Kuala lumpur: The Malaysian Islamic Economic Development Foundation (YAPEIM) has made history by securing its first entry in the Malaysia Book of Records (MBOR) under the 'Most Guests Featured in a Podcast Programme' category. YAPEIM Director-General Zabidi Nasan described this recognition as a significant milestone for the agency, highlighting its commitment to fostering a culture of knowledge and intellectual discourse within the community.
According to BERNAMA News Agency, YAPEIM selected podcasts as the platform due to their growing popularity and effectiveness in delivering knowledge in a casual manner. Zabidi emphasized that podcasts connect closely with the community and are a preferred medium for information dissemination. He noted that the production of podcasts is cost-effective and space-efficient, with the potential to reach both Malaysian and international audiences.
The achievement does not imply a shift away from traditional intellectual discourse, Zabidi clarified, but rather positions podcasts as an additional medium for public knowledge dissemination. The primary aim of the podcast initiative is to enrich the community with accurate information and enable critical evaluation based on established disciplines.
The podcast was produced in conjunction with the 'Policy Dialogue 2026: Formulation of the Infak Governance Model and National Policy Resolution', focusing on Islamic economy, ummah development, and economic sustainability. Recording sessions took place over 16 hours on July 23 and 24, resulting in 27 episodes with 31 guest panellists, including government officials, industry leaders, and academics. This programme was part of the Humane Economy Global Discourse 2026 (HEGD 2026).
YAPEIM plans to continue podcast production due to its effectiveness in reaching large audiences. Zabidi also mentioned YAPEIM's goal to improve its ranking among religious agencies, aiming for a top five position to enhance organisational performance. He stressed the importance of realistic targets and continuous improvement, aligning with YAPEIM's strategic direction of 'Projek Najah', which focuses on building an ecosystem of economic and charitable activities.
YAPEIM operates under the Prime Minister's Department (Religious Affairs) since its establishment in 1976 and relaunch in 1984, focusing on the well-being of the ummah through Islamic economic development and community support initiatives.