The Albukhary Foundation is a Malaysia-based organization with an international presence. Established in 1996, it upholds the Muslim principles of Taqwa (Piety) and Ehsan (Compassion) that are cherished by its founder, Syed Mokhtar Albukhary. It also marks the institutionalization of charitable activities undertaken by Syed Mokhtar from the start of his career as a businessman.
Charity is the cornerstone of Syed Mokhtar's business world. Initially, the focus was in Kedah, his hometown. As his businesses grew, so did his charitable activities — to the rest of Malaysia, and later, to several other parts of the world. Today, the Albukhary Foundation gained recognition as the caring face of Malaysia, both at home and abroad, especially among Muslim and other neglected communities wrecked by the endless cycle of poverty, war and natural calamities. It also gained recognition for promoting Islamic heritage, culture and scholarship among Muslims and non- Muslims alike.
VISION
To forge a more equitable and tolerant world through social welfare, education and cultural initiatives that bridge the gap between the haves and the have-nots, and between the Muslim and non-Muslim worlds.
To achieve this, the Albukhary Foundation classifies its activities into three categories:-
i. Flagship Programmes. - These are initiated, managed, maintained and fully funded by the Foundation.
ii. Collaborations. - These are undertaken with other welfare organizations and communities, and comprise humanitarian relief and poverty-alleviation initiatives.
iii. Contributions. - These include sponsorships, charity functions and building projects.
GROWING FROM STRENGTH TO STRENGTH
The Albukhary Foundation has grown from strength to strength. In the early years, it was reactive, often responding to appeals from other organizations. It has since emerged as a force in its own right, with its own objectives and planned programmes to realize its vision.
The hallmark of the Foundation's programmes is their:-
• Inclusiveness - to ensure success of its programmes, the Foundation consults with relevant authorities and communities during planning and implementation.
• Sustainability - to ensure long term impact, the programmes are designed to provide the necessary skills sets and knowledge so that the constituents become self-reliant, and in turn volunteer their services to others in their community.
• Evolutionary character - to ensure their relevance, the programmes evolve with the needs of the day.
These programmes are implemented by the Foundation's three centres:-
i. Albukhary Foundation
ii. Islamic Art Museum Malaysia
iii. Pusat Ilmu Sharifah Rokiah