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KUALA LUMPUR, 25 October 2025 – INCEIF University today marked a momentous occasion as it celebrated its 16th Convocation Ceremony at Sasana Kijang, Bank Negara Malaysia, honouring the achievements of 229 graduates from 22 countries, including Belgium, Egypt, France, Gambia, and Uzbekistan.
The convocation also commemorated INCEIF’s 20th Anniversary, a milestone that underscores two decades of the university’s leadership in advancing Islamic finance education, research, and thought leadership globally.
The ceremony was officiated by INCEIF University Chancellor Tan Sri Nor Shamsiah Mohd Yunus, who conferred the degrees and certificates upon the graduates, with Chairman of the Board of Directors, Tan Sri Azman Mokhtar, members of the Board, and distinguished guests in attendance.
This year’s ceremony featured a Commencement Address by Tan Sri Dr Zeti Akhtar Aziz, one of INCEIF’s founders and its first Chancellor (2009-2022) during her tenure as Governor of Bank Negara Malaysia. In her address, Tan Sri Dr Zeti reflected on the university’s founding vision and its evolution into a globally respected institution recognised for academic excellence and ethical leadership in Islamic finance.
The ceremony also included the Conferment of Professor Datuk Dr Syed Othman Alhabshi as Professor Emeritus, honouring his distinguished contributions to academia and Islamic finance. Having served INCEIF University since its formative years (2007–2017), including as Deputy President (Academic) from 2009 to 2017, Professor Datuk Dr Syed Othman has been instrumental in shaping the university’s academic framework and advancing the study and practice of Islamic economics and finance globally.
In his convocation address, INCEIF President & CEO Professor Emeritus Dato’ Dr Azmi Omar congratulated the Class of 2025, commending their perseverance and dedication. He described the convocation as both a celebration of achievement and a reaffirmation of INCEIF’s commitment to bridging the gap between theory and practice in Islamic finance education.
“Our partnerships with industry and global institutions reflect the growing trust in INCEIF’s ability to deliver education that is both academically rigorous and practically relevant,” he said. “This confidence from our collaborators continues to inspire us to produce graduates who are not only skilled professionals but also ethical leaders, ready to shape a more sustainable and inclusive financial ecosystem.”
Among this year’s graduating class are 17 professionals from the Maldives Zakat House, the first cohort to complete the Professional Certificate in Islamic Finance (Islamic Social Finance specialisation), and 91 participants from Etiqa Takaful, who completed the Professional Certificate in Islamic Finance (Takaful and Wealth Management). The Etiqa cohort is INCEIF’s largest customised professional programme to date, reflecting the university’s strong collaboration with industry and commitment to workforce development.
Professor Emeritus Dato’ Dr Azmi reflected that INCEIF’s 20th anniversary, celebrated under the theme “Building Legacy. Inspiring Innovation.”, represents both a moment of reflection and a renewed pledge to lead in sustainable and ethical finance. “Our alumni now span 90 countries, shaping financial systems, guiding policy, and expanding inclusion across regions. This is Malaysia’s quiet strength, we build people, not just markets.”
The Government of Malaysia recently reaffirmed its confidence in INCEIF’s leadership role in Islamic finance. As outlined in Budget 2026, INCEIF will lead the development of the Islamic Social Finance Strategy Guidelines and the establishment of a national data repository to coordinate information on zakat, waqf, sadaqah, and other Islamic social finance initiatives.
Concluding his remarks, Professor Emeritus Dato’ Dr Azmi reminded the graduates that knowledge was an amanah — a trust that must be used to benefit humanity. “As you embark on your next journey, use knowledge as your guide and amanah as your compass. We are confident that you will continue to lead with integrity, serve with humility, and inspire through excellence.”
Speech
- Convocation Address by PCEO Prof Emeritus Dato’ Dr Azmi Omar
- Commencement Address by Tan Sri Dr Zeti Akhtar Aziz
Ends.