Our Management Committee

Abdul Qayyum

Founding Management Committee of
Global Halal Trade Network Development 

Masjid Ayesha (Chairman)
Web: https://masjidayesha.co.nz/
Email:chairman@masjidayesha.co.nz

Abdul Qayyum: A Visionary Leader in the Halal Industry and Community Development

Abdul Qayyum is the visionary mind behind the first-ever GLOBAL Halal Expo, Conference, and Networking Event in Aotearoa New Zealand. His goal is to establish this as an annual event across the Asia-Pacific region, creating a premier platform for businesses, entrepreneurs, and industry leaders to connect, collaborate, and drive the expansion of the global halal economy.

With a remarkable career in business and community service, Abdul Qayyum has played a pivotal role in leading successful community projects across New Zealand. His efforts have been dedicated to the empowerment of Muslim and other communities, fostering opportunities for growth, education, and social inclusion.

As the Chairman of Masjid Ayesha, a thriving community hub in Manurewa, Auckland, he has been instrumental in providing essential services that go beyond religious practice. Just five minutes from Manukau City, the masjid (mosque) serves as a center for Quran learning education, Islamic programs, youth initiatives, funeral services, and more. His vision is to create a nurturing environment where education, discipline, and mutual respect thrive; not only within the masjid but throughout the wider community.

Abdul Qayyum has also established strong relationships with key stakeholders, including New Zealand government agencies, law enforcement, government ministers, Māori and Pacific communities, and other influential organizations. His ability to bridge connections between different sectors has been instrumental in advocating for economic and social development.

Driven by his passion for expanding the halal industry, Abdul Qayyum is committed to growing halal trade and business opportunities in the Asia-Pacific region. His vision includes fostering the export of halal products worldwide, strengthening trade networks, and ensuring that economies flourish through ethical, halal-certified businesses. His leadership continues to shape the future of the halal industry and empower communities on a global scale.

Abdul Qayyum is the Director of AYESHA HALAL CERTIFICATION Limited and NZ HALAL DISTRIBUTORS Limited. 

 

Dr. Thamina (Samina) Anwar

Founding Management Committee of
Global Halal Trade Network Development 

Trade Not Riba (Founder)

B.Eng (Hons.) (London)  |  MSc (Bradford)  |  MBA (Cranfield)  | 
GradDipTchg  (Auckland)  |   CIFP (INCEIF)  |  PhD (UKZN)

Dr. Thamina Anwar – Visionary in Islamic Social Entrepreneurship
Dr. Thamina (Samina) Anwar is the visionary founder of Trade Not Riba –>> www.tradenotriba.com, an initiative dedicated to promoting Islamic Social Entrepreneurship as an ethical alternative to interest-based economic system. Her pioneering models in Islamic Social Entrepreneurship have redefined sustainable economic practices, resonating with both Muslim and non-Muslim communities worldwide.

Entrepreneurial Leadership & Global Influence

She is an Islamic Social Entrepreneur, Strategist, and Global Consultant, committed to advancing ethical, sustainable, and interest-free economic solutions. As the founder and director of multiple consultancy firms across diverse industries, she brings a wealth of expertise in writing, research, education, engineering, IT, public speaking, management, leadership, social entrepreneurship, and consulting.

Dr. Anwar’s global impact spans international corporations, governments, educational institutions, Waqf (Islamic endowment) organizations, nonprofits, and businesses, where she plays a pivotal role in driving innovation, ethical business models, and meaningful social change. With a strategic vision and deep commitment to economic justice, Dr. Anwar continues to shape a more inclusive and sustainable financial landscape.

Beyond entrepreneurship, she has held key leadership, directorial, and board positions globally, demonstrating expertise in strategic management, business development, and innovation. Her ability to navigate and influence multiple industries highlights her visionary leadership, strategic foresight, and dedication to fostering long-term economic and social progress worldwide.

Public Speaking Engagements

Dr. Anwar’s unique blend of financial acumen, technical knowledge, and educational expertise equips her with a rare problem-solving approach, enabling her to design scalable, ethical financial models that resonate across industries.

She is a highly sought-after international speaker, invited to share her expertise at conferences and events worldwide, particularly in Europe, USA, Middle East, Asia and Australia. Her keynote topics focus on:

  • Waqf (Islamic Endowment) – Revitalizing traditional endowment structures for modern economic empowerment.

  • Islamic Social Entrepreneurship – Building ethical, sustainable businesses rooted in Islamic principles.

  • Halal Entrepreneurship – Exploring the intersection of Halal industries and business innovation.

  • Islamic Finance – Advocating for interest-free, ethical financial models that benefit communities globally.


Academic Excellence & Technical Expertise

Dr. Anwar’s intellectual contributions are as impactful as her entrepreneurial ventures.

Her academic journey is marked by her attainment of a Doctorate degree (PhD) from UKZN (SA), supplemented by a Masters in Islamic Finance and Chartered Islamic Finance Professional (CIFP) accreditation from INCEIF, The Global University of Islamic Finance (Malaysia). She also holds an MBA from Cranfield School of Management, Cranfield University (UK), specializing in Entrepreneurship and Strategy.

With a solid foundation in engineering from Queen Mary, University of London (UK), and expertise in Communications & Real-time Electronics (Specialization in Satellite Communication) from the University of Bradford (UK), Dr. Anwar possesses a diverse range of qualifications that equip her with a unique perspective and problem-solving prowess. Furthermore, her Post-graduate Diploma in Teaching from the University of Auckland (NZ) enhances her ability to structure curricula and employ effective teaching methodologies.

Publications and New Book Release
Dr. Anwar has presented at several global conferences over the years, and her research has been featured in global academic conferences and publications.

Furthermore, she is the author of “Waqf (Endowment): A Vehicle for Islamic Social Entrepreneurship,” a distinguished publication released by IBFIM (Islamic Banking and Finance Institute Malaysia) in 2017. In addition, Dr. Anwar is a co-author of “Financing the Development of Old WAQF Properties: Classical Principles and Innovative Practices Around the World,” a notable publication by Palgrave Studies in Islamic Banking, Finance, and Economics, USA.

She is preparing to release her highly anticipated book, Think Like an Islamic Social Entrepreneur: A Mindset Shift. This practical guide and workbook delivers actionable strategies for entrepreneurs looking to build businesses that serve communities while remaining financially sustainable.

She serves on the board of various global organizations. In recognition of her visionary economic frameworks, she has been appointed as a working board member of Mutual Aid Networks (MANs) in Madison, USA. Here, her Islamic Social Entrepreneurship model is being integrated into a cooperative, regenerative economic system, proving that ethical finance can be both sustainable and transformative.

To stay updated on her work, please visit –>>  www.tradenotriba.com.