Namanzee Harris spotlights AlHijrah Plus named Terrestrial OTT Platform - Malaysia

He shares the collaborative effort of TV AlHijrah in making the app and its content accessible and diverse for the Muslim community in Malaysia.

TV AlHijrah garnered prestigious recognition by winning the Terrestrial OTT Platform - Malaysia accolade at The Asia Pacific Broadcasting+ Awards 2024. This accolade underscores the excellence and innovation embodied by AlHijrah Plus, the digital platform developed by AlHijrah Media Corporation.

AlHijrah Plus is a digital platform that processes access to various Islamic programmes in Malaysia. The platform features a diverse selection of over 8,000 Islamic TV content, including lectures, religious programmes, and Islamic entertainment catering to the varied interests of its audience. AlHijrah Plus (AH+) plays a significant role in enhancing the understanding of Islamic values and teachings amongst Muslims in Malaysia.

In a recent interview, Mr Namanzee Harris, CEO of TV AlHijrah, offered insights into the vision behind AlHijrah Plus and its impact. Mr Harris's leadership has been instrumental in shaping the platform’s success, and he shares his perspectives on the project that has earned such esteemed recognition in the broadcasting industry.

Congratulations on winning the Terrestrial OTT Platform - Malaysia award. Can you tell us about the vision and goals behind the creation of Al Hijrah Plus, and how it aims to serve the needs of the Muslim community in Malaysia?

First, thank you very much for awarding the Terrestrial OTT Platform - Malaysia award to TV AlHijrah. Alhamdulillah & Praise to Allah, it is all and came from the collective efforts of all staff and management team of TV AlHijrah. AlHijrah Plus is an app developed by AlHijrah Media Corporation to cater to the needs of the Muslim community in Malaysia. Here are some key points that trigger the initiations of AlHijrah Plus.

The name "AlHijrah" draws inspiration from the historical event of "Hijrah,” which refers to the emigration of Prophet Muhammad and his companion Abu Bakr al-Siddiq from Mecca to Medina. This journey marked the beginning of the Islamic calendar and holds immense significance in Islamic history.

The transition of TV AlHijrah into an app-based platform, such as AH+, holds several important benefits. AH+ offers a diverse collection of Islamic TV content, including shows like My#qurantime, Hijrah Berselawat, 30 minit Ustaz Don, Cinta Ilmu, Kuliah Solat, Taman Syurga, Madrasah Al-Hijrah, Ayat Riwayat, and The Truth. These shows cover a wide range of topics, from religious education to spiritual inspiration. 

One of the many benefits of being on the OTT platform is it has global accessibility. AH+ can be accessed from anywhere in the world, making it a valuable resource for Muslims seeking quality Islamic content regardless of their location. By offering an app, TV AlHijrah expands its reach beyond traditional broadcast boundaries. The users worldwide can access Islamic content, fostering a global community.

Besides that, this app provides convenience and accessibility; it provides on-demand access, allowing users to watch their favourite shows anytime, anywhere, which means viewers no longer need to adhere to fixed TV schedules.

We took into consideration privacy and safety; this app prioritises data privacy and security. Whilst enjoying the content, users can rest assured that their data is not shared with third parties. 

In summary, embracing app-based technology will ensure TV AlHijrah remains relevant, accessible, and adaptable in the digital, thus aiming to provide a rich and accessible platform for Islamic education, inspiration, and entertainment, serving the needs of the Muslim community in Malaysia and beyond.

How do you curate and select the content available on the platform to ensure it meets the diverse needs and interests of your audience?

AH+ curates and selects content meticulously to cater to the diverse needs and interests of our audience. We have some general principles that content curation often follows. We try our best to understand our audience preferences. We usually research to understand audience demographics, preferences, and interests. We analyse viewer data, conduct surveys, and engage with the community to identify content gaps and popular topics. 

As for source variety, we source content from various creators, production houses, and independent producers, so collaborating with a diverse range of content providers will ensure a wide array of perspectives and topics. We do make quality assessments; we evaluate content based on quality, relevance, and adherence to Islamic principles. We have a team of experts who review and assess each piece of content before inclusion. 

As to balancing topics, the curation process aims to strike a balance between educational, inspirational, and entertaining content. We categorise shows into segments like religious education, lifestyle, family, and community. 

When it comes to regular updates, AH+ continuously updates its content library to keep it fresh and engaging. New shows, documentaries, and special programmes are added regularly. 

At the same time, we do listen to our audiences and celebrate the feedback loop; therefore, we actively seek feedback from viewers to improve content selection. We do appreciate user ratings, comments, and engagement metrics, which help us refine our curation strategy. 

Content curation is an ongoing process; adapting to audience preferences and evolving trends are the main priorities.

With the rise of digital platforms, how has Al Hijrah Plus leveraged technological advancements to enhance accessibility and user experience for viewers seeking Islamic content?

AH+ has harnessed technological advancements to enhance accessibility and user experience for viewers seeking Islamic content. There are a few ways we have achieved these like global accessibility; AH+ can be accessed from anywhere in the world, ensuring that users worldwide can enjoy its content. This global reach enhances accessibility for Muslims regardless of their location. 

Through push notifications, AH+ has improved push notification stability, providing consistent updates to users and these notifications keep viewers informed about new content, events, and special programmes. 

By using advanced analytics, AH+ integrates advanced analytics to understand user interactions better, so the insights from analytics help optimise content recommendations and personalise the viewing experience. 

As for data privacy and security, AH+ prioritises data safety by not sharing user data with third parties and whilst data isn't encrypted, users can request data deletion if needed. 

In summary, AH+ leverages technology to make Islamic content accessible, engaging, and relevant for its diverse audience.

What are your future plans to expand and enhance its offerings?

In AH+'s future, of course, we want to increase the number of our subscribers and downloads and at the same time, we would like to expand and enhance our offerings through:

Content diversification: We plan to introduce new shows, documentaries, and educational programmes to cater to a broader audience. We would also love to explore niche topics within Islamic content, such as history, culture, and contemporary issues. 

Interactive features: We plan to enhance user engagement by adding interactive elements like quizzes, polls, and live Q&A sessions. These will foster community participation and discussion. 

Localisation: Through our experience as TV programmes, tailor-made content will be our priority in specific regions or cultural contexts within Malaysia. We will collaborate with local scholars, artists, and selected influencers. 

Mobile experience optimisation: We will continuously improve the app's user interface, navigation, and performance. All this will be optimised for various devices and screen sizes. 

Personalisation: We will strive to implement personalised recommendations based on user preferences and viewing history; thus, it will offer customisable playlists and content filters, just like YouTube and such. So, in general, just like other OTT providers, AH+'s commitment to quality, accessibility, and user satisfaction will drive our future enhancements.