Rinto Azhar

Proposed title

Exploring the Entrepreneurship Competence of Muslim Youth in Australia

Supervisors

Principal Supervisor: Associate Professor Zuleyha Keskin
Co-Supervisor: Associate Professor Mehmet Ozalp

Research

This research examines the entrepreneurship competence progression of Muslim youth in Australia using the European Entrepreneurship Competence Framework (EntreComp). The study explores how religiosity, Islamic education, and socio-demographic factors influence the development of entrepreneurial competences among Muslim youth aged 18–25.

The research adopts a pragmatic mixed-methods approach with quantitative dominance, integrating self-perceived entrepreneurial competence assessment with a progression-based interpretation model derived from EntreComp. Particular attention is given to non-cognitive entrepreneurship competences such as motivation, perseverance, ethical and sustainable thinking, self-efficacy, and working with others.

The study also contributes theoretically through the integration of the EntreComp framework with Islamic perspectives on entrepreneurship competence development, particularly through the Muslimpreneurship Competence Development Framework (MCDF). The findings aim to contribute to entrepreneurship education, youth development, and the broader discourse on Islamisation of knowledge by providing insights into how faith-based values may shape entrepreneurial capability development in multicultural societies such as Australia.

Why I chose Charles Sturt

My professional background spans more than 25 years in enterprise architecture, strategy execution, and performance management across multinational organisations in various industries. Alongside my professional career, I developed a strong interest in Islamic studies and entrepreneurship education, particularly in understanding how Islamic values influence personal and professional development.

My previous postgraduate studies in Islamic Studies inspired me to further explore the relationship between religiosity and entrepreneurship competence among Muslim youth. Charles Sturt University, through the Centre for Islamic Studies and Civilisation (CISAC), provides a supportive and intellectually enriching environment that aligns closely with my interdisciplinary research interests combining entrepreneurship, education, and Islamic studies.

Engagement and memberships

  • Research Assistant, Centre for Islamic Studies and Civilisation (CISAC), Charles Sturt University
  • Member of various professional and industry networks related to strategy, enterprise architecture, and performance management
  • Involved in Islamic education and community initiatives in Australia and Indonesia

Publications

Azhar, R. M. “The Application of Islamic Principles on Entrepreneurship Competence Development Framework.”  https://doi.org/10.55831/ajis.v9i1.583

Zuleyha Keskin & Rinto Azhar. 2024.   Navigating belief in qadar (destiny) with the contemporary            understanding   of risk   management.    International      Journal of Islamic Thought. Vol. 25         (June):  194-203. https://doi.org/10.24035/ijit.25.2024.296

Ongoing research and conference papers related to entrepreneurship competence, religiosity, and Muslimpreneurship Competence Development Framework (MCDF).

OrcID

Current candidate profiles
Rinto Azhar is a Full-time PhD Candidate in the Centre for Islamic Studies and Civilisation.