Strengthening the Halal Business Ecosystem in Thailand through Community Service Program at Hala Bala Park

FEBI News| Yala-Thailand, On September 30, 2024, the Community Service Program (PKM) initiated by the Faculty of Islamic Economics and Business (FEBI), UIN Raden Mas Said Surakarta was successfully held at Halabala Park Resto. The program was attended by the entire FEBI PKM team and guided by Asst. Prof. Mahamadaree Waena, SE, M.Si, Head of the ASEAN Center for Indonesia Studies (PUSAINA) at Fatoni University, along with Islahuddin, M.A, Lecturer from the Malay Language Department of the Faculty of Liberal Arts and Social Sciences at Fatoni University.

The implementation of this program was spearheaded by Zakky Fahma Auliya, M.M., Head of the Department of Islamic Economics and Finance, and Asep Maulana Rohimat, M.S.I., Coordinator of the Sharia Business Management Program. The signing of key agreements and commitments during the event was witnessed by Mufti Arief Arfiansyah, M.Ak., Head of the Quality Control Unit, and Ichsanul Ibad Ali, an outstanding student from FEBI UIN Raden Mas Said.

This community service initiative aimed to empower halal business entrepreneurs in Thailand, including those in the culinary, fashion, fisheries, and Islamic tourism sectors. Despite being a minority in Thailand, the participants showed tremendous enthusiasm in strengthening the halal business ecosystem.

Key discussions revolved around marketing strategies, including digital marketing for halal products, and the application of Islamic accounting to ensure transparency and Sharia compliance in financial management.

Asst. Prof. Mahamadaree Waena highlighted the importance of a sustainable halal business ecosystem, emphasizing the role of collaboration between academia and the business community. “The halal business sector is an opportunity for economic growth in Thailand, and with the right guidance, we can expand its reach while maintaining Sharia compliance,” he said.

Participants expressed optimism about the program’s impact on their businesses, with many seeing it as an opportunity to improve their operations and market presence while adhering to Islamic values. The event concluded with a group discussion and networking session, fostering connections among the entrepreneurs.

This PKM activity reinforces FEBI UIN Raden Mas Said’s dedication to supporting halal business entrepreneurs and contributing to the global halal economy.

Fostering Collaboration, Asst. Prof. Dr. Ahmad Omar Chapakia Signs MoU with UIN Raden Mas Said Surakarta

FEBI News| Pattani, Thailand, September 30, 2024 – Asst. Prof. Dr. Ahmad Omar Chapakia, Senior Vice Rector of Fatoni University, officially signed an extension of the Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with UIN Raden Mas Said Surakarta. Representing UIN Raden Mas Said were Zakky Fahma Auliya, M.M., Head of the Department of Islamic Economics and Finance, and Asep Maulana Rohimat, M.S.I, Coordinator of the Sharia Business Management Program. The signing was also witnessed by Mufti Arief Arfiansyah, M.Ak, Head of the Quality Control Unit, and Ichsanul Ibad Ali, an outstanding student from FEBI UIN Raden Mas Said.

This MoU extension reaffirms the strong partnership between the two institutions and highlights their ongoing commitment to several key initiatives such as student exchange programs, international internships in Thailand, and International Guest Lectures.

The event was further supported by Asst. Prof. Mahamadaree Waena, SE, M.Si, Head of the ASEAN Center for Indonesia Studies (PUSAINA) at Fatoni University, and Islahuddin, M.A, Lecturer from the Malay Language Department of the Faculty of Liberal Arts and Social Sciences at Fatoni University.

Zakky Fahma Auliya expressed his enthusiasm about this collaboration, emphasizing the importance of extending the MoU to continue advancing Islamic education, particularly in the fields of Islamic economics and finance. “The extension of this MoU strengthens our mutual efforts to provide more opportunities for our students, preparing them for global challenges through international learning and internships,” he said.

Asst. Prof. Dr. Ahmad Omar Chapakia also shared his optimism, stating that the MoU extension will further enhance the academic and cultural ties between the two universities. “This renewal marks our sustained commitment to fostering collaboration and creating new avenues for Sharia-based education within the ASEAN region,” he added.

The extended collaboration is expected to continue elevating the quality of education at both institutions, while also enriching the international experiences of students and faculty members, particularly in the areas of research, education, and community service.

Image: Ichsanul Ibad Ali

Pesmadin FEBI Gelar Placement Tes untuk Mahasiswa Baru, Fokus pada Peningkatan Kemampuan Membaca Al-Qur’an

Surakarta – Pesantren Mahasiswa Diniyah (PESMADIN) Fakultas Ekonomi dan Bisnis Islam (FEBI) UIN Raden Mas Said Surakarta melaksanakan kegiatan Placement Tes bagi mahasiswa baru pada Sabtu, 28 September 2024. Tes ini menjadi tahap awal sebelum para mahasiswa baru menjalani pembelajaran pesantren yang akan berlangsung selama satu tahun ke depan.

Berbeda dari tahun sebelumnya, tahun ini tes lebih berfokus pada kemampuan membaca Al-Qur’an. Mengingat pentingnya Al-Qur’an sebagai pedoman hidup umat Islam, FEBI menekankan bahwa setiap mahasiswa baru harus memiliki kemampuan yang baik dalam membaca dan memahami Al-Qur’an. “Kemampuan membaca Al-Qur’an ini merupakan kewajiban dasar yang harus dimiliki mahasiswa FEBI,” ungkap panitia acara.

Tes yang dimulai pukul 07.30 hingga 12.00 WIB ini dibagi menjadi tiga sesi, dengan durasi satu setengah jam per sesi. Pelaksanaan tes dilakukan di ruang kelas FEBI, di mana para musyrif/musyrifah bertugas menilai kemampuan membaca Al-Qur’an dari setiap mahasiswa baru. Hasil tes ini nantinya akan menentukan pembagian kelas dalam program pendampingan PESMADIN.

Program utama PESMADIN FEBI adalah pembinaan melalui Program Pembinaan Reguler (Tahsin Wajib) bagi mahasiswa yang dinyatakan “belum lulus” dari placement tes. Pembinaan ini akan diadakan tiga kali dalam seminggu dengan bimbingan dari para musyrif/musyrifah. Selain membaca Al-Qur’an, mahasiswa juga akan mendapatkan pengetahuan dasar tentang ibadah dan akhlak.

Bagi mahasiswa yang lulus placement tes, mereka tetap diwajibkan mengikuti program PESMADIN dengan bergabung dalam kelompok-kelompok minat dan bakat, seperti kelompok Hafidz Qur’an, Seni Qiroatul Qur’an, Kajian Kitab Kuning, Seni Hadroh/Sholawat, dan lainnya.

Dengan adanya program ini, diharapkan para mahasiswa baru FEBI tidak hanya unggul dalam akademik tetapi juga dalam hal spiritualitas dan akhlak, sebagai bekal utama mereka dalam menjalani kehidupan di kampus maupun masyarakat.

International Guest Lecture: Mufti Arief Arfiansyah Delivers Insightful Lecture on “The Role of Sharia Accounting in Assessing the Performance of Small and Micro Businesses” at Fatoni University, Thailand

FEBI News| Pattani, Thailand – (29 September 2024) Mufti Arief Arfiansyah, M.Ak., a prominent lecturer from the Faculty of Islamic Economics and Business (FEBI) at UIN Raden Mas Said Surakarta, delivered an engaging international guest lecture titled “The Role of Sharia Accounting in Assessing the Performance of Small and Micro Businesses” at Fatoni University, Thailand, on 29 September 2024. The lecture drew students from several countries, including Thailand, Malaysia, and Indonesia, who participated enthusiastically in the insightful discussions.

The lecture centered on the critical role that Sharia accounting principles play in the financial assessment and management of small and micro businesses. Mufti Arief Arfiansyah explained how Sharia accounting not only ensures that financial transactions are compliant with Islamic law (Shariah), but also offers a comprehensive framework for evaluating business performance, ensuring ethical practices, and promoting sustainability.

Throughout the session, he elaborated on the unique aspects of Sharia accounting, including the emphasis on fairness, transparency, and accountability. These principles are vital for small and micro businesses, which often face challenges in maintaining accurate financial records and ensuring ethical management.

Cross-National Student Participation
The lecture attracted a diverse audience of students from Thailand, Malaysia, and Indonesia, fostering a collaborative environment for academic exchange. The students actively participated in the discussions, sharing their perspectives on how Sharia accounting can address the financial challenges faced by small businesses in their respective countries. This cross-cultural interaction added depth to the lecture, enhancing the understanding of Sharia accounting’s practical applications across different regions.

Enhancing the Role of Small and Micro Businesses
Mufti Arief Arfiansyah underscored the importance of small and micro businesses as the backbone of many economies, particularly in Muslim-majority countries. He highlighted how applying Sharia accounting principles can enhance the operational efficiency, financial transparency, and long-term sustainability of these businesses. Additionally, he presented real-world examples of how Islamic financial institutions can support small businesses by offering Sharia-compliant financing options that align with their ethical and operational goals.

Strengthening Academic Collaboration
The international guest lecture was part of an ongoing academic partnership between UIN Raden Mas Said Surakarta and Fatoni University, aimed at strengthening collaboration in the fields of Islamic economics and finance. This event reflects both institutions’ commitment to advancing the study of Sharia-compliant business practices and contributing to the development of Islamic financial literacy in the region.

Looking Ahead
The session concluded with an interactive Q&A segment, where students from Thailand, Malaysia, and Indonesia posed thoughtful questions on the practical implementation of Sharia accounting for small and micro businesses. The lecture not only deepened their understanding of Sharia accounting but also inspired them to explore ways to apply these principles in their future careers.

The success of this international guest lecture highlights the growing importance of Sharia-compliant financial systems in today’s global economy and underscores the significance of small and micro businesses in fostering economic growth.

This event serves as a milestone in the collaboration between UIN Raden Mas Said Surakarta and Fatoni University, further enriching the academic discourse on Islamic accounting and finance at an international level.

Strengthening Collaboration with Fatoni University Thailand, FEBI UIN Said Surakarta Enhances Tri Dharma of Higher Education Cooperation

FEBI News| Pattani, Thailand, September 29, 2024 – The Faculty of Islamic Economics and Business (FEBI) UIN Raden Mas Said Surakarta continues to strengthen its international relations by formalizing a partnership with Fatoni University, Thailand. This collaboration focuses on enhancing the implementation of the Tri Dharma of Higher Education, encompassing education, research, and community service.

The event was attended by representatives from Fatoni University, including Ustadz Abd. Rahman bin Wae Yusuf, Head of Foreign Affairs at Fatoni University, alongside Asst. Prof. Mahamadaree Waena, SE, M.Si, Head of the ASEAN Center for Indonesia (PUSAINA). Also present were Teerawat Japrang, Head of the Business Administration Department, Islahuddin, M.A, Lecturer in the Malay Language Department, and Rowiyah Asengbaramae, B.Econ, M.Si, Head of the Bachelor of Economics Program in Financial Economics and Banking.

The delegation from FEBI UIN Raden Mas Said Surakarta was led by Zakky Fahma Auliya, M.M., Head of the Department of Islamic Economics and Finance, along with Asep Maulana Rohimat, M.S.I, Head of the Sharia Business Management Program, Mufti Arief Arfiansyah, M.Ak Head of Gugus Kendali Mutu (Quality Control Unit), and Ichsanul Ibad Ali, Outstanding Student of FEBI. The meeting aimed to strengthen collaboration in curriculum development, joint research, and community service activities, particularly in the fields of Islamic economics and business.

Zakky Fahma Auliya remarked, “This partnership is a strategic step to enhance the quality of education at FEBI and strengthen inter-university relations at the ASEAN level. We hope this collaboration will yield valuable outcomes for both institutions and the wider community.”

Ustadz Abd. Rahman bin Wae Yusuf expressed his optimism about the future of this collaboration, particularly in improving the quality of education and globally-oriented research. “We believe that this collaboration with FEBI UIN Raden Mas Said Surakarta will open up many new opportunities, especially in the development of Islamic economics and relevant research across the ASEAN region,” he said.

The collaboration also opens up opportunities for student and faculty exchanges, as well as international seminars and joint research programs involving both universities. Asst. Prof. Mahamadaree Waena added that they are committed to supporting various initiatives that can enhance the global competitiveness of both students and faculty members.

This step reaffirms the commitment of FEBI UIN Raden Mas Said Surakarta and Fatoni University Thailand to advancing Sharia-based education while strengthening bilateral relations between higher education institutions in Southeast Asia.

International Guest Lecture: Zakky Fahma Auliya, M.M., Delivers Lecture on “Introduction to the Islamic Stock Market” at Fatoni University, Thailand

FEBI News| Pattani, Thailand – (29 September 2024) Zakky Fahma Auliya, M.M., a distinguished lecturer from the Faculty of Islamic Economics and Business (FEBI) at UIN Raden Mas Said Surakarta, delivered a compelling international guest lecture on the topic “Introduction to the Islamic Stock Market: Principles, Practices, and Global Perspectives” at Fatoni University, Thailand. The event, held on 29 September 2024, was attended by students from various countries, including Thailand, Malaysia, and Indonesia.

In this highly anticipated lecture, Zakky Fahma Auliya introduced the foundational concepts of the Islamic stock market, emphasizing its distinct principles rooted in Islamic law (Shariah). He explained how Islamic stock markets operate based on ethical guidelines that prohibit elements such as riba (interest), gharar (excessive uncertainty), and maysir (gambling), while promoting investments in industries and activities that align with Islamic values.

Participants from Thailand, Malaysia, and Indonesia showed great enthusiasm as they engaged in discussions on how Islamic financial markets differ from conventional markets and how these markets can contribute to the development of ethical and socially responsible investing.

Global Participation and Engagement
The lecture attracted a diverse audience of students and academics, fostering a rich dialogue on the growth of Islamic financial markets in Southeast Asia. The presence of students from multiple countries added an international dimension to the event, promoting cross-cultural learning and exchange of ideas.

Throughout the session, Zakky Fahma Auliya highlighted key case studies from various countries, demonstrating the growing global impact of Islamic finance. He also explored the challenges and opportunities faced by Islamic stock markets in the modern financial landscape, providing insights into their potential for expansion and contribution to sustainable development.

Fostering International Collaboration
This guest lecture is part of a broader collaboration between UIN Raden Mas Said Surakarta and Fatoni University, aimed at enhancing academic exchange and strengthening the understanding of Islamic economics and finance across borders. The event reflects both institutions’ commitment to fostering international cooperation in the field of Islamic economics and business.

By the end of the session, participants expressed their appreciation for the valuable knowledge shared, emphasizing the importance of understanding Islamic financial principles in today’s globalized economy. Zakky Fahma Auliya’s expertise and dynamic presentation made the lecture a memorable experience for all attendees.

This international guest lecture marks another milestone in the growing academic partnership between UIN Raden Mas Said Surakarta and Fatoni University, contributing to the development of Islamic financial literacy among students from diverse backgrounds.

International Guest Lecture by Asep Maulana Rohimat at Fatoni University Thailand Discusses the Role of Pesantren in Socio-Economic Innovation

FEBI News| Pattani, Thailand, September 29, 2024 – Today, Asep Maulana Rohimat, M.S.I, a lecturer from the Sharia Business Management (MBS) Program at the Faculty of Islamic Economics and Business (FEBI), UIN Raden Mas Said Surakarta, delivered an international guest lecture to students at Fatoni University, Thailand. The lecture, titled “Islamic Social Entrepreneurship: The Role of Pesantren in Driving Socio-Economic Innovation,” was organized at the invitation of the ASEAN Center for Indonesia Studies at Fatoni University, chaired by Asst. Prof. Mahamadaree Waena.

In his lecture, Asep Maulana Rohimat highlighted the strategic role of pesantren (Islamic boarding schools) as centers of Islamic education in fostering Sharia-based social entrepreneurship. He emphasized how pesantren, deeply rooted in local communities, have great potential to drive sustainable social and economic innovation. “Pesantren are not only religious educational institutions but also engines of social empowerment through Islamic social entrepreneurship,” he noted.

The lecture received a warm response from students representing three countries—Thailand, Malaysia, and Indonesia—who showed keen interest in the discussion on social entrepreneurship in the Islamic world, particularly in Indonesia. This diverse participation reflects the broader regional interest in the potential of pesantren to contribute to socio-economic development across Southeast Asia.

Asst. Prof. Mahamadaree Waena, Head of the ASEAN Center for Indonesia Studies, expressed his appreciation for Asep Maulana Rohimat’s participation. “We are grateful for his contribution in sharing knowledge and experience with our students. This topic is highly relevant to the development of Sharia-based economies in the ASEAN region,” he stated.

This international guest lecture is part of ongoing efforts by Fatoni University Thailand and FEBI UIN Raden Mas Said Surakarta to strengthen academic collaboration and cross-country knowledge exchange in the field of Islamic economics.

Perkuat Ekonomi Syariah di ASEAN, Tiga Dosen dan Mahasiswa Berangkat ke Thailand untuk Misi Edukasi Bisnis Halal

FEBI News – Sukoharjo (26/9/2024) Dekan Fakultas Ekonomi dan Bisnis Islam (FEBI) UIN Raden Mas Said Surakarta, Prof. Dr. M. Rahmawan Arifin, M.Si, menekankan pentingnya kolaborasi yang kuat antara dosen dan mahasiswa dalam menjalankan Tri Dharma Perguruan Tinggi, terutama dalam bidang pengabdian kepada masyarakat. Dalam rangka memperkuat peran tersebut, FEBI mengutus tim Pengabdian kepada Masyarakat (PKM) yang terdiri dari tiga dosen dan satu mahasiswa untuk melaksanakan kegiatan di Thailand.

Tim PKM FEBI ini terdiri dari Zakky Fahma Auliya, M.M., Asep Maulana Rohimat, M.S.I., Mufti Arief Arfiansyah, M.Ak., serta mahasiswa Ichsanul Ibad Ali. Mereka akan menggelar kegiatan pengembangan ekosistem bisnis halal bagi masyarakat Muslim di Thailand. Kegiatan ini bertujuan untuk memberikan edukasi terkait pentingnya penerapan prinsip-prinsip syariah dalam dunia bisnis, serta membangun kesadaran akan potensi besar ekonomi halal di kalangan masyarakat Muslim di Thailand.

Selain pengabdian masyarakat, agenda penting lainnya dalam kunjungan ini adalah penandatanganan Nota Kesepahaman (MoU) dan Perjanjian Kerja Sama (MoA) antara FEBI UIN Raden Mas Said Surakarta dan Fatoni University, Thailand. Kerja sama ini diharapkan dapat mempererat hubungan akademik dan memperluas jangkauan kolaborasi dalam pengembangan riset, pendidikan, dan pengabdian masyarakat, khususnya dalam konteks ekonomi syariah dan bisnis halal.

Dekan FEBI menyatakan, “Kami berharap, melalui kegiatan ini, mahasiswa dan dosen dapat berperan aktif dalam memajukan ekonomi syariah di kancah internasional, khususnya dalam pengembangan bisnis halal yang memiliki potensi besar. Misi lainnya adalah kerjasama yang berkelanjutan dalam bidang pendidikan antara Indonesia dan Thailand.”

Kegiatan ini juga menjadi langkah strategis FEBI UIN Raden Mas Said Surakarta dalam memperluas jaringan internasional, sekaligus mendorong implementasi ekonomi syariah di kawasan Asia Tenggara.