Islamic finance is no longer confined to Muslim-majority countries. It is now a global phenomenon, with assets surpassing USD3 trillion worldwide. This reflects growing global recognition of ethical finance’s value in fostering resilience and sustainability, Permanent Secretary (Wawasan) at the Prime Minister’s Office Pengiran Hajah Siti Nirmala binti Pengiran Haji Mohammad,
Highlighting the importance of Islamic finance to the Sultanate, Pengiran Hajah Siti Nirmala said for Brunei, Islamic finance is a cornerstone of the country’s financial sector and aligns seamlessly with Brunei Vision 2035.
“Brunei’s commitment to integrating Islamic finance principles with modern financial practices demonstrates how ethical frameworks can contribute to long-term prosperity and environmental stewardship,” she said presiding over the opening ceremony of the inaugural International Conference on Islamic Finance and Sustainability (ICIFS) 2025 yesterday on behalf of the guest of honour, Minister at the Prime Minister’s Office and Minister of Finance and Economy II Dato Seri Setia Dr Awang Haji Mohd Amin Liew bin Abdullah.
Organised by Universiti Brunei Darussalam (UBD) at Balai Khazanah Islam Sultan Haji Hassanal Bolkiah, the ICIFS 2025 themed ‘The Role of Islamic Finance in Achieving Sustainable Development Goals’ is dedicated to exploring the vital role that Islamic financial principles play in global sustainability efforts.
Another key highlight during the opening ceremony was the exchange of several memoranda of understanding with key stakeholders, symbolising a shared commitment to advancing sustainability and innovation in Islamic finance.
The agreements serve as a catalyst for significant collaborative efforts between UBD, UBD School of Business and Economics and its partners.
Formal partnerships were established with the Brunei Darussalam Central Bank, UN Global Compact Malaysia and Brunei, and Ozean. – James Kon
