KUALA LUMPUR — Prof Emeritus Datuk Dr Mohd Yusof Othman has been appointed as the new chairman of the Institute of Islamic Understanding Malaysia (IKIM), while Datuk Prof Dr Ashraf Md Hashim has been appointed as its deputy chairman, effective June 18, 2026.
IKIM said the letters of appointment, issued by Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim, were presented by Minister in the Prime Minister’s Department (Religious Affairs) Senator Dr Zulkifli Hasan at his office in Putrajaya today.
It said the appointments were made based on their stature, credibility and significant contributions to academia, particularly in strengthening the development of science, technology and Islamic thought in Malaysia.
“The combination of leadership of the two figures is expected to steer IKIM towards greater excellence and further strengthen its role as a think tank that supports the development agenda of the ummah and the nation, in line with its vision and mission,” it said in a statement.
Mohd Yusof is a national academic and intellectual figure who has contributed extensively in the fields of science, renewable energy, philosophy of science and Islamic thought.
He holds a Doctor of Philosophy (PhD) in solar energy from the University of Aston, United Kingdom, a Master of Science in Physics from the University of London, United Kingdom, and a Bachelor’s Degree in Physics from Universiti Kebangsaan Malaysia (UKM).
Throughout his academic career, he held various key positions at UKM, including head of the Physics Department, deputy dean of the Faculty of Science and Technology, director of the Centre for Research and Innovation Management, and director of the Institute of Islam Hadhari.
The 2006 Maal Hijrah figure also contributed actively to national policy development, research and intellectual discourse through various strategic roles, including as a panel member of the Islamic Consultative Council under the Prime Minister’s Department, chairman of the Panel of Experts on Philosophy of Science, and fellow of the Academy of Sciences Malaysia.
Meanwhile, IKIM said Ashraf’s appointment as deputy chairman was a recognition of his stature and expertise in Shariah, Islamic finance, governance and the development of regulatory frameworks at the national and international levels.
As a professor at INCEIF University and with vast experience as a Shariah adviser internationally, Ashraf has contributed significantly to the development of the Islamic finance industry through his academic, research, consultancy and leadership roles in various strategic institutions.
He holds a Bachelor’s Degree in Shariah from the Islamic University of Madinah, Saudi Arabia, a Master’s Degree in Fiqh and Usul Fiqh from the University of Jordan, and a PhD in Islamic Law from the University of Birmingham, United Kingdom.
At the same ceremony, three members of IKIM’s board of directors were also appointed, namely Datuk Misnu Taha, who was reappointed, as well as Sakaria Samela and Associate Prof Dr Nur Izura Udzir, both as new appointees.
IKIM expressed its appreciation to the Prime Minister over the appointments, saying the vast experience of the newly appointed figures would help drive IKIM towards achieving its vision and becoming a dynamic think tank in line with developments in technology, economy and politics. —Bernama
