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Kuala Lumpur, 17 – 18 November 2025
INCEIF University successfully concluded the 2nd INCEIF Academic Research in Islamic Economics and Finance Conference (I-ARIEF 2025), which brought together more than 70 participants, including scholars, industry experts and policymakers to examine how Artificial Intelligence (AI) is transforming Islamic finance. Held at the INCEIF University campus, the two-day conference explored the theme “Islamic Finance in the Artificial Intelligence Era: Bridging Technology and Sustainability.”
In his Welcoming Remarks, President & CEO of INCEIF University, Professor Emeritus Dato’ Dr Azmi Omar, emphasised the need for responsible and ethical integration of AI within financial systems.
“Artificial Intelligence offers immense potential, but its adoption must be grounded in ethics, trust and Shariah principles. Technology should strengthen — not compromise — our values,” he said.
He added that while AI could expand financial access, it must be built with fairness, transparency and societal responsibility.
The keynote address by CEO, President, Dean & Distinguished Professor at the Asia School of Business, Professor Dr Joseph Cherian, highlighted how AI, Islamic finance and sustainable development can work together to uplift communities.
“In an age where algorithms shape decisions, Islamic finance can serve as a moral compass — ensuring technology benefits people and protects communities,” he said, underscoring the need for human judgment in guiding AI systems.
The conference also featured an address by Founder and Executive Chairman of Silverlake Group, Mr Goh Peng Ooi, who emphasised the importance of ensuring that digital transformation remained humane, purposeful and resilient.
A key moment on the first day was the signing of a Memorandum of Understanding between INCEIF University and Universitas PTIQ Jakarta, strengthening academic collaboration and joint research initiatives regionally. The Indonesian university is said to be one of the first institutions in the world dedicated to integrating Quran memorisation with formal higher education. With strong academic foundations in Quranic studies, Shariah, Islamic education, and Islamic economics, the university blends traditional Islamic scholarship with contemporary academic approaches.
The two-day programme featured papers on Halal governance, AI innovation, sustainability, financial inclusion and digital ethics, reflecting the rich research landscape in AI and Islamic finance. The I-ARIEF 2025 Best Paper Awards recognised three outstanding contributions:
- More than Words: AI-Driven ESG Communication and Risk-Taking in Islamic Banks — Annisa Fithria, Turalay Kenc and Kinan Salim
- Exploration of Machine Learning Algorithms for Compliance in Islamic Fintech in Indonesia — Irsyad Noeri
- Architecting Next-Gen Islamic Finance: Delivering Value-Driven Solutions — Muhamad Said Fathurrohman
These works highlighted innovative, AI-enabled approaches that can strengthen the future of Islamic finance.
The conference concluded with Closing Remarks by INCEIF’s Deputy President Academic and Dean of School of Graduate Studies Professor Dr Mansor Ibrahim, who is the Chairman of the 2nd I-ARIEF Conference 2025. He emphasised on the importance of continued collaboration and ethical leadership as AI becomes more deeply integrated into the financial sector. Participants later enjoyed a guided visit to the Islamic Arts Museum Malaysia, located near INCEIF, marking an enriching end to two days of knowledge-sharing and meaningful conversations.
