March 7, 2022 • 23 mins
Fara Abdullah stepped into the tech industry last year as a force to be reckoned with. After just a year with the company, she has been named managing director of Bitsmedia, a major player in the Asia-Pacific tech industry catering to Muslims all over the world. A break in the tech industry’s proverbial glass ceiling to be sure, but monumental for a Muslim woman.
About Muslim Pro
Muslim Pro started as a mobile application with a simple idea: to provide accurate prayer times for the Muslim community. Over time, the app has grown with Muslims’ evolving needs, into a comprehensive mobile app that serves millions of users around the world offering comprehensive religious, lifestyle, and community features.
Its main features include accurate prayer times and tracker, Azan (call to prayer), full audio Qur'an, Qibla compass, Islamic Hijri calendar, Zakat (alms) calculation, as well as lifestyle inspired content such as our Inspiration and Community features and many more.
Muslim Pro has more than 120 million downloads in over 190 countries across users of all ages.
For more information, please visit https://www.muslimpro.com.
Find them on>
Downloads/Installs
Microsoft Windows (desktop)
Apple App Store (mobile and desktop)
Google Play Store (android mobile)
Social Media/Community Site
Instagram
Facebook
Twitter
TikTok
YouTube
LinkedIn
Connect.MuslimPro
A key component we'd like to highlight is our Ramadan Reconnect campaign, which officially starts on 2 Apr (first day of Ramadan). This year, we invite our users and social media followers to reconnect with their faith and to Muslim Pro through a holistic experience, to live the 30 days of Ramadan through our many different offerings (food, health, soul, conversations etc).
These content will be made available in our app and to help our Muslim community experience the best of Ramadan, we are running a global half-price promotion of our Premium subscriptions from March 15th onwards.
About Muslim Pro
Muslim Pro started as a mobile application with a simple idea: to provide accurate prayer times for the Muslim community. Over time, the app has grown with Muslims’ evolving needs, into a comprehensive mobile app that serves millions of users around the world offering comprehensive religious, lifestyle, and community features.
Its main features include accurate prayer times and tracker, Azan (call to prayer), full audio Qur'an, Qibla compass, Islamic Hijri calendar, Zakat (alms) calculation, as well as lifestyle inspired content such as our Inspiration and Community features and many more.
Muslim Pro has more than 120 million downloads in over 190 countries across users of all ages.
For more information, please visit https://www.muslimpro.com.
Find them on>
Downloads/Installs
Microsoft Windows (desktop)
Apple App Store (mobile and desktop)
Google Play Store (android mobile)
Social Media/Community Site
TikTok
YouTube
Connect.MuslimPro
A key component we'd like to highlight is our Ramadan Reconnect campaign, which officially starts on 2 Apr (first day of Ramadan). This year, we invite our users and social media followers to reconnect with their faith and to Muslim Pro through a holistic experience, to live the 30 days of Ramadan through our many different offerings (food, health, soul, conversations etc).
These content will be made available in our app and to help our Muslim community experience the best of Ramadan, we are running a global half-price promotion of our Premium subscriptions from March 15th onwards.
Mark as Played
Transcript
Episode Transcript
Available transcripts are automatically generated. Complete accuracy is not guaranteed.
(00:28):
Everyone to Welcome to this edition ofthe Politically Incorrect Podcast. I'm Jim Williams,
your host. Today we celebrate InternationalWomen's Day and we do so with
my special guest, Farah Abdullah.Now. She stepped into the tech industry
last year as a force to bereckoned with. After just one year with
(00:48):
the company, she has been namedthe managing director of bits Media, a
major player in the Asia Pacific techindustry catering to Muslims all over the world.
And I have to say that,frankly, she's very impressive a lady.
She's done a great deal in abrief period of time, and we're
very happy to have you as aguest. You know, I gotta say
(01:12):
that this must have been quite amoment for you, smashing stereotypes for tech
industry and the Muslim worle. Howdoes it make you feel? Well?
It definitely has been, Jim.So I started my career when I was
just a teenager at the age ofeighteen. So I was one of those
that you can call a little bitof enthusiastic one right. So I was
(01:34):
real world skills and jump right intothe working life right after junior college.
So I took my first steps intothe professional world by working at a publishing
company, Piers and Education, andthat's when I also took my degree,
so I was working and studying atthe same time. So fast forward a
couple of years, I have movedoutwards into my first management role in Ganon,
(01:56):
a global food company. That's whereI actually run a little bit on
my skills and learn a lot.I had great mentorship there, and then
after nearly two decades, I foundmyself pivoting into a the tech industry.
So in twenty twenty one, Ibecome the first female managing director for sample
based tech company bas Media, whereI am tasked to obvious see all aspects
(02:17):
of the business at the easy today. So definitely it's been a surreal to
be in this position and being interviewedby you, and I cannot lie um
of how far I've come, AndI'm pretty proud of that, I think,
but I think it's more surreal tobe a Muslim female tech leader in
this industry. Well, there's plentyto be proud of, there's no question
(02:42):
about that. So you're okay withbeing being happy with what you've done and
and being you know, it's quitean accomplishment. But you know, the
funny thing is you're still new tothe industry. What prompted you to make
the switch? Well, honestly,it was more of individual task also,
(03:07):
right, So, I've always hadthis misconception that the tech industry is something
that's formidable and that someone who doesn'tlearn, who doesn't come from the technology
background, cannot enter into it.So it's a little bit of a personal
challenge for me, that's one.But also I wanted to leverage the skills
and expertise that I've built up foryears and serve the community that I am
(03:28):
very close to, Right So,I think these two reasons are the ones
that prompt me to make the switch. And to be honest, since I've
made the switch, I realized thatmy misconceptions are further from the truth.
I'm really able to leverage, youknow, the skills and expertise that I
have built as far with the currentservices and products that we are offering.
(03:50):
And in fact, a lot oftimes I would say that all businesses are
about the same in a sense thatwe all serve the consumer or the community
that we are serving, Right,So it's everything attuned to that. Yeah,
now you've picked a niche market.Why choose to work in the Muslim
tech specifically? What about this marketexcites you the most? Well, I
(04:17):
think the digital world can be difficultfor Muslims to navigate as content that is
not deemed promisable is widespread and easilyacceptable, right, But since then I
think there are many providing their ownanswers to Facebook and Google, and I
somehow feel that, you know,this is where content is a little bit
(04:38):
more underserved, you know, forthis market. So increasingly I see the
potential there and also investors around arealso increasingly interested in Muslim tech companies and
platforms that offer services. So Ibelieve that Muslims representing currently to in four
percent of the world's population and growingwhere very quickly. There is a little
(05:00):
bit of mismatch in terms of opportunitiesbecause we are only generating eight percent of
the world's GDP, right, soit needs somewhere our needs are undeserved it
right, So for me, thisis a great untapped opportunity to not only
provide a relevant product to the community, but also empower them to be more
digitally savy and equipped over the latesttechnology. What's the biggest challenge of working
(05:26):
in tech so far for you,M great, GRADIM. I think I
had to contend with several misconceptions aboutbeing a woman, and of course my
ability and identity a little bit,but also my ability to lead. I
don't take it personally though, becauseI think all new leaders will be subjected
(05:46):
to this at one point of time, right, like are they able to
lead the team? Are they ableto realize the vision that they that they
have committed to right and through?But I think more so being a woman,
I'm not aloning this. Successful womenare often questioned about the abilities,
(06:08):
but I'm determined not to let themlet that deterim me for sure, So
I think, yeah, let mejust tell you a little quick story here.
Okay, sure, I have sixnieces all right, and my wife,
all of whom are extremely competent andincredible women on their own right.
(06:31):
I'm sure here in the United Statesthey would answer that question the same way
you just answered that question. M. That's interesting. So are we all
pretty much the same in terms ofmindset when it comes to strong women.
Having lived with strong women my entirelife, including my mother, I can
(06:57):
assure you one of the misconceptions ofmen everywhere, and this is across the
board. Is that? And Isay this as someone who's championed women's rights
my entire life. Never underestimate,never underestimate a woman who is driven.
(07:26):
Yeah, definitely, And I think, you know, I completely agree with
that, Jim. It's because Ithink most of I think there is the
biggest challenge of women in the workforce, not only just tech, but I
think across multiple segments. Is sometimesI think is a little bit of not
only the misconceptions that we have tokind of boo those true, right,
(07:49):
but also to come up with thisshier determination and to make sure that we
are not just accepting the lack ofrepresentation of women, and what we have
to do as a woman also isto challenge the norm and push actively for
a change, and that that willhopefully help to motivate other women to rise
(08:09):
up. And you know they willdegree as soon as they rise up,
you know. So I'm a strongbeliever in this, and I'm sure the
other woman in your life is equallymotivated and strong in this too. I
can assure you you're absolutely right there. You could be one of my nieces
at this point. Um uh,well, let's see my youngest niece is
(08:33):
finishing her degree in UH in UHpsyche and psychology. So she's um,
she's twenty six, Okay, soshe's she's getting there. But I have
a pediatrician, a lawyer, twolawyers, UM, and a few teachers
(08:54):
along the way. So there's UHand my wife is a there's a doctor
herself. So as I say,I'm I grew up around strong women.
I'm happy to be around strong women. And you know, I think their
world will be a better place ifthere are more women running it. Jim,
(09:15):
I wish there's a lot more ofpeople like you for sure. Well,
tell me about bits media, Imean, because this is what we're
here to talk about, right,We want to talk about you, but
we also want to talk about whatyou're doing. Definitely, and I'm really
excited to tell you a lot moreabout bits media. So um bitts Media,
I think was established twelve years agoand as of today, we are
(09:41):
the largest utility religious utility app changingto a lifestyle app in the world.
We have just recently crossed one hundredand twenty million downloads. So imagine gym.
We have one hundred and twenty millionpeople having our app India phones so
this is really something that I getreally proud. Yeah. So I think
(10:05):
because of our outreach to the globalMuslim community, we want to do a
lot more for our community. Right. So, we initially stated as very
much a utility tool where we providereally excellent functions, usable functions like the
compass, which is where Muslims allfaith too when they need to pray,
(10:26):
the Koran and the digital Koran andalso the prayer times. Right, But
now I think we're evolving with time, and also we're providing more and more
for more and more content and moreand more lifestyle features to our app.
So one of the recent apps thatwe've added is the Street Rewards. So
(10:46):
the idea is that we encourage theglobal Muslim community to start a healthy daily
habit of tracking their worship by simplychecking the Muslim pro app consecutively to check,
you know, have they done getprayers, have then the ezekire,
have they read the Quran? Whatdeeds have they? Have they done?
You know? So the idea islike it's like your personal diary on the
(11:09):
goal, but this is for yourfaith instead of for your health or for
other things, you know, Soit's like a diary for your faith,
for your faith. Sorry, SoI think that's awesome. And also the
idea is that you know, Muslimsknow that Islam is a way of life
for many of them, right,so it touches many touch points in their
(11:31):
life. So we intend to bethe app that facilitates all of this and
soon you will here. I can'treally disclose much at the moment, but
we're coming out with our most excitingproject yet. In a few months,
we will be launching a service orplatform where Muslims can consume rich and diverse
(11:52):
content and entertainment platform that leans intothe universality of the human experience. So
basically, we want to tell storiestrue and Muslim evans, including characters,
places and circumstances that are representative andrelatable to the global Muslim communities. So
watch out for that, well wewill. We will have you back to
talk about that one, all right. So with Ramadam Reconnect and Muslim pro
(12:18):
it's the beginning of a translation transitionfrom religious services app to a lifestyle which
you were just talking about. Yes, So after launching this, clearly it's
made a connection, no pun intended, with the community, and I think
you know this is a very healthything. You know, we all need
(12:39):
to be reminded about, you know, where we are in whether spiritually or
connectivity with our communities. Right,And this is a brilliant concept. And
so why did you expand just alittle bit more on that if you don't
(13:01):
mind. Sure, So I thinkwe're calling and reconnect and I think there's
something that is really amazing the teamhas actually come up with this team so
reconnect Ramadan, reconnect, right,because we think that the Muslims everywhere after
spending a long heart period in isolation, you know, due to the pandemic.
(13:22):
Yeah, I've been feeling a littlebit more disconnected from their traditions and
communities. You know, I giveyou an example. Traditionally during Ramadan is
where people gether eat together, breakfasttogether, the prey together. Right,
But the pandemic has actually stopped allof this from happening, and a lot
of people, like the other faithand communities too, are feeling a little
(13:46):
bit more isolated. Right. Sofor us, we want to be able
to to reconnect people and true tech, so bridging tech and faith together so
that people can can reconnect true technologies. Right. So, so the idea
is that this yell. We inviteusers to reconnect with their faith and to
(14:07):
Muslim pro through a holistic experience forusers to leave thirty days of Ramadan through
our many different offerings be the food, health, soul, conversations category and
of course to help our Muslim communityexperience the best of Ramada with our app.
You know, speaking of reputation,representation, let me try to speak
(14:30):
English or speaking of representation. Nota lot of young Muslim girls were interested
in tech, unfortunately, but itseems like you've tapped into it. Can
you seem to be inspiring young womento get into the industry? Is this
something that you did by choicers?It's just something that has been a happy
(14:54):
coincidence. Well, I think itstarted off with not I mean, it
didn't start off with that objective,so right, but as we go along,
we're realizing that we're influencing a lotmore people out there, you know.
So whatever we do, we haveto make sure that it is not
only inspirational, but it's calculated rightto make sure that everything that we do
(15:20):
is is on the right basis right. So for us, I think it
is always a very encouraging thing forme to hear when when people come back
to me and said, you know, you're empowering Muslim youth. So for
me, look at the work ofsou Han, right. I'm not sure
if you know Jim, but yeah, yeah, he's an American Muslim who
(15:41):
founded Han Academy, helping bring aquality education to low income people around the
world for free. So this isan example we want to follow. Right.
So of course even in our app, you will see that currently we
have multiple offerings that is for thatis it for the different communities, for
(16:03):
the different communities. Basically we havethose free app that you can use our
tools complimentary across. Then there isthe more stagged premium and tier approach right
for those who who wants more additionaltools and benefits basically and also for us,
I think we are also starting towork towards setting up a local scholarship
program. So we want to giveback, you know, whatever that we
(16:26):
get, we want to try tomake a difference. So for each and
every year we always have a campaignthat gives back to the communities, and
for this year we're starting to workwith a local scholarship program where we're base
where basically we want to empower ourlocal Muslim first and then before going regional
(16:47):
and global. So I can saymuch more than that because it has not
started, but it is starting verysoon, and as soon as it does,
we will update you. I's wasgonna say, you know, we're
stacking up things to come back andtalk about. You really invite me back
there? There you go? Allright? You know what, I know
(17:07):
when you started out there had tobe some company's platform services. What inspired
you to join? What inspired meto join muslim Pro specifically? Yes,
okay, so I think you knowfor me um being in uh, I've
(17:29):
always been working in MNCs and bigorganizations, right, so this joining muslim
Pro was definitely a big change forme. But I think you know,
what what makes muslim Pro really standsout is how visatile is becoming. Right,
So, once I realized that thereare gets in the lifestyle market and
(17:51):
I knew of muslim Pros global outreach, you know we're in We're in hundred
and ninety markets across one hundred andtwenty million dollars. Felt that joining muslim
Pro will make a big difference tothe communities. Every single action or every
single um initiative that we take asa team. You will affect millions of
people, and I think that iswhat motivates me to really go with Muslim
(18:18):
pro But also, you know,we want to be to be seen as
the creator the perfect tech accompaniment forthe modern Muslim world against just now I
mentioned I believe that there's a gap, and I think we can try to
bridge this gap through our offerings oftech, bridging tech and faith together.
So I think this can be seenin our current work. We are constantly
(18:41):
creating content on a variety of topicsthat are relevant to young Muslims, such
as mental health, Islamic art,spiritual guidance from the Muslim pro app So
this is again we're trying out,you know, many different content to really
see what appeals to the communities outthere, and we will refine it as
(19:02):
we go along. So you cansee that this is already a shift from
previously where we're very fixed on certaintools utility tools, and now we're really
addressing more open topics and more relevanttopics to our communities. So this is
just going to evolve, and wewill continuously improve and evolve as times goes
along to be the perfect accompaniment toMuslims all over. So where do you
(19:26):
see Muslim tech going in the nextfive or ten years, Well, I
think it is going to make andI hope that muslimprove will be at the
forefront of it. But I thinkthat with the realization that Muslims is the
(19:47):
fastest growing religion, Muslim markets aredeveloping, and you know, they are
really underserved at this point. Ithink that Muslim tech will really improve ROOF
in the next five years, andI hope the Muslim grow and the likes
of it will be leading the forefrontof this. Okay, any final thoughts
(20:11):
on what you want to get outthere to the listeners and to people who
are interested, and by the way, included in these final thoughts, Please
feel free to tell us how bestwe can get in touch. Whether it's
social media, whether it's websites,whether it's whatever you want to do to
(20:36):
connect with the audience, Please feelfree to let us know. Also feel
free to pass along the information.We will keep it in the showbox below
and put it in all of ourpublications so that people will know how to
get in touch. Sure, so, I think from my end, I
think the rest the PR team willbe very much supportive of this, and
(20:59):
they will be at a better positionto do that. But I think for
me final thoughts, I really wantto put this out there that you know,
my call to the other women outthere is really um if I could,
I would like to share my favoritequote, which is filled the fear,
but do it anyway. So Ithink, you know, many times
(21:21):
I've mentioned this that the thank you. So I think for many women out
there, yes, there are alot of barriers. Yes, there are
a lot of uh, you know, barriers to entry, a lot of
hurdles along the way. But Ithink we ourselves our biggest hurdle, but
(21:41):
also our biggest motivator. Right,So don't worry about the fear, don't
worry about the misconceptions, don't worryabout what people say. Just do it
anyway. And I think we can, you know, be where we want
to be if we we fall low. Closely to this a quote. And
(22:03):
also, you know, I ama strong believer that a woman does not
need to be holding just one role. We are not defined by just as
being a wife or mother, orwater or leader. You know, we
can be each and every one ofthese roles. Yes, it requires a
lot more juggling, a lot moretime management, but I think it will
(22:25):
be very fruitful at the end ofthe day. So I just want other
women to know that, you know, we've been through this. I have
a ecosystem of women out there whowho I know have done this also,
and I think really it all stemsfrom feel the fear, but do it
anyway. That is the last thingthat I would like to say to all
(22:47):
women out there, and Happy InternationalWomen's Day. Of course, special thanks
to our special guests tear On InternationalWomen Say Farabullah of course, the managing
director of BITS Media. All theinformation on BITS Media and Farah is in
our showbox below. Thank you forjoining us on this edition of the Politically
(23:07):
Incorrect Podcast. I'm Jim Williams.
Everyone to Welcome to this edition ofthe Politically Incorrect Podcast. I'm Jim Williams,
your host. Today we celebrate InternationalWomen's Day and we do so with
my special guest, Farah Abdullah.Now. She stepped into the tech industry
last year as a force to bereckoned with. After just one year with
(00:48):
the company, she has been namedthe managing director of bits Media, a
major player in the Asia Pacific techindustry catering to Muslims all over the world.
And I have to say that,frankly, she's very impressive a lady.
She's done a great deal in abrief period of time, and we're
very happy to have you as aguest. You know, I gotta say
(01:12):
that this must have been quite amoment for you, smashing stereotypes for tech
industry and the Muslim worle. Howdoes it make you feel? Well?
It definitely has been, Jim.So I started my career when I was
just a teenager at the age ofeighteen. So I was one of those
that you can call a little bitof enthusiastic one right. So I was
(01:34):
real world skills and jump right intothe working life right after junior college.
So I took my first steps intothe professional world by working at a publishing
company, Piers and Education, andthat's when I also took my degree,
so I was working and studying atthe same time. So fast forward a
couple of years, I have movedoutwards into my first management role in Ganon,
(01:56):
a global food company. That's whereI actually run a little bit on
my skills and learn a lot.I had great mentorship there, and then
after nearly two decades, I foundmyself pivoting into a the tech industry.
So in twenty twenty one, Ibecome the first female managing director for sample
based tech company bas Media, whereI am tasked to obvious see all aspects
(02:17):
of the business at the easy today. So definitely it's been a surreal to
be in this position and being interviewedby you, and I cannot lie um
of how far I've come, AndI'm pretty proud of that, I think,
but I think it's more surreal tobe a Muslim female tech leader in
this industry. Well, there's plentyto be proud of, there's no question
(02:42):
about that. So you're okay withbeing being happy with what you've done and
and being you know, it's quitean accomplishment. But you know, the
funny thing is you're still new tothe industry. What prompted you to make
the switch? Well, honestly,it was more of individual task also,
(03:07):
right, So, I've always hadthis misconception that the tech industry is something
that's formidable and that someone who doesn'tlearn, who doesn't come from the technology
background, cannot enter into it.So it's a little bit of a personal
challenge for me, that's one.But also I wanted to leverage the skills
and expertise that I've built up foryears and serve the community that I am
(03:28):
very close to, Right So,I think these two reasons are the ones
that prompt me to make the switch. And to be honest, since I've
made the switch, I realized thatmy misconceptions are further from the truth.
I'm really able to leverage, youknow, the skills and expertise that I
have built as far with the currentservices and products that we are offering.
(03:50):
And in fact, a lot oftimes I would say that all businesses are
about the same in a sense thatwe all serve the consumer or the community
that we are serving, Right,So it's everything attuned to that. Yeah,
now you've picked a niche market.Why choose to work in the Muslim
tech specifically? What about this marketexcites you the most? Well, I
(04:17):
think the digital world can be difficultfor Muslims to navigate as content that is
not deemed promisable is widespread and easilyacceptable, right, But since then I
think there are many providing their ownanswers to Facebook and Google, and I
somehow feel that, you know,this is where content is a little bit
(04:38):
more underserved, you know, forthis market. So increasingly I see the
potential there and also investors around arealso increasingly interested in Muslim tech companies and
platforms that offer services. So Ibelieve that Muslims representing currently to in four
percent of the world's population and growingwhere very quickly. There is a little
(05:00):
bit of mismatch in terms of opportunitiesbecause we are only generating eight percent of
the world's GDP, right, soit needs somewhere our needs are undeserved it
right, So for me, thisis a great untapped opportunity to not only
provide a relevant product to the community, but also empower them to be more
digitally savy and equipped over the latesttechnology. What's the biggest challenge of working
(05:26):
in tech so far for you,M great, GRADIM. I think I
had to contend with several misconceptions aboutbeing a woman, and of course my
ability and identity a little bit,but also my ability to lead. I
don't take it personally though, becauseI think all new leaders will be subjected
(05:46):
to this at one point of time, right, like are they able to
lead the team? Are they ableto realize the vision that they that they
have committed to right and through?But I think more so being a woman,
I'm not aloning this. Successful womenare often questioned about the abilities,
(06:08):
but I'm determined not to let themlet that deterim me for sure, So
I think, yeah, let mejust tell you a little quick story here.
Okay, sure, I have sixnieces all right, and my wife,
all of whom are extremely competent andincredible women on their own right.
(06:31):
I'm sure here in the United Statesthey would answer that question the same way
you just answered that question. M. That's interesting. So are we all
pretty much the same in terms ofmindset when it comes to strong women.
Having lived with strong women my entirelife, including my mother, I can
(06:57):
assure you one of the misconceptions ofmen everywhere, and this is across the
board. Is that? And Isay this as someone who's championed women's rights
my entire life. Never underestimate,never underestimate a woman who is driven.
(07:26):
Yeah, definitely, And I think, you know, I completely agree with
that, Jim. It's because Ithink most of I think there is the
biggest challenge of women in the workforce, not only just tech, but I
think across multiple segments. Is sometimesI think is a little bit of not
only the misconceptions that we have tokind of boo those true, right,
(07:49):
but also to come up with thisshier determination and to make sure that we
are not just accepting the lack ofrepresentation of women, and what we have
to do as a woman also isto challenge the norm and push actively for
a change, and that that willhopefully help to motivate other women to rise
(08:09):
up. And you know they willdegree as soon as they rise up,
you know. So I'm a strongbeliever in this, and I'm sure the
other woman in your life is equallymotivated and strong in this too. I
can assure you you're absolutely right there. You could be one of my nieces
at this point. Um uh,well, let's see my youngest niece is
(08:33):
finishing her degree in UH in UHpsyche and psychology. So she's um,
she's twenty six, Okay, soshe's she's getting there. But I have
a pediatrician, a lawyer, twolawyers, UM, and a few teachers
(08:54):
along the way. So there's UHand my wife is a there's a doctor
herself. So as I say,I'm I grew up around strong women.
I'm happy to be around strong women. And you know, I think their
world will be a better place ifthere are more women running it. Jim,
(09:15):
I wish there's a lot more ofpeople like you for sure. Well,
tell me about bits media, Imean, because this is what we're
here to talk about, right,We want to talk about you, but
we also want to talk about whatyou're doing. Definitely, and I'm really
excited to tell you a lot moreabout bits media. So um bitts Media,
I think was established twelve years agoand as of today, we are
(09:41):
the largest utility religious utility app changingto a lifestyle app in the world.
We have just recently crossed one hundredand twenty million downloads. So imagine gym.
We have one hundred and twenty millionpeople having our app India phones so
this is really something that I getreally proud. Yeah. So I think
(10:05):
because of our outreach to the globalMuslim community, we want to do a
lot more for our community. Right. So, we initially stated as very
much a utility tool where we providereally excellent functions, usable functions like the
compass, which is where Muslims allfaith too when they need to pray,
(10:26):
the Koran and the digital Koran andalso the prayer times. Right, But
now I think we're evolving with time, and also we're providing more and more
for more and more content and moreand more lifestyle features to our app.
So one of the recent apps thatwe've added is the Street Rewards. So
(10:46):
the idea is that we encourage theglobal Muslim community to start a healthy daily
habit of tracking their worship by simplychecking the Muslim pro app consecutively to check,
you know, have they done getprayers, have then the ezekire,
have they read the Quran? Whatdeeds have they? Have they done?
You know? So the idea islike it's like your personal diary on the
(11:09):
goal, but this is for yourfaith instead of for your health or for
other things, you know, Soit's like a diary for your faith,
for your faith. Sorry, SoI think that's awesome. And also the
idea is that you know, Muslimsknow that Islam is a way of life
for many of them, right,so it touches many touch points in their
(11:31):
life. So we intend to bethe app that facilitates all of this and
soon you will here. I can'treally disclose much at the moment, but
we're coming out with our most excitingproject yet. In a few months,
we will be launching a service orplatform where Muslims can consume rich and diverse
(11:52):
content and entertainment platform that leans intothe universality of the human experience. So
basically, we want to tell storiestrue and Muslim evans, including characters,
places and circumstances that are representative andrelatable to the global Muslim communities. So
watch out for that, well wewill. We will have you back to
talk about that one, all right. So with Ramadam Reconnect and Muslim pro
(12:18):
it's the beginning of a translation transitionfrom religious services app to a lifestyle which
you were just talking about. Yes, So after launching this, clearly it's
made a connection, no pun intended, with the community, and I think
you know this is a very healthything. You know, we all need
(12:39):
to be reminded about, you know, where we are in whether spiritually or
connectivity with our communities. Right,And this is a brilliant concept. And
so why did you expand just alittle bit more on that if you don't
(13:01):
mind. Sure, So I thinkwe're calling and reconnect and I think there's
something that is really amazing the teamhas actually come up with this team so
reconnect Ramadan, reconnect, right,because we think that the Muslims everywhere after
spending a long heart period in isolation, you know, due to the pandemic.
(13:22):
Yeah, I've been feeling a littlebit more disconnected from their traditions and
communities. You know, I giveyou an example. Traditionally during Ramadan is
where people gether eat together, breakfasttogether, the prey together. Right,
But the pandemic has actually stopped allof this from happening, and a lot
of people, like the other faithand communities too, are feeling a little
(13:46):
bit more isolated. Right. Sofor us, we want to be able
to to reconnect people and true tech, so bridging tech and faith together so
that people can can reconnect true technologies. Right. So, so the idea
is that this yell. We inviteusers to reconnect with their faith and to
(14:07):
Muslim pro through a holistic experience forusers to leave thirty days of Ramadan through
our many different offerings be the food, health, soul, conversations category and
of course to help our Muslim communityexperience the best of Ramada with our app.
You know, speaking of reputation,representation, let me try to speak
(14:30):
English or speaking of representation. Nota lot of young Muslim girls were interested
in tech, unfortunately, but itseems like you've tapped into it. Can
you seem to be inspiring young womento get into the industry? Is this
something that you did by choicers?It's just something that has been a happy
(14:54):
coincidence. Well, I think itstarted off with not I mean, it
didn't start off with that objective,so right, but as we go along,
we're realizing that we're influencing a lotmore people out there, you know.
So whatever we do, we haveto make sure that it is not
only inspirational, but it's calculated rightto make sure that everything that we do
(15:20):
is is on the right basis right. So for us, I think it
is always a very encouraging thing forme to hear when when people come back
to me and said, you know, you're empowering Muslim youth. So for
me, look at the work ofsou Han, right. I'm not sure
if you know Jim, but yeah, yeah, he's an American Muslim who
(15:41):
founded Han Academy, helping bring aquality education to low income people around the
world for free. So this isan example we want to follow. Right.
So of course even in our app, you will see that currently we
have multiple offerings that is for thatis it for the different communities, for
(16:03):
the different communities. Basically we havethose free app that you can use our
tools complimentary across. Then there isthe more stagged premium and tier approach right
for those who who wants more additionaltools and benefits basically and also for us,
I think we are also starting towork towards setting up a local scholarship
program. So we want to giveback, you know, whatever that we
(16:26):
get, we want to try tomake a difference. So for each and
every year we always have a campaignthat gives back to the communities, and
for this year we're starting to workwith a local scholarship program where we're base
where basically we want to empower ourlocal Muslim first and then before going regional
(16:47):
and global. So I can saymuch more than that because it has not
started, but it is starting verysoon, and as soon as it does,
we will update you. I's wasgonna say, you know, we're
stacking up things to come back andtalk about. You really invite me back
there? There you go? Allright? You know what, I know
(17:07):
when you started out there had tobe some company's platform services. What inspired
you to join? What inspired meto join muslim Pro specifically? Yes,
okay, so I think you knowfor me um being in uh, I've
(17:29):
always been working in MNCs and bigorganizations, right, so this joining muslim
Pro was definitely a big change forme. But I think you know,
what what makes muslim Pro really standsout is how visatile is becoming. Right,
So, once I realized that thereare gets in the lifestyle market and
(17:51):
I knew of muslim Pros global outreach, you know we're in We're in hundred
and ninety markets across one hundred andtwenty million dollars. Felt that joining muslim
Pro will make a big difference tothe communities. Every single action or every
single um initiative that we take asa team. You will affect millions of
people, and I think that iswhat motivates me to really go with Muslim
(18:18):
pro But also, you know,we want to be to be seen as
the creator the perfect tech accompaniment forthe modern Muslim world against just now I
mentioned I believe that there's a gap, and I think we can try to
bridge this gap through our offerings oftech, bridging tech and faith together.
So I think this can be seenin our current work. We are constantly
(18:41):
creating content on a variety of topicsthat are relevant to young Muslims, such
as mental health, Islamic art,spiritual guidance from the Muslim pro app So
this is again we're trying out,you know, many different content to really
see what appeals to the communities outthere, and we will refine it as
(19:02):
we go along. So you cansee that this is already a shift from
previously where we're very fixed on certaintools utility tools, and now we're really
addressing more open topics and more relevanttopics to our communities. So this is
just going to evolve, and wewill continuously improve and evolve as times goes
along to be the perfect accompaniment toMuslims all over. So where do you
(19:26):
see Muslim tech going in the nextfive or ten years, Well, I
think it is going to make andI hope that muslimprove will be at the
forefront of it. But I thinkthat with the realization that Muslims is the
(19:47):
fastest growing religion, Muslim markets aredeveloping, and you know, they are
really underserved at this point. Ithink that Muslim tech will really improve ROOF
in the next five years, andI hope the Muslim grow and the likes
of it will be leading the forefrontof this. Okay, any final thoughts
(20:11):
on what you want to get outthere to the listeners and to people who
are interested, and by the way, included in these final thoughts, Please
feel free to tell us how bestwe can get in touch. Whether it's
social media, whether it's websites,whether it's whatever you want to do to
(20:36):
connect with the audience, Please feelfree to let us know. Also feel
free to pass along the information.We will keep it in the showbox below
and put it in all of ourpublications so that people will know how to
get in touch. Sure, so, I think from my end, I
think the rest the PR team willbe very much supportive of this, and
(20:59):
they will be at a better positionto do that. But I think for
me final thoughts, I really wantto put this out there that you know,
my call to the other women outthere is really um if I could,
I would like to share my favoritequote, which is filled the fear,
but do it anyway. So Ithink, you know, many times
(21:21):
I've mentioned this that the thank you. So I think for many women out
there, yes, there are alot of barriers. Yes, there are
a lot of uh, you know, barriers to entry, a lot of
hurdles along the way. But Ithink we ourselves our biggest hurdle, but
(21:41):
also our biggest motivator. Right,So don't worry about the fear, don't
worry about the misconceptions, don't worryabout what people say. Just do it
anyway. And I think we can, you know, be where we want
to be if we we fall low. Closely to this a quote. And
(22:03):
also, you know, I ama strong believer that a woman does not
need to be holding just one role. We are not defined by just as
being a wife or mother, orwater or leader. You know, we
can be each and every one ofthese roles. Yes, it requires a
lot more juggling, a lot moretime management, but I think it will
(22:25):
be very fruitful at the end ofthe day. So I just want other
women to know that, you know, we've been through this. I have
a ecosystem of women out there whowho I know have done this also,
and I think really it all stemsfrom feel the fear, but do it
anyway. That is the last thingthat I would like to say to all
(22:47):
women out there, and Happy InternationalWomen's Day. Of course, special thanks
to our special guests tear On InternationalWomen Say Farabullah of course, the managing
director of BITS Media. All theinformation on BITS Media and Farah is in
our showbox below. Thank you forjoining us on this edition of the Politically
(23:07):
Incorrect Podcast. I'm Jim Williams.
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