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Kuala Lumpur, 26 Sept 2025 – INCEIF University was honoured to be invited to the Focus Group Meeting on Islamic Finance for Budget 2026, organised by the Ministry of Finance in collaboration with Bank Negara Malaysia (BNM). The meeting, held at at Sasana Kijang BNM, was chaired by YB Senator Datuk Seri Amir Hamzah Azizan, Minister of Finance II, and brought together policymakers, regulators, and industry leaders to discuss the future direction of Islamic finance in Malaysia and its significance for Budget 2026.
INCEIF was privileged to be the sole university at the meeting, reflecting its recognised role as a global thought leader and knowledge partner in Islamic finance. The University’s inclusion underscores its expertise and contribution in shaping the sector’s future. Representing INCEIF were President & CEO Professor Emeritus Dato’ Dr Azmi Omar and Chief Financial Officer YM Raja Mohamad Shahadan Raja Mohamed.
Dato’ Azmi emphasised INCEIF’s input during the session: “We gave input on the importance of Islamic Finance and Islamic Social Finance as a catalyst for new areas of innovation which will strengthen Malaysia’s position as a global hub for Islamic Finance. We also proposed new growth opportunities that could be explored through market expansion and the use of digital technology to increase efficiency and competitiveness in Islamic finance.”
The focus group convened key stakeholders including the Association of Islamic Banking and Financial Institutions Malaysia, Malaysian Takaful Association, Malaysian Investment Banking Association, Federation of Investment Managers Malaysia, Malaysian Association of Asset Managers, Association of Development Finance Institutions of Malaysia, Bursa Malaysia, Retirement Fund, Employees Provident Fund, Tabung Haji, Labuan FSA, Securities Commission Malaysia, and others.
The session served as a platform to gather insights for Budget 2026, while also exploring policy directions on emerging growth opportunities in Islamic finance. Discussions highlighted the importance of expanding markets and leveraging digital technology to enhance efficiency, resilience, and global competitiveness.
As the world’s only university dedicated to Islamic finance, INCEIF’s participation reaffirms its pivotal role as a knowledge partner and thought leader. Being invited to sit alongside national policymakers and industry captains underscores the recognition of INCEIF’s academic and research expertise in shaping the future of Islamic finance, both locally and globally.
YB Senator Datuk Seri Amir Hamzah, in his address, emphasised the transformative potential of Islamic finance instruments as key catalysts for unlocking new value and strengthening Malaysia’s position as a leading global hub for Islamic finance.
INCEIF remains committed to contributing research-driven insights, talent development, and innovative solutions to support national priorities and ensure Islamic finance continues to advance sustainable and inclusive economic growth for Malaysia, and globally.
