Islamic Studies Research Podcast @APIUM — Episode 1

Join Associate Professor Dr. Mohd Khairul Naim bin Che Nordin from the Department of Aqidah and Islamic Thought, Academy of Islamic Studies, Universiti Malaya, as he shares his academic journey and experience in Islamic Studies research.

The discussion highlights several key topics, including:

• identifying a research focus and developing academic expertise;
• the importance of studying Islamic creed and thought in contemporary contexts;
• the impact of relativism on religious beliefs;
• translating contemporary intellectual issues into relevant academic research;
• producing high-quality and impactful scholarly publications; and
• his experience in strengthening AFKAR: Journal of Aqidah and Islamic Thought as a Scopus Q1-indexed journal.

This insightful conversation is particularly valuable for postgraduate students, early-career researchers and academics seeking to develop systematic, critical and relevant research in Islamic Studies.

Islamic Studies Research Podcast @APIUM — Episode 2

“The Halal Industry Is Growing — But Are Its Professionals Growing With It?”

This episode features Dr. Amarul Arief bin Mohd Shuhaimi, Senior Lecturer at the Department of Islamic Management and Finance, Academy of Islamic Studies, Universiti Malaya, who shares his academic journey and research experience in Islamic management and Halal industry studies.

The discussion examines a critical yet frequently overlooked dimension of the Halal ecosystem: the development of the professionals responsible for implementing and sustaining Halal standards. It explores talent and career development among Halal executives, workforce sustainability, organisational leadership, governance, certification and regulatory compliance.

The conversation also highlights the need for research that moves beyond theoretical discussion by engaging directly with industry realities, policy priorities and human capital challenges.

A globally competitive Halal industry requires not only robust standards and certification systems, but also competent professionals with clear authority, career pathways and opportunities for continuous development.

This episode is particularly relevant to postgraduate students, researchers, academics, policymakers and industry practitioners interested in Islamic management, organisational studies and Halal governance.