IKHLAS Padawan Programme Boosts Graduate Marketability, Expands Career Opportunities

KUALA LUMPUR, Dec 23 (Bernama) -- The IKHLAS Padawan programme, a partnership between Takaful Ikhlas Family Berhad (Takaful IKHLAS) and Universiti Utara Malaysia (UUM), prepares competitive graduates and introduces them to careers as takaful consultants after graduation.

Takaful IKHLAS president and chief executive officer Wan Ahmad Najib Wan Ahmad Lotfi said the programme equips UUM students with entrepreneurial skills for a competitive job market.

Wan Ahmad Najib said the 18-week structured programme focuses on technical knowledge through the Takaful Basic Exam and builds students’ soft and business communication skills.

“For IKHLAS Padawan, we equip students to become entrepreneurs. After completing the programme, career opportunities with Takaful IKHLAS as consultants are available, which they can start immediately,” he told Bernama after officiating the 2025 IKHLAS Padawan Graduation Ceremony, involving 26 students.

Of 26 students, 24 passed the Takaful Basic Exam, with 14 registering as Takaful IKHLAS consultants.

Wan Ahmad Najib said the programme bridges academia and industry, giving students the chance to interact with experienced mentors, receive career guidance and understand the dynamics of working as takaful consultants.

He hopes more university students will be more open to the takaful industry, as it offers an ideal platform for entrepreneurship.

“There are many opportunities if we don’t limit our mindset. For me, takaful is a noble industry and for Muslims, a form of financial jihad, helping people secure protection against unforeseen events,” he said.

Meanwhile, 23-year-old final-year counselling student Nur Syuhada Alias said she joined IKHLAS Padawan on her lecturer’s advice to explore opportunities beyond her field.

“Though I have a career path, I can take on part-time work with recognition from IKHLAS Padawan,” she said, adding that the programme also adds value for graduates.

Islamic finance and banking student Muhammad Farhan Ariff Jamzuri, 22, said his lecturer advised him to seek direct industry coaching to complement his studies.

He said that, combining theory and practical learning, the programme was especially helpful in improving his skills in engaging the public to offer takaful services.

“I hope IKHLAS Padawan continues and expands to reach more students, helping them understand the importance of takaful,” he said.

Joining Takaful IKHLAS as a family takaful consultant is voluntary and a long-term opportunity, not an obligation.

Interested students can apply online at https://www.takafulikhlas.com.my.

-- BERNAMA