KPIPK 2025 Appreciation Ceremony Celebrates Achievements of New Muslims from Diverse Backgrounds
ᵇʸ: ᴹᴼᴴᴰ. ˢʸᴬᴴᴿᴵᴸ ᴿᴼˢᴰᴵ ᴬᴴᴹᴬᴰ ᶻᴬᴴᵁᴰᴵ
KUALA LUMPUR, DECEMBER 16, 2025 — A total of 100 new Muslims from diverse ethnic and national backgrounds were honoured at the Muslim Welfare Organisation Malaysia (PERKIM) National Islamic Studies Class (KPIPK) 2025 Appreciation Ceremony, held at the Level 1 Seminar Hall of the PERKIM Building along Jalan Sultan Azlan Shah here on Tuesday morning.
Organised by PERKIM National, the programme brought together participants from the Chinese, Indian, Iban, Kadazan, Bidayuh, Murut and Sikh communities, as well as nationals from the Philippines, Myanmar, Indonesia, Cambodia and several other countries. The turnout reflected the diversity and inclusivity of Islamic outreach efforts in Malaysia.
The ceremony, which began at 10am, was emceed by PERKIM National Da’wah Executive, Ustaz Muhammad Farhan Tee Abdullah. It served as a platform to recognise KPIPK students who completed their studies this year, while fostering a sense of solidarity and continuity in Islamic learning among new Muslims.
The strong attendance underscored PERKIM National’s sustained commitment to elevating structured, inclusive and continuous Islamic education.
Programme Coordinator Siti Munirah Sayed Mohd Hamdan said the ceremony was organised to acknowledge the effort, perseverance and discipline of students who had undergone consistent learning and assessment under KPIPK. She noted that the recognition went beyond academic achievement, marking the spiritual journey, sacrifices and steadfastness of new Muslims in understanding and practising Islam.
She added that the event aimed to instil a sense of appreciation and sustained motivation, encouraging students to remain steadfast in seeking knowledge even after completing the programme.
“KPIPK is not an end point, but a crucial phase that nurtures students with a sound foundation of knowledge, good character and readiness to pursue higher learning or contribute to society,” she said.
According to Siti Munirah, the inaugural appreciation ceremony also functioned as a platform to strengthen bonds of ukhuwah among students, teachers and administrators, while reaffirming PERKIM’s commitment to accompanying new Muslims through continuous moral support, guidance and character development.
At the ceremony, students who successfully completed their studies were identified by the wearing of white sashes, qualifying them to conclude their classes for the year. However, she emphasised that KPIPK remains open to all who wish to deepen their religious understanding, regardless of recognition status.
“The difference lies only in recognition and certain facilities accorded to selected students, while the spirit of learning and access to knowledge remain inclusive for all participants,” she explained, adding that this approach reflects PERKIM’s commitment to open, compassionate and sustainable Islamic education.
Meanwhile, PERKIM National Director of Administration, YBhg Dr Suariza @ Hidayah Muhammad, in her officiating address, reaffirmed PERKIM’s commitment to supporting the welfare and development of converts, particularly through continuous, values-based Islamic education.
She said the support and opportunities provided must be accompanied by good character, diligence in seeking knowledge and sincerity of intention. Attendance at KPIPK, she stressed, should be driven by a genuine desire to learn and strengthen faith, rather than material incentives.
At the same time, she urged students to maintain their ties with PERKIM, encouraging them to continue participating and contributing to the organisation’s da’wah efforts. She described PERKIM’s mission of outreach to non-Muslims and the preservation and strengthening of converts’ faith as a long-term trust requiring the support of successive generations.
In the educational context, Dr Suariza noted that while PERKIM’s study classes do not offer formal academic certification like universities, their role in building foundational knowledge, identity and character is significant. She cited success stories of former convert students who have pursued higher education and now serve as educators and administrators, demonstrating PERKIM’s ability to produce knowledgeable, independent individuals who benefit society.
The ceremony was enlivened by a nasheed performance by converts Mohd Firdaus Pompeyos Abdullah and Abu Bakar Abdullah, who rendered three songs titled Bismillah, Ya Rasulullah and Teman Sejati.
Earlier, a lecture titled Adab in Seeking Knowledge was delivered by PERKIM National Da’wah Executive Ustaz Muhammad Jais Mariappan Abdullah. In his talk, he emphasised that seeking knowledge goes beyond attending classes, requiring the cultivation of proper manners and ethics towards Allah, teachers and knowledge itself.
He stressed that intention is the foundation of learning, noting that sincerity for the sake of Allah fosters perseverance, while misguided intentions lead to frustration and inconsistency. He also highlighted the importance of proper conduct towards teachers, including respecting decisions, channelling feedback appropriately and avoiding public dissemination of issues that could undermine the learning environment.
Ustaz Jais further reminded participants that both teachers and students have strengths and shortcomings, urging learners to focus on the knowledge conveyed rather than the personality of the teacher. He cautioned against negligence in fundamental obligations such as prayer, adding that sincerity in seeking knowledge is reflected in discipline in worship, time management and openness to guidance.
Concluding his lecture, he called on students to continually refine their intentions, uphold proper conduct, respect teachers and practise what they learn in daily life, noting that knowledge accompanied by noble character elevates a person and serves as an effective means of da’wah.
Siti Munirah also expressed appreciation to Ustaz Jais for his heartfelt lecture and conveyed her deepest gratitude for his 12 years of service as KPIPK Coordinator. The inaugural ceremony also saw the presentation of certificates and tokens of appreciation to former coordinators and individuals who had contributed significantly to strengthening the classes since their inception.
Certificates of appreciation and tokens were presented to 17 KPIPK teachers by Dr Suariza, along with a commemorative plaque from PERKIM to Ustaz Jais Mariappan in recognition of his service from 2013 to 2025. Seventeen KPIPK students who completed their studies were honoured with certificates, a copy of Sharh Hadith 40, KPIPK souvenirs and a single rose, also presented by Dr Suariza.
Appreciation was also accorded to Ustazah Fatimah Ladda Abdullah and Firdaus Pompeyos for their full commitment in supporting student affairs and KPIPK management.
The ceremony concluded with a photography session and a luncheon, in an atmosphere of gratitude, fraternity and hope that the knowledge gained will continue to be practised and benefit the wider community. Also present were PERKIM National Secretariat members Mohamad Azrol Mohd Azmi and Norlailialpin Suratman.
Ustaz Jais Mariappan set the tone for the event with a lecture titled “Adab in the Pursuit of Knowledge” delivered to the audience.
He emphasised that the pursuit of knowledge goes beyond attending classes, underscoring the need for deep appreciation of proper conduct and exemplary character.
He also highlighted the importance of etiquette towards teachers, including respecting their decisions and conveying feedback through appropriate channels.
Ustaz Jais Mariappan listened attentively to the views and heartfelt reflections shared by a student who had completed his studies at KPIPK.
Ustaz Farhan Tee delivered the welcoming remarks in his capacity as the master of ceremonies.
Ustaz Nik Syahriman led the opening supplication for the event.
KPIPK students raised their hands in prayer as the supplication was recited.
Adding to the occasion, a group of mualaf nasyid performers presented three songs titled Bismillah, Ya Rasulullah and Teman Sejati.
In her officiating address, Dr Suariza said the Muslim Welfare Organisation Malaysia (PERKIM) remains committed to supporting the welfare and development of muallaf, particularly through continuous Islamic education grounded in strong moral values.
Among those present were members of the KPIPK teaching staff and students at the KPIPK Appreciation Ceremony 2025 held at the PERKIM Building.
Dr Suariza presented a certificate and a token of appreciation to Ustaz Muhammad Ramlee Mahmud in recognition of his service as an educator.
Ustazah Zaimiah Abdul Karim received a certificate of appreciation and a souvenir from Dr Suariza.
Ali Abdullah received a certificate of appreciation along with a copy of Syarah Hadith 40, a flower and a souvenir from Dr Suariza.
Dr Suariza also presented a certificate of appreciation and a souvenir to student Muhd Awsam Sadial Abdullah, who had completed his studies at KPIPK.
A mualaf student from Myanmar likewise received a certificate of appreciation and a souvenir from Dr Suariza.
Dr Suariza also presented certificates and souvenirs to muallaf students of Chinese ethnicity.
In appreciation of his 12 years of service as KPIPK coordinator, Dr Suariza presented a PERKIM commemorative plaque to Ustaz Jais Mariappan.
Dr Suariza posed for a group photograph with the KPIPK teaching staff and students at the close of the ceremony.
Graduating KPIPK students also gathered on stage for a group photograph at the end of the event.
