Every Muslim parent I speak to wants the same two things for their children: a strong connection with their deen and every opportunity to succeed in this world. Those two aspirations have never been in conflict.

But I often find myself asking whether we’re preparing our children for both, or whether we’ve become so focused on academic achievement that we’ve overlooked some of the other qualities they’ll need to thrive.

Academic success matters, and it always will. But the world our children are growing up in demands far more than strong marks alone. They will need conviction, adaptability, creativity and the confidence to build, lead and contribute in ways previous generations could scarcely have imagined.

Those questions are what inspired the Pioneers of the Future Summit, taking place on Sunday 9 August at Western Sydney University, Parramatta South.

The summit was designed around a simple idea: parents and children shouldn’t be having separate conversations about the future. While parents engage with leading educators, founders and industry professionals, young people should be experiencing the very industries and skills that will shape the world they’re inheriting.

Parents will hear from an outstanding line-up of speakers exploring what meaningful success looks like for the next generation. Joining us from the United Kingdom, Sheikh Ali Hammuda will deliver the keynote address on raising young Muslims with conviction, purpose and readiness for the world ahead before joining Mohamad Zaoud in conversation about turning good intentions into meaningful action.

The program also features Professor Talal Yassine AM, education leader Aynur Simsirel, Ahmed Khanji, Founder of Gridware Cybersecurity, and Emad Merhi, Founder of Froggy Tuition, alongside other educators and community leaders.

Together, they’ll explore questions around leadership, institution-building, entrepreneurship and how education can better prepare young people for the realities of the future while remaining firmly grounded in Islamic values.

At the same time, children aged 10–14 won’t simply be sitting through presentations. They’ll spend the day participating in hands-on experiences led by professionals working in fields that are shaping tomorrow.

They’ll explore storytelling and media with Hazen, law and governance with Mizaan Law, and technology and innovation with Muslims in Tech through practical activities that encourage them to create, solve problems and think beyond the classroom.

One of the things I’m most looking forward to is seeing parents and children leave having experienced different parts of the same conversation. Parents will gain ideas and perspectives from educators and industry leaders, while their children return home inspired by experiences that show them what learning can look like beyond textbooks and exams.

My hope is that families leave asking different questions. Not simply, “How do I help my child achieve strong academic results?” but also, “How do I raise someone who knows their purpose, serves their community and has the confidence to build something that benefits others?”

If those are questions you’ve been thinking about too, I’d love to invite you and your family to join us.

Pioneers of the Future Summit

Sunday 9 August 2026
10 am–3 pm
Western Sydney University, Parramatta South

Supported by Human Appeal as Charity Sponsor, alongside Salaam and Build Alpha Kids, with AMUST as Media Partner.

Further information and tickets are available at pioneersofthefuture.com.au