Exploring the Future of Halal Investing: Webfluentia Attends HASAN.VC's Exclusive Event in Kuala Lumpur
On September 25th, 2024, Webfluentia had the privilege of attending an exclusive event organized by HASAN.VC at the AICB Centre of Excellence (ACE) in Kuala Lumpur. The gathering brought together prominent speakers, angel investors, venture capitalists, shariah experts, and entrepreneurs to delve into the future of halal investing. The event featured a dynamic panel discussion followed by a networking session, providing a unique platform for sharing insights and fostering connections among like-minded individuals committed to driving positive change through ethical investments.
A Thought-Provoking Panel Discussion
The highlight of the event was an engaging panel discussion that lasted for about an hour, featuring a stellar lineup of esteemed guests. The panel included Umar Munshi, Managing Partner at HASAN.VC; Dr. Zaharuddin, CEO of Elzar Group and a prominent Shariah advisor; Morrad Irsana, Cofounder and CEO of Takadao; Sharene Lee, Cofounder of Takadao; and Dr. Yousuf Sultan, Founder and CEO of ADL Advisory. Each speaker brought a wealth of knowledge and experience to the table, offering diverse perspectives on the growing field of shariah-compliant investing.
The discussion revolved around the challenges and opportunities in halal investing, with a particular focus on the ethical considerations that set it apart from conventional investment practices. The panelists emphasized the importance of adhering to shariah principles, such as avoiding riba (interest), gharar (excessive uncertainty), and haram (forbidden) industries, to ensure that investments contribute to the well-being of society and uphold moral values.
Understanding Shariah-Compliant Investing
Shariah-compliant investing, often referred to as Islamic finance, is a method of investment that aligns with Islamic law (shariah). It prohibits investments in industries considered harmful or unethical, such as alcohol, gambling, and pork production. Instead, it encourages investments in businesses that contribute positively to society, such as healthcare, education, and sustainable technology.
One of the key components of shariah-compliant investing is the concept of takaful, or Islamic insurance, which is based on mutual cooperation and shared responsibility. Unlike conventional insurance, which operates as a profit-driven business, takaful is structured as a cooperative, where members pool their resources to support one another in times of need. This model reflects the principles of mutual assistance and community support, which are central to Islamic finance.
HASAN.VC: Nurturing the Next Generation of Ethical Startups
HASAN.VC, the organizer of the event, plays a crucial role in identifying, nurturing, and investing in top companies that graduate from their Virtual Accelerator Program. Their VC fund is backed by a global community of angel investors united by the mission to uplift humanity. By supporting innovative startups that adhere to shariah principles, HASAN.VC is not only contributing to the growth of the halal economy but also promoting a more equitable and sustainable approach to business.
During the event, Umar Munshi highlighted HASAN.VC's commitment to investing in impactful businesses that align with their values. He emphasized the need for investors to look beyond financial returns and consider the social and environmental impact of their investments. This approach resonates deeply with Webfluentia's mission to leverage technology for positive change and create value-driven solutions.
Elzar Group: Innovating with a Shariah-Compliant Vision
Dr. Zaharuddin, CEO of Elzar Group and a well-respected Shariah advisor, shared his vision of creating a better future through the production of Halalan Toyyiban quality products and services. The Elzar Group aims to make a positive impact across multiple sectors, including food, healthcare, early childhood education, and digital technologies. By focusing on excellence and adhering to shariah principles, Elzar Group is setting a new standard for ethical business practices. Dr. Zaharuddin's insights highlighted the importance of integrating shariah compliance into all aspects of business operations to deliver holistic benefits to the community.
Takadao: Reimagining Insurance with Blockchain and DAOs
One of the most intriguing presentations came from Morrad Irsana and Sharene Lee of Takadao. They shared their vision of transforming the insurance industry by creating technology that enables mutual protection communities in the modern world. Utilizing blockchain technology and the structure of Decentralized Autonomous Organizations (DAOs), Takadao is building a platform where members can pool their resources to mutually insure one another in a fair and transparent manner.
This innovative approach not only addresses the inefficiencies of traditional insurance but also aligns with the principles of shariah-compliant investing. By eliminating the need for a centralized entity and ensuring transparency and fairness, Takadao empowers communities to take control of their own risk management, reflecting the core values of mutual assistance and ethical conduct.
ADL Advisory: Guiding Ethical Investments with Expertise
Dr. Yousuf Sultan, Founder and CEO of ADL Advisory, brought a wealth of experience in Islamic finance and shariah-compliant investments to the panel. ADL Advisory is dedicated to guiding investors and businesses towards ethical investment opportunities that align with shariah principles. Dr. Yousuf emphasized the need for rigorous due diligence and continuous education to navigate the complexities of shariah-compliant investing. His contributions underscored the importance of having knowledgeable advisors who can help investors make informed decisions that not only yield financial returns but also contribute positively to society.
Several speakers highlighted the importance of community within the Muslim world. They emphasized that investments and entrepreneurship are not just about financial gains, but also about uplifting the entire community and fostering a sense of collective responsibility. By supporting each other and working together towards common goals, the community can create a more equitable and prosperous future for everyone.
The Power of Community: Uplifting Together Through Collective Responsibility
Several speakers highlighted the importance of community within the Muslim world. They emphasized that investments and entrepreneurship are not just about financial gains, but also about uplifting the entire community and fostering a sense of collective responsibility. By supporting each other and working together towards common goals, the community can create a more equitable and prosperous future for everyone.
A Vision for the Future of Halal Investing
The event concluded with a networking session, where attendees had the opportunity to discuss the future of shariah-compliant investing and explore potential collaborations. The atmosphere was filled with optimism and a shared commitment to driving positive change through ethical investments. As Webfluentia engaged with various stakeholders, it was clear that the interest in halal investing is growing, and the potential for innovation in this space is immense.
We left the event inspired by the passionate individuals we met and the innovative ideas that were shared. Shariah-compliant investing is not just about adhering to religious principles; it is about creating a financial system that prioritizes social good, sustainability, and ethical conduct. As we look ahead, Webfluentia is excited to explore new opportunities in this field and to support ventures that align with our values and mission.
We extend our gratitude to HASAN.VC for organizing such a thought-provoking event and for the opportunity to be part of this meaningful conversation. We look forward to participating in future events and continuing to build connections with those who share our vision for a better, more just world through ethical investment practices.
As a community, let’s continue to innovate, collaborate, and invest in a future that uplifts humanity!