Early Academic Pursuits
Dr. Fadillah Mansor embarked on her academic journey with a Bachelor in Shariah (Hons) with a minor in economics, which she obtained from the University of Malaya (UM) in 1997. Demonstrating a strong foundation in both Islamic studies and economics, she furthered her education by pursuing an MBA specializing in Finance at UM, which she completed in 2001. Her academic pursuits culminated in a PhD in Islamic Finance from La Trobe University, Australia, in 2013. This robust educational background laid the groundwork for her future contributions to the field of Islamic finance and management.
Professional Endeavors
Dr. Mansor’s professional career began at the Selangor International Islamic University College (KUIS), where she served as a lecturer and later as the Head of the Department of Muamalat from 1999 until February 2002. Her tenure at KUIS was marked by her leadership and dedication to the academic and administrative growth of the department. In February 2002, she joined the University of Malaya, where she has since played a pivotal role in the Department of Shariah and Management at the Academy of Islamic Studies. Since January 2019, she has been the Head of Department, a role that underscores her leadership capabilities and commitment to advancing Islamic studies.
Contributions and Research Focus
Dr. Mansor has made significant contributions to the field of Islamic finance, particularly in Islamic banking, Islamic investments, and the Islamic capital market. Her research interests include Islamic mutual fund investments, Islamic financial literacy, and Islamic financial planning. Additionally, she has a keen interest in halal management. Her scholarly work includes numerous articles published in international journals and conference proceedings. Her teaching portfolio encompasses subjects such as the Islamic financial system, Islamic capital market, economics for muamalat, and Islamic banking operations, all of which reflect her deep expertise and dedication to education in Islamic finance.
Accolades and Recognition
Dr. Mansor’s contributions have been recognized both nationally and internationally. She was a member of the Federation of Investment Managers Malaysia (FIMM) from 2005 to 2016, reflecting her active engagement with the financial industry. She also serves as a panel assessor for the Malaysian Qualifications Agency (MQA), where she has evaluated over 50 programs in Islamic finance, muamalat, Islamic banking and finance, takaful, and Islamic management. Her role as an assessor highlights her expertise and the trust placed in her judgment and knowledge. Internationally, she is an appointed reviewer for several refereed journals, including the International Journal of Emerging Markets and the Journal of Business Economics and Management, among others.
Impact and Influence
Dr. Mansor’s impact extends beyond academia into the broader field of Islamic finance and management. As a member of the Shariah Committee of Kenanga Investment Bank Berhad, she actively contributes to the practical application of Islamic finance principles in the industry. Her involvement in the Islamic banking and finance industry bridges the gap between academic research and real-world practice, enhancing the industry’s development and adherence to Shariah principles. Her work has influenced both academic circles and financial institutions, contributing to the growth and sophistication of Islamic finance globally.
Legacy and Future Contributions
Dr. Mansor’s legacy is characterized by her unwavering commitment to Islamic finance and education. Her leadership roles, extensive research, and active participation in both academic and industry settings have set a high standard for future scholars and practitioners. Looking forward, she aims to continue her contributions to the field, focusing on emerging areas such as Islamic financial literacy and halal management. Her ongoing research and involvement in academic and professional organizations will likely yield new insights and advancements in Islamic finance, ensuring her legacy as a pioneer and leader in the field.
In conclusion, Dr. Fadillah Mansor’s career is marked by her dedication to advancing Islamic finance through education, research, and industry involvement. Her early academic pursuits laid a solid foundation, while her professional endeavors and contributions have significantly impacted both academia and the Islamic finance industry. Recognized for her expertise and leadership, she continues to influence the field and inspire future generations. Her legacy and future contributions promise to further enrich the domain of Islamic finance and management.