SINTOK, 9 November 2025: The recipient of the Honorary Doctor of Philosophy (Islamic Business Management), Tan Sri (Dr.) Azman Mokhtar described the recognition bestowed upon him as not merely a personal honour, but a profound trust to continue serving the religion,nation, and country.
Reflecting on his journey, from heading Khazanah Nasional Berhad, the Malaysian International Islamic Finance Centre (MIFC) Leadership Council, and Lembaga Tabung Haji, to his current role as Chairman of INCEIF University, he learned that knowledge must be integrated with wisdom, and that every decision must rest upon noble values.
“The courage to think should never come at the expense of principles, but rather strengthen the foundation of trust and responsibility. Society today needs leadership that not only thinks and manages strategically, but more importantly, possess a big heart, one that perceives the vital connections between finance and humanity, management and ethics, profit and blessings.
“In strengthening the Islamic Management education ecosystem and the sustainability of knowledge, I am very inspired by the initiatives at Universiti Utara Malaysia (UUM), particularly at the Islamic Business Studies Centre (IBS), the Zakat and Waqf Centre (PZW) and the Zakat Research and Innovation Institute (IPIZ),” said the INCEIF University Chairman at the first session of the UUM 38th Convocation Ceremony at Mu’adzam Shah Hall, today.
He emphasised that these programmes and initiatives not only enhance the economic potential of the ummah, but also serve as exemplary models for other institutions seeking to position Islamic economic principles and instruments as the foundation of inclusive and sustainable progress.
Tan Sri Azman Mokhtar received the Honorary Doctor of Philosophy degree presented by UUM Chancellor, His Royal Highness Al Aminul Karim Sultan Sallehuddin Ibni Almarhum Sultan Badlishah, Tuanku Sultan of Kedah, during the first session of the 38th UUM Convocation Ceremony held at Mu’adzam Shah Hall today.
A Chevening Scholar, Tan Sri Azman Mokhtar holds a Master’s Degree in Development Studies from Darwin College, University of Cambridge, and a Diploma in Islamic Studies from the International Islamic University of Malaysia.
Born in Melaka in 1961, he is the son of a teacher couple. He is married to Puan Sri Mastura Abdul Rahman, and the couple is blessed with five children.
Also, in attendance at the ceremony were the UUM Pro-Chancellor, His Royal Highness Tengku Sarafudin Badlishah Ibni Al Aminul Karim Sultan Sallehuddin, the Raja Muda of Kedah and Pro-Chancellor, His Royal Highness Tunku Shazuddin Ariff Ibni Al Aminul Karim Sultan Sallehuddin, the Tunku Mahkota of Kedah.
The event was also graced by the Menteri Besar of Kedah, Dato’ Seri Muhammad Sanusi Md Nor and the Vice-Chancellor of UUM, Prof. Dato’ Dr. Mohd Foad Sakdan.
