The Faculty of Islamic Sciences, PSU Pattani, Co-Hosts the 19th MUZAKARAH CENDEKIAWAN SYARIAH NUSANTARA: A Regional Platform for Integrated Islamic Finance Reform



Bangkok, 17 July 2025 – The Center for Islamic Economics and Finance, Faculty of Islamic Sciences, Prince of Songkla University (PSU), Pattani Campus, in collaboration with ISRA (International Shari’ah Research Academy), INCEIF University, Malaysia, co-hosted the 19th Muzakarah Cendekiawan Syariah Nusantara (MCSN), an international academic conference, held from 15 to 17 July 2025 at Al Meroz Hotel, Bangkok. The event gathered prominent Shariah scholars, Islamic finance advisors, academics, regulators, and experts from across the Nusantara region.

Under the theme “Integrated Islamic Finance Reform,” this year’s conference focused on critical and contemporary issues such as money creation, assistance in prohibited acts (al-i‘anah ‘ala al-ma‘siyah), and deemed consent from both Shariah and legal perspectives. Over 280 participants joined the 3-day event, featuring 27 distinguished speakers who shared insights spanning both theoretical frameworks and practical applications within the industry.

The opening ceremony was presided over by Pol. Col. Thawee Sodsong, Minister of Justice of Thailand, reflecting the country's commitment to fostering regional cooperation in Islamic finance. Welcoming remarks were delivered by Dr. Marjan Muhammad, Deputy Vice Chancellor for Research at INCEIF University, Malaysia, and Asst. Prof. Dr. Muhammadrofli Waehama, Dean of the Faculty of Islamic Sciences, PSU. In his opening speech, The Minister stated:

In his opening speech, The Minister stated: “This Muzakarah is not just a scholarly forum, but a vital platform where knowledge from both Muslim-majority and minority contexts converges. It represents a bridge for intellectual exchange, cooperation, and shared aspirations for a faith-based and ethical economic system.”

Following this, H.E. Arrom Boonchom, Sheikhul Islam of Thailand, delivered a keynote address titled “Integrated Islamic Finance Reform in the Thai Context.” He emphasized that: “Strengthening Islamic finance in Thailand requires collaborative efforts across all sectors, including legal reform, the development of expert human resources, public awareness, and enhanced cooperation among Islamic financial institutions locally and internationally.”



Dato’ Syeikh Haji Zakaria Othman, CEO of the Kedah State Zakat Board (LZNK), Malaysia, also gave a keynote speech, underscoring the importance of integrating zakat, waqf, and sadaqah into the Islamic financial system to achieve sustainable development for Muslim communities. He shared LZNK’s successful reform experiences and the positive outcomes of their integrated approach.

The success of the conference was made possible through support from various national and international partners, including: The Office of the Sheikhul Islam of Thailand, The Embassy of Malaysia in Bangkok, Lembaga Zakat Negeri Kedah, Islamic Bank of Thailand, SHORAKA, ASAS, ISRA Consulting, Co-op Bank Pertama, The Islamic Cooperative Network of Thailand, TIP Takaful (Thailand), and many others.

As a co-host, the Faculty of Islamic Sciences, PSU Pattani, expressed its deep honor in contributing to this vital regional academic platform. The Faculty hopes that MUZAKARAH will continue to serve as a key driver in unifying scholarly perspectives, promoting fatwa harmonization, and enhancing Shariah governance to strengthen Islamic finance throughout the Malay world.