At the 4th World Islamic Tourism Conference (WITC), a captivating panel discussion titled “Inspiring Entrepreneurship” showcased the stories of key entrepreneurs who are making waves in the Muslim-friendly space. The session delved into the highs and lows of their entrepreneurial journeys, the challenges they faced, and the opportunities that have ignited their passion for success. The discussion featured Jennifer Ogunyemi, Founder of Sisters in Business; Shahzad Younas, Founder & CEO of Muzz; and Dato’ Sri Vincent Tiew Soon Thung, Executive Director of KL Wellness City. Moderated by Gary Bowerman, Director of Check-in Asia, the panel offered invaluable insights into the Muslim-friendly business ecosystem.
The panelists, each representing different industries, shared how they navigated the evolving landscape of Muslim-friendly entrepreneurship, emphasizing the importance of adaptability, community engagement, and staying true to Islamic values in their businesses.
Building Muslim-Friendly Businesses
The session kicked off with Jennifer Ogunyemi, Founder of Sisters in Business, sharing her journey of empowering Muslim women entrepreneurs. Her platform focuses on connecting and supporting women who seek to start and grow businesses in a way that aligns with their faith.
“Muslim women often face unique challenges in the business world, from cultural expectations to balancing their family and professional lives,” Ogunyemi said. “My goal with Sisters in Business is to provide them with the tools, resources, and community they need to succeed. Entrepreneurship in the Muslim-friendly space is about more than just profit—it’s about creating businesses that are ethical, inclusive, and built on Islamic principles.”
Ogunyemi explained that her journey began with a desire to create a supportive environment where Muslim women could feel empowered to pursue their entrepreneurial dreams without compromising their religious values. Over the years, Sisters in Business has grown into a global network, offering mentorship, training, and networking opportunities to thousands of Muslim women entrepreneurs worldwide.
The Rise of Muzz: Redefining Halal Online Dating
Shahzad Younas, Founder and CEO of Muzz, formerly known as Muzmatch, shared his story of building the world’s leading Muslim dating app. Younas recounted the early days of creating Muzz, from developing a platform that aligned with Islamic values to navigating the tech industry’s challenges while staying true to his mission.
“Muzz was born out of a need to create a space where Muslims could find meaningful relationships in a way that respects their faith,” Younas explained. “We saw that existing dating apps didn’t cater to the specific needs of Muslims who are looking for a halal way to meet potential spouses, so we created Muzz to fill that gap.”
Younas shared the difficulties he faced in convincing investors to support a Muslim-friendly dating app and how perseverance and a clear vision helped him build a platform that now has millions of users across the globe. “It wasn’t easy to get people to believe in the idea of a halal dating app, but we stayed focused on our mission and kept pushing forward,” he said.
Today, Muzz has expanded beyond dating to become a trusted community platform for Muslims seeking marriage. Younas emphasized the importance of understanding the needs of the Muslim market and creating products that serve those needs authentically. “Our success comes from building a product that resonates with the Muslim community and offers a safe, respectful space for people to find their life partners,” he added.
KL Wellness City’s Vision
Dato’ Sri Vincent Tiew Soon Thung, Executive Director of KL Wellness City, provided a different perspective, focusing on the growing demand for wellness tourism within the Muslim-friendly space. He explained how KL Wellness City has integrated Muslim-friendly services into its offerings, catering to a global audience of health-conscious travelers, including those seeking halal-friendly wellness options.
“Wellness is becoming a key aspect of tourism, and for Muslim travelers, the need for wellness services that align with their faith is paramount,” Tiew said. “At KL Wellness City, we’ve worked to ensure that our facilities are inclusive and meet the specific needs of Muslim travelers. This includes providing halal-certified food, prayer spaces, and wellness programs that respect Islamic values.”
Tiew spoke about the challenges of combining wellness tourism with Muslim-friendly services, noting that the integration of health and faith-based needs requires careful planning and understanding of the market. “It’s not just about offering halal food—it’s about creating a holistic experience where Muslim travelers can feel comfortable and cared for in every aspect of their stay,” he explained.
He emphasized that wellness tourism presents an enormous opportunity for destinations that are willing to invest in creating inclusive, Muslim-friendly environments. “The demand for wellness tourism is growing, and as the Muslim travel market continues to expand, there’s a significant opportunity for businesses to tap into this space,” Tiew said. “By offering tailored services that cater to the needs of Muslim travelers, we can create a destination that stands out globally.”
Challenges in the Muslim-Friendly Space
Throughout the panel discussion, a common theme was the challenges and opportunities that come with building businesses in the Muslim-friendly space. All three panelists spoke about the need for resilience, community engagement, and staying true to Islamic values while navigating the business world.
Ogunyemi highlighted the importance of building a strong support network for Muslim women entrepreneurs. “The road to success is never easy, but having a community that understands your challenges and supports your vision can make all the difference,” she said.
Younas emphasized the growing potential of the Muslim market, particularly in sectors like technology and lifestyle services. “There’s so much untapped potential in the Muslim market, and entrepreneurs who can identify those needs and build products that serve them will find success,” he said. However, he cautioned that authenticity and cultural sensitivity are crucial. “You can’t just build a business for the Muslim market—you have to live and breathe it. Understanding your audience is key.”
Tiew added that the Muslim-friendly wellness tourism sector is set for rapid growth, driven by the increasing focus on health and wellness among Muslim travelers. “People are becoming more health-conscious, and Muslim travelers are no different. By offering wellness services that cater to their needs, we’re opening up new opportunities for growth and innovation,” he said.
A Bright Future for Muslim-Friendly Entrepreneurs
As the panel discussion drew to a close, the panelists agreed that the future of entrepreneurship in the Muslim-friendly space is bright. The growing demand for halal products and services, coupled with the increasing purchasing power of Muslim consumers, presents significant opportunities for entrepreneurs who are willing to innovate and remain true to their values.
Moderator Gary Bowerman summed up the discussion by noting that while the Muslim-friendly space presents unique challenges, the rewards are equally great. “What we’ve heard today from these inspiring entrepreneurs is that success in the Muslim-friendly space requires resilience, adaptability, and a deep understanding of your market,” Bowerman said. “But for those who are willing to take on the challenge, the opportunities are vast.”
The session concluded with a call to action for aspiring entrepreneurs to explore the Muslim-friendly space, whether in tech, tourism, or wellness, and to contribute to the growing ecosystem of businesses that serve the global Muslim community.
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