Makassar, August 24, 2023 – The Sharia Banking Study Program of Universitas Islam Negeri (UIN) Alauddin Makassar, in collaboration with the International Islamic University Malaysia (IIUM), the Association of Islamic Finance and Banking Study Programs (APSKPS), BAZNAS South Sulawesi, and various other partner institutions, successfully organized a community service event titled "Women in Strengthening the Economy and Welfare of the Ummah in Indonesia and Malaysia." This event took place on August 23-24, 2023, in Maccini Sombala, Makassar.
The event featured several prominent speakers, including Assoc. Prof. Dr. Romzie Rosman, Deputy Dean of Research and Innovation, Institute of Islamic Banking and Finance, International Islamic University Malaysia; Heny Yuningrum, M.Si., Chairwoman of the Association of Islamic Finance and Banking Study Programs; and Ismawati, S.E., M.Si., Head of the Sharia Banking Department at UIN Alauddin Makassar.
In his presentation, Assoc. Prof. Dr. Romzie Rosman emphasized the important role of women in strengthening the ummah’s economy. "Women have great potential in supporting sharia-based economic development. In Malaysia, we have seen how women's economic empowerment programs can bring significant changes in community welfare. This collaboration is expected to strengthen cooperation between the two countries in advancing the sharia economy," he explained.
Heny Yuningrum, M.Si., added that women's economic empowerment is key to creating sustainable welfare. "Through this program, we want to show that women have extraordinary abilities to become agents of change in their communities. With the right support and training, they can significantly contribute to improving family and community economics," she said.
Ismawati, S.E., M.Si., also affirmed UIN Alauddin Makassar's commitment to supporting women's empowerment programs. "As an educational institution, we are committed to continually encouraging the development of women's potential in the field of sharia economics. Collaboration with various international and national institutions is a concrete step towards achieving this goal," she stated.
This community service activity included various training sessions, workshops, and interactive discussions designed to empower women in managing sharia-based micro, small, and medium enterprises (MSMEs). Participants were also given insights into financial management, marketing, and product development in accordance with sharia economic principles.
One of the participants, Nurhayati, expressed her appreciation for the event. "I am very grateful for this opportunity. The training provided was very beneficial and gave me new knowledge to develop my business. I hope activities like this will continue," she said.
This event is expected to become a model for future women's economic empowerment programs in both Indonesia and Malaysia. With a spirit of collaboration and strong commitment, women can become the main pillars in strengthening the economy and welfare of the ummah.
