By Zahratul Husna Naaim
GOMBAK, 30 October 2019: An awarding and contract signing ceremony for participants of Cycle 3 of i-Taajir was held last month in Dewan Masjid An-Naim, Jalan Kebun, Shah Alam which was attended by the Rector of IIUM, Professor Emeritus Tan Sri Dato Dzulkifli Abdul Razak and CEO of CIMB Islamic Bank, Mohamed Rafe Mohamed Haneef, as well as the ‘Ahli Dewan Undangan Negeri’ (ADUN) for Sungai Kandis, Mohd Zawawi Bin Ahmad Mughni.
“CIE – CIMBi Program Bimbingan Usahawan Tijari (i-Taajir)” is a programme conducted by the Centre for Islamic Economic fellow researchers from the Kulliyyah of Economics and Management Sciences (KENM) to offer Islamic microfinance scheme to micro-entrepreneurs in Selangor.
The focus of this Shariah compliant microfinance facility is to enhance the inclusion of low income community and assist new as well as existing entrepreneurs to expand their businesses.
The researchers involved in this study were Prof. Dr. Mohamed Aslam Haneef, Prof. Dr. Norma Md. Saad and Assoc. Prof. Dr. Mustafa Omar. This programme is a pilot study to test the feasibility of several models of Islamic microfinance developed by the researchers.
It is a platform to implement and put into practice the theoretical aspect of research as well as to achieve Sustainability Development Goals aligned with IIUM goal.
With collaboration with CIMB Islamic Bank, i-Taajir currently has 57 participants from various places around Selangor. I-Taajir is held by stages according to geographical areas where the first cycle is held in Sri Gombak, followed by Cycle 2 in Setapak and Cycle 3 in Shah Alam.
This programme offers education, motivation, training and coaching session for the participants to ensure that they are well-equipped with entrepreneurship knowledge and skills to sustain in the market.
A total of 25 participants signed their contracts and took an oath to wholeheartedly commit to their businesses. Professor Emeritus Tan Sri Dato Dzulkifli Abdul Razak also showed an overwhelming support for the team of I-Taajir to conduct such programme.
The Rector said, “i-Taajir should be an encouragement for all IIUM community including the students and staffs to take part in entrepreneurship programmes as such to utilise the opportunity in developing entrepreneurship skills and knowledge. Together we attain a comprehensive ecosystem in Islamic economics as what has been said by Rasulullah S.A.W, “One was to gain livelihood is through entrepreneurship activities.” ***