Muslim Diversity Study (MDS)

A National Longitudinal Study of Muslim Diversity and Flourishing in Aotearoa New Zealand

Yasir Saifudeen


Yasir Saifudeen Shemeena is a Bachelor of Management Studies (Honours) student at the University of Waikato with a deep commitment to community leadership and youth development. Over the past four years, he has played an active role in shaping the future of young Muslims in Aotearoa through service, advocacy, and leadership.

Yasir has served on the boards of multiple national and regional youth organisations, including the National Islamic Youth Association, As-Habul Imaan Muslim Youth Association, New Zealand University Muslim Students’ Association, and Waikato Muslim Students’ Association. He is also a key member of the New Zealand Eid Day team in Hamilton and contributes to several other Muslim initiatives across the country. Through these roles, he has gained extensive experience in governance, event management, community engagement, and strategic planning.

Alongside his academic studies, Yasir dedicates significant time to grassroots community work. His efforts focus on building platforms for young Muslims to connect, develop, and thrive, while also ensuring their voices are represented at institutional and national levels. He has been at the forefront of projects that strengthen youth identity and provide safe spaces for Muslim youth to grow as confident leaders of tomorrow.