At GIFF2025 today, PCEO Prof Emeritus Dato’ Dr Azmi Omar joined a distinguished panel of global leaders from the United Nations, and the IsDB Institute at the session on “Unlocking the Power of Intra-OIC Investment.”
In a discussion centred on advancing business and cross-border linkages among OIC member states, Dato’ Azmi underscored Malaysia’s unique success story in developing a robust and sustainable Islamic finance ecosystem , one that balances vision with pragmatism and inclusivity with innovation.
He highlighted that Malaysia’s progress has been driven by a pragmatic, gradual approach supported by a comprehensive and robust regulatory framework. Malaysia’s experience demonstrates that a thriving Islamic finance industry cannot rely solely on market players; it must also nurture the entire ecosystem, producing not just financiers but also regulators, judges, scholars, and policymakers who understand and uphold Shariah and governance principles.
Dato’ Azmi also emphasised that Malaysia’s success was rooted in strong support from both the public and private sectors, where shared values and mutual trust drive collaboration and long-term commitment. The nation’s journey reflected a broader behavioural shift – one where awareness, understanding, and consistent implementation of Islamic finance principles have transformed the industry from a niche offering into a mainstream driver of sustainable development.
Through its pragmatic model and commitment to continuous learning and reform, Malaysia offers the OIC community a proven roadmap, one that combines Shariah integrity, transparency, and innovation to build investor confidence, enhance economic cooperation, and uplift societies.
Once again, INCEIF University stands at the forefront of this transformation, advancing thought leadership that strengthens Malaysia’s position as a global hub and trusted partner in Islamic finance and sustainable economic growth.
