IAIS Malaysia Welcomes New CEO Dr. Syed Azman Syed Ahmad Nawawi

We are delighted to announce that Dr. Syed Azman Syed Ahmad Nawawi has joined IAIS Malaysia as the new Chief Executive Officer (CEO) effective from May 1, 2023. Dr. Syed Azman is a renowned scholar, politician, and activist who has a wealth of experience and expertise in various fields related to Islamic studies, political science, and international affairs.

Dr. Syed Azman was born in Kuala Terengganu, Terengganu, and received his early education from Sekolah Rendah Sultan Sulaiman 1 and Sekolah Menengah Sultan Sulaiman 1. He pursued his higher education in the USA and the UK, obtaining his Bachelor's, Masters, and PhD degrees in Business Administration, Public Administration, and Political Science respectively.

Dr. Syed Azman has a distinguished career in both academic and political arenas. He has worked as a researcher at Indiana State University, USA, and has served as a lecturer of Political Science at Universiti Malaya and International Islamic University Malaysia. He has also been a former Member of Parliament of Kuala Terengganu and a former State Assemblyman of Batu Burok. He was the first director of Pusat Penyelidikan PAS (PPP) and a former political secretary to president of PAS, YB DS Haji Abdul Hadi Awang.

Dr. Syed Azman has also been actively involved in various international organizations and initiatives. He is a trustee in Al-Quds Foundation, Palestinian Cultural Organization Malaysia (PCOM), and member of Board of Directors, ‘Hak Asasi Palestin’ in Beirut, Lubnan. He is the Chairman of Asia Forum for Peace & Development (AFPAD) and has served as an Independent Election Observer for several countries under the Carter Centre USA and the United Nations (UN). He has also presented papers on international issues at international seminars in countries such as Australia, Indonesia, Thailand, South Korea, Japan, and other countries.

As the new CEO of IAIS Malaysia, Dr. Syed Azman will lead the institute to become a leading Islamic think tank that produces cutting-edge research and insights on Islam and Muslim affairs, and contributes to the advancement of knowledge, civilization, and humanity. He will also ensure that the institute fulfills its mission of providing research-based solutions and recommendations to various stakeholders; offering consultancy and training services to enhance capacity and skills; publishing high-quality works and sharing knowledge; building strategic partnerships and networks with local and international actors; and facilitating dialogue and understanding among different faiths and cultures.

Under the new mandate of the new Malaysian government, Dr. Syed Azman will also focus more on global Muslim affairs and address the challenges and opportunities faced by the Muslim ummah in the 21st century. He will leverage his extensive experience and network in the international arena to enhance IAIS Malaysia's role and impact in advancing Islamic thought and values in the global context.

We are confident that Dr. Syed Azman will bring his vast experience, knowledge, passion, and leadership to IAIS Malaysia and take it to greater heights of excellence and impact. We look forward to working with him and supporting him in his new role. Please join us in welcoming Dr. Syed Azman Syed Ahmad Nawawi as the new CEO of IAIS Malaysia and wishing him all the best in his endeavors.