News

IsDB, INCEIF University, and Bank Negara Malaysia Launch the Global Islamic Economist Programme to Cultivate Future Development Leaders

16
Jun

Baku, Azerbaijan, 16 June 2026 – The Islamic Development Bank (IsDB) and INCEIF University, in strategic collaboration with Bank Negara Malaysia (BNM), today officially launched the Global Islamic Economist Programme (GIEP) during the Halal Economy Leadership Forum 2026, held on the sidelines of the 2026 IsDB Group Annual Meetings.

GIEP is a pioneering capacity-building and leadership initiative designed to establish a premier global platform for talent development. The programme aims to bridge the gap between academic theory and practical policymaking within the Islamic economics and finance sectors, equipping professionals to address contemporary global economic challenges.

The official launch was marked by an exchange of documents between IsDB and INCEIF University. The milestone event was witnessed by a distinguished panel of dignitaries and industry leaders, including:

  • H.E. Adnan Zaylani Mohamad Zahid, Deputy Governor of Bank Negara Malaysia and Acting IsDB Governor for Malaysia;
  • Dr Khalid Khalafalla, CEO of the Islamic Corporation for the Insurance of Investment and Export Credit (ICIEC), IsDB Group;
  • Professor Emeritus Dato’ Dr Azmi Omar, President & CEO of INCEIF University;
  • Dr Issa Faye, Director General of Global Practices and Partnerships at IsDB;
  • Mr Samer Elesawi, Head of IsDB Centre of Excellence in Kuala Lumpur; and
  • Dr Mohamed Eskandar Shah, CEO of ISRA Associates.

GIEP is structured to cultivate a new generation of economists, policymakers, and development professionals. By integrating global thought leadership in Islamic economics with modern finance, financial technology (fintech), and sustainable development principles, the programme prepares participants to drive inclusive and resilient economic growth.

The inaugural pilot cohort will comprise up to 20 mid-career professionals from within the ASEAN region. This first intake will undergo a structured, comprehensive training journey built on four pillars:

  • Global Thought Leadership: Access to world-class faculty and leading experts specialising in sustainability, waqf, and the ethical economy.
  • Executive Education: An intensive, two-week residential training programme focused on advanced economic applications.
  • Expert Mentorship: Direct guidance from internationally recognised experts, central bank officials, and Shariah scholars.
  • Applied Policy Research: Practical research projects designed to address real-world national development priorities and social-economic challenges.

By leveraging shared resources and expertise, GIEP aims to build a sustainable pipeline of talent capable of shaping future-ready economies across IsDB Member Countries and beyond.

For detailed information regarding eligibility criteria, application requirements, and programme structure, please visit the official GIEP portal at: https://giep.inceif.edu.my/