In the fast-changing world of digital communication, Bitsmedia is dedicated to building Muslim connections and bringing diverse cultures together. Led by the managing director, Nafees Khundker, the company has successfully catered to the needs of millions of users, offering a comprehensive suite of innovative features.
Founded in 2009, Bitsmedia has seen its Muslim Pro app become a global phenomenon, with over 160 million downloads worldwide. Nafees attributes this success to the app’s focus on “enhancing the overall Muslim lifestyle aspect,” offering features beyond basic functionalities.
In an exclusive interview with SME, Nafees shared insights into the ethos driving Bitsmedia’s success and the company’s vision for the future. “At Bitsmedia, we believe in leveraging technology to foster understanding and unity among people of diverse backgrounds,” Nafees said, adding that a key principle guiding Bitsmedia’s approach is a deep respect for cultural nuances and sensitivities.
The firm emphasises the importance of authenticity and localisation in serving diverse communities. “We recognise that one size does not fit all. That’s why we invest heavily in tailoring our products to meet the specific needs and preferences of our users, whether they are in Kuala Lumpur, London, or New York,” Nafees said.
Social Impact Initiatives
Beyond its commitment to serving its user base, Bitsmedia is also dedicated to driving positive social impact. Through partnerships with NGOs and charitable organizations, the company has facilitated initiatives ranging from disaster relief efforts to educational programs.
“Technology has the power to effect meaningful change. As a responsible corporate citizen, we strive to leverage our resources and expertise to make a difference in the world.”
Underlining their commitment to becoming the ‘Digital Home for All Things Muslim’, Bitsmedia recently secured US$20 million in Series A funding from Gobi Partner. This financial boost positions them to expand their flagship app, Muslim Pro, and their content streaming platform, Qalbox.
The latest investment aligns perfectly with Bitsmedia’s vision. Nafees said: “Their TaqwaTech initiative shares our focus on leveraging technology to address digital needs and enhance the experience of Muslims.
“This partnership will facilitate the expansion of Qalbox, offering curated and safe content catering to all ages and will significantly propel the app’s future development, enabling advancements in artificial intelligence capabilities, enriching content offerings, and strengthening educational features.”
New features include an AI-powered chatbot for Islamic queries and personalised content recommendations, Nafees said.
The Halal Landscape
Halal, now a ubiquitous term, holds a significant place in Bitsmedia’s multifaceted approach. Recognising the vastness of this landscape and Muslim culture, Nafees emphasises the need for collaboration.
“We are now investing and working with companies to partner with because it’s not possible that the halal landscape or this whole Muslim culture is so wide that I don’t think anyone can do it themselves,” he explained
Asked about the importance of AI in navigating this intricate landscape, Nafees said: “We also want to partner with different organizations and then provide different halal-related services wherever we can.”.
Bitsmedia, among others, aims to facilitate access to Islamic finance, he said while distinguishing the ease of such services in Malaysia compared to the challenges faced in the United States. Nafees envisions partnerships to streamline Islamic deposits and finance opportunities, making a tangible impact on users’ lives.
With Bitsmedia’s existing database, the journey toward these goals is a matter of incremental growth. “We can’t do this thing in one day; we will do it with a partner, we will do it one-by-one, we will do it right,” Nafees said.
Tailored Approaches for Diverse Markets
Nafees said that BitsMedia’s strategy is rooted in a tailored approach, aligning content and features with the unique cultural preferences and needs of Muslim communities in each region. “This includes localised campaigns, collaborations with local influencers, and content partnerships like the ‘Quran Live Bootcamp’ with the Ulum Al-Azhar Academy.
According to Nafees, Malaysia is a special country for BitsMedia. As such, Qalbox’s content creation strategy relies heavily on data analysis to curate culturally and spiritually relevant content for the Malaysian audience. “We are committed to delivering content that aligns with these broader trends and enriches the viewing experience by embracing Malaysia’s unique cultural and spiritual fabric.”
Looking ahead, Nafees shared his vision where Bitsmedia continues to innovate and expand its reach while staying true to its core values. “The digital landscape is constantly evolving, presenting us with new opportunities and challenges,” he reflected.
“But as long as we remain steadfast in our commitment to serving our community and upholding our principles, I am confident that Bitsmedia will continue to thrive.”
“The latest investment allows us to broaden our services, encompassing all facets of the Muslim lifestyle. We are excited to build upon our achievements and truly become the Digital Home for All Things Muslim.”
