Structuring Waqf for Impactful and Sustainable Benefits

By Dr. Shamsiah Bte Abdul Karim

Structuring Waqf for Impactful and Sustainable Benefits explores how modern waqf institutions can preserve endowed assets, generate sustainable income, strengthen governance, and maximise long-term social impact. Presented by Dr. Shamsiah Bte Abdul Karim of Pergas Investment Holdings Pte Ltd at the Waqf Conference Mauritius 2026, the session examines the four pillars of sustainable waqf: the endowed asset (mauquf), income or usufruct, beneficiaries (mauquf alaih), and the nazir or trustee.

The presentation highlights modern approaches to waqf asset management, including real estate, Shariah-compliant equities, sukuk, cash waqf, and hybrid structures. Singapore case studies demonstrate how strategic asset restructuring, commercial integration, collective contributions, and reinvestment can strengthen waqf income while preserving the founder's original intent.

The session also focuses on waqf governance, portfolio diversification, sustainable spending, impact measurement, transparency, and accountability. It introduces a sustainability framework based on financial performance, social impact, environmental sustainability, governance and compliance, and socio-economic development. The presentation concludes with six priorities for the future of waqf: diversifying the corpus, adopting disciplined spending principles, professionalising governance, measuring impact, developing innovative waqf models, and strengthening regional collaboration.