two main annual events, Islamic Finance INNOFEST 2021 and Islamic Fintech Dialogue 2021, focused respectively on inclusive and equitable takaful, and on sustainability and inclusivity through Islamic fintech.
To further enrich this issue, IF HUB welcomes intellectual contributions from faculty members, alumni, and students centered on the two key themes of sustainability and fintech.
My editorial team and I would like to take this opportunity to express our gratitude to all our dedicated contributors, without whom this publication would not be complete. We look forward to receiving more insightful and impactful contributions in the future.
Wishing everyone a better year ahead in 2022. Take care and stay safe.
Dr Marjan Muhammad
Editor-in-Chief
