WIEF Roundtable, Economic Rebound: Transforming the Future
27 September 2022
9.00 AM - 5.15 PM
Setia SPICE Convention Centre, Penang, Malaysia
The COVID-19 pandemic has resulted in a massive disruption across the entire socioeconomic spectrum globally. Apart from the effects on lives and livelihoods, its ramifications included higher inflation, rising food and energy prices, slow GDP growth and slowdown in world trade. With the virus receding to endemic in most countries, governments and businesses alike are now exploring ways and opportunities to stimulate growth through various means from digital transformation to business augmentation leading to more sustainable, resilient and equitable development.
This WIEF Roundtable, Penang 2022 held during challenging times, brings together representatives of governments, organisations and private sector as well as prominent individuals to address relevant issues and strategies pertaining to sustainable recovery in order to transform the future.
| 9.00 am – 9.30 am | Onsite Registration |
| 9.30 am – 10.15 am |
Opening Ceremony
Doa recital Welcoming Remarks by Tan Sri Dr Syed Hamid bin Syed Jaafar Albar, Chairman, WIEF Foundation Opening Remarks by YB Dato’ Ir. Hj. Ahmad Zakiyiddin bin Abd Rahman, Deputy Chief Minister 1, State of Penang Keynote Address by TYT Tun Dato’ Seri Utama Ahmad Fuzi bin Abdul Razak, Governor of the State of Penang |
| 10.15 am – 11.15 am |
SESSION 1
Economic Revitalisation: Mapping a Sustainable Recovery The COVID-19 pandemic has resulted in both health and economic crises globally. The economic impact is enormous with long-lasting repercussions for people, businesses and governments. Medium and long-term economic recovery programmes by governments as well as revival plans and strategies by organisations and businesses are necessary with the potential to create a sustainable and resilient recovery. This Session will explore:
Speakers:
Moderator
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| 11.15 am –12.15 pm | SESSION 2
Net Zero Transition: Growing Urgency Governments and businesses alike are increasingly committed to climate action. Despite the growing importance to achieve net-zero by 2050 as per UN’s Race to Zero campaign, the net-zero equation is still unsolved due to the scale of the task at hand. For instance, power and industry are major energy consumers and together they generate about 60 percent of CO2 emissions. This Session will explore:
Panel Speakers:
Moderator:
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| 12.15 pm – 12.45 pm |
SPECIAL ADDRESS ON HALAL TRANSFORMATION JOURNEY Speaker:
Moderator:
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| 12.45 pm – 2.00 pm |
LUNCH / INFORMAL NETWORKING |
| 2.00 pm – 3.00 pm |
SESSION 3
Digital Transformation Revolution: Embracing Technology COVID-19 pandemic has transformed society and hastened the adoption of digital technology in all spheres of the economy. By leveraging the internet, smartphones, big data, the internet of things, artificial intelligence, robotics, virtual and augmented reality as well as other digital technologies, governments and private sector can increase productivity, spur innovation and improve livelihoods. However, this process has also exposed and exacerbated the digital inequality and gaps globally. This Session will explore:
Panel Speakers:
Moderator
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| 3.00 pm – 4.00 pm |
SESSION 4
Muslim-friendly Tourism and Hospitality: Capturing Opportunities Despite being the fastest growing global travel sector, the Muslim-friendly tourism industry has been affected by the onslaught of COVID-19 pandemic. As travel returns, this niche industry will be greatly sought after by observant Muslims looking for suitable holiday destinations. The Session will discuss:
Panel Speakers:
Moderator
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| 4.00 pm – 5.00 pm |
SESSION 5
Revitalising Waqf: Role of Islamic Finance Waqf development has been hampered due to lack of comprehensive ecosystem such as lack of legislation, governance, professionalism and funding. Islamic finance industry particularly Islamic capital market has the capacity to support the development of waqf assets. The Session will explore:
Panel Speakers:
Moderator
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| 5.00 pm – 5.15 pm |
CLOSING CEREMONY
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| 5.15 pm | END OF WIEF ROUNDTABLE |
| WIEF NETWORKING | |
| COMPLEMENTARY PROGRAMMES | |
DISCLAIMER / NOTES:
- The Organisers reserve the right to alter the content and timing of the programme without prior notice, in the best interest of the event and are not responsible for cancellations due to unforeseen circumstances.
- Programme as of 21 September 2022
ABOUT AMARI SPICE PENANG
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AMARI SPICE PENANG is the city’s new leading business convention hotel offering vibrant experiences to guests on a business or “bleisure” trip, directly connected to the SPICE Convention Centre. Situated in the heart of Penang’s Central Business District, Bayan Lepas and a 5km drive from Penang International Airport.
The hotel offers 453 contemporary designed guest rooms and suites with thoughtfully designed touches, each room and suite feature a smart workspace, a smart TV, and high-speed Wi-Fi connectivity.
The hotel also features a 240-square-meter pillar-less ballroom with a spacious pre-function space and five function rooms, an all-day dining Amaya Food Gallery, Amaya Bar, Cascade lobby lounge, Aqua Bar, FIT Centre, and outdoor saltwater swimming pool.
Amari SPICE Penang
2, Persiaran Mahsuri
11900 Bayan Lepas, Penang, Malaysia
Supported By
Media Partner
Tan Sri Dr Syed Hamid Albar
Chairman
World Islamic Economic Forum Foundation
Tan Sri Dr Syed Hamid began his career in the Judicial and Legal Service as a magistrate in 1970 and was appointed President of the Sessions Court in 1971. He then pursued a career in the financial and banking sector locally and internationally from 1972 to 1986. In the years 1986 to 1990, he became a partner in the law firm of Albar, Zulkifly and Yap. He was a Member of Parliament from 1990 to 2013, during which time he held various ministerial positions including Minister in the Prime Minister’s Department and Minister of Justice, Minister of Defence, Minister of Home Affairs and most notably, Minister of Foreign Affairs. Tan Sri Dr Syed Hamid’s last held position was Chairman of the Land Public Transport Commission of Malaysia (SPAD), from 2010 to 2017. Tan Sri Dr Syed Hamid holds a Barrister-at-Law degree from the Middle Temple, U.K. and was called to the Malaysian Bar in 1974. He also holds a Masters Degree in Human Sciences (Political Science) from International Islamic University Malaysia and a PhD in International Relations from Asia e University, Kuala Lumpur. Tan Sri Dr Syed Hamid is currently an adjunct professor of three (3) universities, namely, Universiti Kebangsaan Malaysia (UKM), Universiti Malaya (UM) and Universiti Melaka (UNIMEL) as well as Chairman of the OIC Study Group (OICSG).
In recognition of his services to the nation, Tan Sri Dr Syed Hamid was conferred the Order of the Defender of the Realm (PMN) by the King of Malaysia which carries the title “Tan Sri”, in 2009.
About PlusVibes
PlusVibes is an all-in-one mental health solutions provider that believes prevention is better than cure. The company has supported over 30,000 members consisting of employees, students and the public through its mobile application and workshops. Its data shows that it has prevented 800 suicide ideations and continuously provides support to over 200 suicide ideations every week. Founded by Madiha Fuad, PlusVibes aims to provide anonymous and non-intrusive emotional support as well as motivation. Its mobile app focuses on providing members with on-demand, 24/7 emotional comfort, while providing methods for self-awareness and self-development. The company was developed through input from psychiatrists, doctors, mental health counsellors and those facing mental health challenges.
PlusVibes believes in increasing growth opportunities for those with psychology-related education through its Viber programme. Currently, it has a team of over 200 Vibers and it is continuously growing. PlusVibes is your gateway to positive vibes. Mental stress affects everyone and if not given attention, it may increase the likelihood of mental illness. For more information, please visit www.plusvibes.com or contact us at info@plusvibes.com.
Suhaimi Sulaiman
Media Personality & Entrepreneur
MALAYSIA
Suhaimi Sulaiman is author of I Hate Reading the Teleprompter, and a Malaysian media personality. He was Chairman of BERNAMA, a Malaysian national news agency. He was Chief Executive Officer as well as Editor-in-Chief of Astro AWANI and former CEO of Sarawak Media Group. He has mentored many leaders and journalists in Malaysia and currently runs a café, backpackers hostel and boutique in Melaka, Malaysia.
Suhaimi started his career as a broadcast journalist and anchorman at TV3 in 1990. He attended CNN Journalism Fellowship Management Session at its headquarters in Atlanta in September 2014 and is a CNN Journalism Fellow. He is an experienced trainer and coach of media strategies, crisis communications and branding.
Suhaimi has a degree in business administration from Portland State University, United States and an MBA from City University in Washington.
Mohamed Abida
Head
Islamic Development Bank Centre of Excellence
Kuala Lumpur
Mohamed Abida is Head of Islamic Development Bank (IsDB) Centre of Excellence in Kuala Lumpur. He worked at IsDB headquarters in various positions including manager at the Office of IsDB President and as an information and communication technologies specialist at the Science and Technology Office. He was an economic officer at the United Nations Conference on Trade and Development (UNCTAD) in Geneva as well as an adviser and member of the Cabinet of the Minister of Communication Technologies in Tunisia.
A Tunisian national, Abida holds a software engineering degree from Tunisian National Computer Science Engineering School and a master’s degree in aerospace technologies from SupAero, France. He also holds a master’s degree in telecommunications regulation and policy from University for West Indies.
Dr Nazneen Ahmed
Country Economist
United Nations Development Programme (UNDP)
Bangladesh
Dr Nazneen Ahmed is the Country Economist at UNDP Bangladesh. She has extensive research experience in macroeconomic management, international trade issues, industry, private sector, SME development, labour rights and gender issues. Prior to joining UNDP, she worked as a Senior Research Fellow at the Bangladesh Institute of Development Studies and also served as a Director of the Palli Sanchay Bank in Bangladesh.
Dr Nazneen is a member of the senior management team of UNDP and leads its policy and strategic advisory activities as well as supports gender sensitivity in programmes and operations. She has published in renowned journals including the World Development, Bangladesh Development Studies, Journal of Contemporary Asia and Journal of Developing Areas.
Dr Nazneen holds a PhD from University of Wageningen, Holland and a master’s degree in development economics from Sussex University, UK. She also has a bachelor’s as well as master’s degrees in economics from University of Dhaka.
Robert Dan J. Roces
Assistant Vice President and Chief Economist
Security Bank Corporation
Philippines
Robert Dan J. Roces is an Assistant Vice President and Chief Economist at Security Bank Corporation in the Philippines.
Dan has experience in research economics and data analytics from government, academia, consulting and private sectors. He was an economist and research lead in the Senate and more recently was a data scientist in the IT and insurance industries. He was ranked one of the top individuals in research by The Asset Benchmark Magazine for 2020 and 2021. He was in the top three of Bloomberg’s ranking of local inflation forecast accuracy in 2021.
Dan holds a Master of Science degree in economics from De La Salle University in Manila, where he has also taught financial economics and econometrics.
Dr Ng Shin Wei
Project Manager
Penang Green Council
Malaysia
Dr Ng Shin Wei is the Project Manager leading the Penang Green Agenda 2030 initiative at Penang Green Council, that aims at localising climate change and sustainable development policies at local government level. She has over 12 years of experience in the fields of climate change, EU-China cooperation and sustainable development. She has experience in low carbon urbanisation and energy transition, green finance and sustainable development policy.
Prior to joining Penang Green Council, Shin Wei worked as Senior Policy Advisor at E3G (Third Generation Environmentalism) in London, which was voted as the top environmental think tank in the UK. Her past projects included Bonn-Chengdu Low Carbon City Partnership, China Green Finance and Investment Dialogue, and EU-China Low Carbon Zones.
Dr Ng Shin Wei obtained her LLB from University of Leeds, LPC from Oxford Institute of Legal Practice and LLM as well as PhD in Law from University College London, UK.
Dr Professor Katsuhiko Hirose
Chief Executive Officer and Chief Consultant
HyWealth Co.
Japan
Dr Professor Katsuhiko Hirose is the Chief Executive Officer and Chief Consultant of HyWealth Co., Japan. He was an engineer at Toyota engineering and has help developed world strategy on hybrid and fuel vehicle deployment. He played a key role in the development of the first hybrid vehicle Prius for emission and fuel economy.
Dr Katsuhiko is a founding secretary of the world hydrogen consortium “Hydrogen Council” and a co-chairman of several key reports. He is an independent consultant for hydrogen energy system and advanced mobility, and promotes them in international fora. He is a member of Engie SV, a scientific council that advises companies such as Toyota Motor and Mitsui & Co. Ltd. He is a visiting professor at I2CNER Kyushu University, to develop methodologies to implement environmental technologies into society.
Dr Katsuhiko Hirose holds a BSc in physics and MSc in applied physics from University of Nagoya, and a PhD in Mechanical Science from Kyushu University, Japan.
Gauri Singh
Deputy Director General
International Renewable Energy Agency (IRENA)
United Arab Emirates
Gauri Singh is the Deputy Director-General of International Renewable Energy Agency. She has more than 30 years of experience in policy, advocacy and project implementation within the field of renewable energy and sustainable development from India and internationally.
Before to IRENA, Ms. Singh worked for India’s federal and provincial governments. Federally, she led the development of the National Solar Mission of India policy in 2010 to build solar power capacities in India. At the Madhya Pradesh provincial government, she steered the rural development sector, providing strategic guidance for planning and implementation of large initiatives, for poverty reduction and sustainable development. She spearheaded the policy formulation and initiatives, with a strong focus on climate resilience and adaptation, to support livelihoods of two million poor women.
Ms. Singh is an alumna of Delhi University, India with major in Economics.
Nordin Abdullah
Managing Director
Glenreagh Sdn Bhd
Nordin Abdullah is the Managing Director of Glenreagh Sdn Bhd. He sits on the board of the Malaysia Australia Business Council, was the Vice Chairman of the Malaysia International Chamber of Commerce and Industry and the World Halal Forum. Nordin was an advisor for various multinational companies and international governments on business in Malaysia. He was involved in policy and strategic planning on selected projects in Malaysia including the developing parts of the 3rd Industrial Master Plan and various strategic plans for state governments.
Nordin developed several publications, television and radio shows, online media brands as well as documentaries. A Working Lunch with Nordin is a popular weekly show on LinkedIn and various social media platforms and websites. He established the Crisis Management Centre to assist individuals, corporations and governments to effectively deal with all aspects of crisis.
Datuk Dr Hamzah Kassim
Co-founder
The iA Group, Malaysia
Datuk Dr Hamzah Kassim is the Co-Founder of iA Group, an investment holding company with interest in management and technology consulting, and digital start up. He has over 35 years of experience working across global consulting firms and public sector. Prior to iA Group, he was Executive Director and Partner of Ernst and Young as well as Country Head and Vice President of Cap Gemini.
Datuk Dr Hamzah is Chairman of Hong Leong Islamic Bank, board member of Hong Leong Bank, Advisory Board Member of Malaysia Anti- Corruption Commission, Board of Trustee of Malaysian Institute of Economic Research where he facilitates a special project on the Islamic digital economy. He was a member of National Economic Advisory Council from 2009-2011 tasked with the development of the New Economic Model. He held various senior positions in the government in the fields of technology development and industrial change. He was also member of the expert panel of UNCTAD and Islamic Development Bank Jeddah.
Michele Lemmens
Head Business Sustainability & CTO APAC
Tata Consultancy Services, Singapore
Michele Lemmens is the APAC Head of Business Sustainability and CTO for Tata Consultancy Services. She was responsible for establishing the Regional ASEAN Hub for Global Reporting Initiative in Singapore and worked across businesses, governments, regulators, stock exchanges, investors as well as academia in the region to advocate sustainability and build capability in sustainability reporting.
Michele has extensive experience collaborating with stakeholders in both mature and emerging markets including consulting, digital transformation, sustainability, innovation and financial services. Her experience has been built across multiple business functions and industries spanning the region of Asia Pacific, ASEAN, Middle East and United Kingdom.
Michele advises co-chairs and contributes on the topic of ESG to several businesses, communities and academic institutions. She speaks regularly on sustainability, innovation, leadership startups and diversity.
Teeranun Srihong
Chairman of the Board of Commissioners
Digital Economy Promotion Agency, Thailand
Teeranun Srihong is the Chairman of the Digital Economy Promotion Board, Thailand. He serves as a board member and senior advisor to CEOs, executive teams and Boards of Directors in a number of public and private companies. Sectors that he is active in include real estate, oil and gas, financial services and technology startup. He is instrumental in Thailand’s digital transformation, also in its national competitiveness and public sector reform issues through his various roles in national committees and government agencies.
Teeranun has more than 30 years of experience in the financial services industry. He was the main driver of Kasikorn Bank’s strategic success. He was the Bank’s co-president and founded Kasikorn Business Technology Group. He is an independent Director and Chairman of IT Oversight Committee of the TMBThanachart Bank Pcl.
Terranum is a Harvard AMP Alumni, has an MBA from University of Michigan, USA and a bachelor’s degree in engineering from Chulalongkorn University.
Azaria Tagaya
TV Host and News Presenter
TV3, Malaysia
Azaria Tagaya is a bilingual TV Host and News Presenter with more than 12 years’ experience as a host, anchor, events emcee and voiceover artist.
Aside from Money Matters currently airing Saturdays on TV3, among some other notable programs with Azaria Tagaya at the helm include Awani Pagi (Astro Awani), Hello on Two (RTM2), Selamat Pagi Malaysia (RTM1), Nasi Lemak Kopi O (TV9), and Kami Sayang Teacher (TV3). Azaria Tagaya also hosted Ringgit Sense (later changed to Ringgit Sense Plus) also on TV3, a personal finance show which highlights issues related to managing expenses using smart solutions suitable for today’s fast-paced lifestyle and ever changing financial climate. Azaria Tagaya also currently presents the news on Buletin Utama and Nightline on TV3.
Dr Hussain Sunny Umar
Managing Director
Maldives Halal Travel and Halal Weekly
Maldives
Dr Hussain Sunny Umar is Managing Director of Maldives Halal Travel and Halal Weekly, co-founder of Orca Media Group – a marketing and PR company in the Maldives and a consultant with the Ministry of Tourism Maldives to develop the fifth Tourism Master Plan for 2022 – 2027. He is an academic with a background in business management and an entrepreneur with over 15 years of experience in various industries including media, tourism and marketing.
Dr Sunny established the prestigious “Gold 100 Gala” business award in Maldives, co-founded Skill Farm – a training company and produced 15 publications including Maldives Guesthouses. Maldives Halal Travel is his flagship project to promote Maldives to the GCC region as a Muslim-friendly travel destination. Maldives Halal Travel was officially launched at ATM Dubai 2021 along with the first edition of the Maldives Halal Travel magazine.
Dr Sunny holds a DBA from City University Malaysia.
Faeez Fadhlillah
Chief Executive Officer and Founder
Tripfez and Salam Standard
Malaysia
Faeez Fadhlillah is an entrepreneur, CEO and Founder of Tripfez & Salam Standard, a state-of-the-art travel portal for Muslim travellers. He founded Aleef Capital, a boutique firm specialising in investing in outstanding entrepreneurs with disruptive ideas and co-founded Downtown Pharmacy, a pharmacy chain.
He is the Honorary Secretary-General of the Malaysian Association of Tour & Travel Agents (MATTA) as well as a member of the board of the Pacific Asia Travel Association (PATA), MATTA Properties Sdn Bhd, MICEM Sdn Bhd and MATTA Academy Sdn Bhd.
Faeez was named 30 under 30 by Forbes magazine in 2016, 40 Under 40 by Prestige, Top 10 Young Entrepreneur Rising by Top 10, People to Watch 2016 by TTG, the Most Innovative Young Leaders Award 2016 by UCSI and one of the Forty Individuals Who Shaped Southeast Asian E-Commerce By EcommerceIQ. He has been featured in publications such as BBC, CNBC, Forbes, and TTG.
Faeez holds a Bachelor of Engineering from University of Sydney, Australia.
Riyanto Sofyan
Chairman, Sofyan Corp
Chairman, Board of Directors, Halal Tourism of Indonesia
Republic of Indonesia
Riyanto Sofyan is Chairman of Sofyan Corp, Indonesia. He has more than 40 years of experience in Hotel and Property Business including Muslim Friendly Hospitality and Tourism. Riyanto has developed management and transformation strategy for the implementation of the Halal/ Sharia Compliance Concept, which led to the growth of his business.
From 2012 – 2019, Riyanto was appointed as Strategic Partner and Chairman of the Team for Accelerated Development of Halal Tourism initiative, directly under Minister of Tourism of the Republic of Indonesia.
Riyanto Sofyan received numerous awards and recognition including those from the Vice Minister of Land, Infrastructure, Transport and Tourism of Japan in 2014, President of the Republic of Indonesia in 2018, the 500 Who make The Islamic Economy by Islamica 500, Forbes, Dinar Standard, Oxford Business Group, CNBC Arabia, and Halal Hotel Pioneers at the Halal in Travel Global Summit 2022 by Crescent Rating Mastercard.
Assistant Professor Dr Ziyaad Mahomed
Associate Dean of E-Learning and Director of Executive Education
International Centre for Education in Islamic Finance (INCEIF) University
Malaysia
Assistant Professor Dr Ziyaad Mahomed is an Associate Dean/Director for the International Centre for Education in Islamic Finance’s (INCEIF) Executive Education & E-Learning. He is also the Chairman of the Shariah Board of HSBC Amanah Malaysia and serves on a number of Shariah boards internationally.
Assistant Professor Dr Ziyaad is a multi-award-winning Scholar with almost 20 years of global experience as an executive, consultant and Islamic Scholar in Islamic finance and capital markets. Dr Ziyaad has consulted/trained more than 7,000 Finance Professionals and Islamic Scholars in most disciplines within the Islamic Finance sector in Africa, Europe and the Middle East. He focuses on Islamic social finance, Shariah issues & innovation, fintech and Sukuk, amongst other research areas.
Dr Shamsiah Abdul Karim
Executive Director
Pergas Investment Holdings Pte Ltd
Singapore
Dr Shamsiah Abdul Karim is the Executive Director of Pergas Investment Holdings, an organisation that manages the properties of Singapore Islamic Scholars and Religious Teachers Association. She is the Shariah Advisor at Financial Shariah Advisory and Consultancy Singapore, an advisor and shura member of Ethis Ventures and an industry fellow with University of Science Malaysia.
She was senior vice president of Bank Muamalat Malaysia Bhd overseeing the Shariah and Product Development and Innovation Division, responsible for the dakwah and social finance initiatives. She was deputy director of Majlis Ugama Islam Singapura heading its social finance areas and was CEO of Albukhary Foundation, a philanthropy organisation.
Listed in Islamica 500 for five consecutive years for her expertise in waqf matters, she was recently, named as the top 20 most influential women in Islamic Finance by Cambridge IFN.
Dr Shamsiah holds a PhD in Islamic finance and waqf from Durham University, United Kingdom.
Tuan Haji Rosidi Bin Hussain
Chief Executive Officer
Wakaf Penang
Malaysia
Tuan Haji Rosidi bin Hussain is CEO of Wakaf Penang and has 24 years of experience as a civil and syariah lawyer whilst serving at Rosidi Mustafa and Harryzan Legal Firm.
Wakaf Penang, a subsidiary of Majlis Agama Islam Negeri Pulau Pinang, is the Project Management Consultant for the development of KITAB Smart City Campus in Bandar Cassia. Wakaf Penang has developed affordable houses on waqf land with appointed developers and collaborated with financial institutions such as Maybank Islamic, Permodalan Nasional Berhad and Tabung Haji for the development of waqf assets. For the past two years, it has surpassed its annual target for cash waqf collections.
Tuan Haji Rosidi is a member of ASEAN Mall Advisory Council. He was the Referral Specialist for Fintech and Islamic Finance Roundtable organized by United Nations Development Program, Islamic Development Bank and Universiti Sains Islam Malaysia.
Tuan Haji Rosidi holds a Bachelor of Law from International Islamic University, Malaysia.
Sharifatul Hanizah Said Ali
Executive Director of Islamic Capital Market Development
Securities Commission Malaysia
Sharifatul Hanizah is the Executive Director of Islamic Capital Market Development (ICMD) of the Securities Commission Malaysia. She leads a team that facilitates the developmental and operational initiatives for Malaysia’s Islamic capital market (ICM).
She has over 30 years of experience in the fields of investment analysis, portfolio management, equity trading and unit trust while serving in various organisations such as Permodalan Nasional Berhad (PNB), RHB Investment Management Sdn Bhd and Muamalat Invest.
Sharifatul Hanizah served on the boards of exchange-listed and private companies as a Nominee Director for PNB and RHB. Prior to joining the SC in August 2019, Sharifatul Hanizah was the Chief Executive Officer of SIDC, the learning and development arm of the SC.
Sharifatul Hanizah is a Fellow of the Financial Services Institute of Australasia, a Certified Financial Planner, an Islamic Financial Planner and a Fellow of the Institute of Corporate Directors Malaysia.
Sheikh Farouk Bin Sheikh Mohamed
Managing Director
AEON BiG (M) Sdn Bhd
Malaysia
Sheikh Farouk bin Sheikh Mohamed is the Managing Director of AEON BiG (M) Sdn Bhd. AEON BiG (M) SDN. BHD. currently operates 21 hypermarkets with approximately 2,300 employees. It offers various choices with great values. The acquisition from Carrefour in 2012 was part of the AEON Group plans to expand the business in South East Asia and further develop their Asean operations.
Sheikh Farouk has 22 years of experience in retail, food and beverages as well and banking sectors with 10 years in overseas including Singapore, Philippines and Switzerland. Prior to joining AEON BiG, he served Nestle’s group of companies for 18 years.
Sheikh Farouk holds a degree in finance from Arizona State University, USA and a professional Chartered Accountant from CIMA, UK. He is a registered member of the Malaysian Institute of Accountants and Institute Corporate of Directors Malaysia.
Hon. Dato’ Abdul Halim Hussain
Penang State Minister for Trade
Industry and Entrepreneurial Development and Chairman
Penang Halal International Sdn Bhd
Malaysia
Hon. Dato’ Abdul Halim is the Penang State EXCO for Trade, Industry and Entrepreneurial Development. From 2008 – 2013, he was the Speaker of Penang State Legislative Assembly.
Dato’ Abdul Halim also sits as a member of Board of Directors for several state-owned companies that include Invest in Penang, Penang Development Corporation, Digital Penang Corporation. Presently, he is the Chairman of Penang Halal International Sdn Bhd.
Dato’ Abdul Halim holds a Bachelor of Business Administration from the University of Ferris State, Michigan, USA, and received his Master of Business Administration from the University of Science Malaysia in Penang.
Tan Sri Mohd Radzi Abdul Rahman
Secretary General
World Islamic Economic Forum Foundation
Tan Sri Mohd Radzi Abdul Rahman was a career diplomat serving mostly in multilateral posts at the United Nations in New York and Geneva. He has had the privilege and honour to actively represent Malaysia in various international meetings and conferences. Among his notable active involvements were during Malaysia’s chairmanship of the Group of 77 (G77) (1989), as a non-permanent member of the UN Security Council (1999-2000), Chairman of the Non-Aligned Movement 2003-2006 and Chairman of the Organisation of Islamic Conference (OIC). Tan Sri Mohd Radzi served as a member of the UN Committee to Investigate Israel Practices that violates the human rights of the Palestinian in the Occupied Territories. He was also actively involved in various UN working groups and key committees toward drawing up crucial UN decisions and resolutions.
Tan Sri Mohd Radzi has served as Head of Mission on a number of overseas assignments, leading delegation on numerous meetings and negotiations, and by the end of his service in 2013, helmed the Foreign Ministry as the Secretary General.
Hon. Dato’ Ir. Ahmad Zakiyiddin Bin Abd Rahman
Deputy Chief Minister 1
Penang State Government
Malaysia
Hon. Dato’ Ir. Ahmad Zakiyuddin bin Abd Rahman is the Deputy Chief Minister 1 of Penang State Government and is responsible for Islamic affairs, cooperation and community empowerment in the State.
Prior to his political career, the Hon. Dato’ Zakiyuddin was the Managing Director of a consulting firm – Iljam Jurutera Sdn Bhd and a Director of HLA Associates Sdn Bhd. He served in the Malaysian Public Works Department (JKR) for 10 years and was involved in numerous infrastructural projects such as the township of Bandar Bertam Perdana as well as tertiary institutions and mosques in Southern Seberang Perai.
Hon. Dato’ Zakiyuddin is an engineer by profession. He is a registered member of the Board of Engineers Malaysia as a professional civil engineer with a practising certificate and a member of the Institution of Engineers Malaysia
Hon Dato’ Zakiyuddin holds a BSc in Civil Engineering from the University of Salford, UK and an MBA from Universiti Utara Malaysia.
About Boustead Holdings Berhad
Boustead Holdings Berhad (“Boustead”) is one of Malaysia’s oldest conglomerates with Lembaga Tabung Angkatan Tentera (“LTAT”) as its majority shareholder. The diversified Group comprises more than 90 subsidiaries, associate companies and joint ventures, and has substantial interests in various sectors of the Malaysian economy.
Its operations are focused in five key areas namely plantation, heavy industries, property & industrial, trading, finance & investment, and pharmaceutical.
Since its inception as a modest trading entity more than 190 years ago, the Boustead Group has grown by leaps and bounds. As at 30 June 2022, Boustead Holdings Berhad’s paid-up capital was RM2.7 billion while its shareholders’ funds stood at RM3.6 billion. Market capitalisation is in the region of RM2.7 billion. For more information on Boustead, log on to www.boustead.com.my.
About NCIA
The Northern Corridor Implementation Authority (NCIA) is a regional development authority responsible for establishing directions, devising policies and strategies related to the socioeconomic development of the Northern Corridor Economic Region (NCER). Incorporated in June 2008 under the Northern Corridor Implementation Authority Act 2008 (Act 687), NCER encompasses the four northern states of Kedah, Penang, Perak and Perlis in Peninsular Malaysia. NCIA’s Chief Executive is Mohamad Haris Kader Sultan.
NCIA drives the growth of NCER towards becoming an excellent economic region while catalysing and implementing high value-added development programmes in six (6) economic clusters: Manufacturing, Agribusiness, Petrochemical, Mining, Green Economy and Services (Inc. Tourism; Logistics and Connectivity; and Digital Economy).
About Media Prima
Media Prima is a constituent company of the FTSE4Good Index Series, a benchmark and tradable indexes for ESG (Environmental, Social and Governance) investors. Membership to the FTSE4Good Index Series is a strong endorsement of Media Prima’s commitment to responsible business practices, good corporate governance and care for the environment.
The Group’s advertising arm, Media Prima Omnia, is an integrated solution provider that offers creative services and integrated marketing solutions across all Media Prima platforms, specialising in brand campaigns, events and creative content. Omnia’s services currently address 98% of Malaysian households, and 24 million audiences across all ages and walks of life in the country daily.
In television, the Group maintains its number one position through its four channels — TV3, 8TV, ntv7, and TV9. Media Prima is home to Malaysia’s fastest-growing home shopping network, WOWSHOP, and is the pioneer behind tonton, Malaysia’s first and most popular video streaming portal. The Group also owns Primeworks Studios, Malaysia’s largest content production company.
Media Prima is the owner of The New Straits Times Press (Malaysia) Berhad, Malaysia’s largest publisher with three national news brands – New Straits Times, BH (“Berita Harian”) and Harian Metro. Its Production and Distribution unit, Print Towers Sdn Bhd, is a full-fledged, stand-alone commercial newspaper printing and logistics business, that undertakes orders beyond Media Prima.
The Group’s digital arm, REV Media Group is Malaysia’s leading digital publisher, representing over 40 top authority brands with an extensive distribution network that reaches out to more than 15 million people each month, about 75% of Malaysia’s internet population. REV Media Group harnesses the power of data and technology to deliver engaging content that matters the most to our audience across multiple languages and platforms comprising News, Entertainment, Lifestyle, and Technology.
Media Prima is a market leader in Out-of-Home Advertising represented by Big Tree, The Right Channel, Kurnia Outdoor, Gotcha, UPD, and Big Tree Seni Jaya.
In radio, Media Prima Audio aims to be Malaysia’s No. 1 audio broadcaster across all three vernaculars (BM, English and Chinese) by creating the best content that resonates with Malaysians. The company is guided by regular research and analysis of our markets and target groups, which allows us to understand our listeners, and advertisers and know exactly how to engage, inform and entertain. Media Prima Audio is represented through four broadcast brands – Hot FM, Buletin FM, Fly FM and 8FM. Audio+ is part of its digital listening initiative where the super app supports all four radio stations as well as podcasts and other engaging content.
Fazil Irwan Mohd Som
Chief Executive Officer
Penang Halal International Sdn Bhd
Malaysia
Fazil Irwan Som is the CEO of Penang Halal International (PHI), an agency to promote Halal business ecosystem in Penang.
Prior to that, he was the Head of Human and Social Development Department of the Islamic World Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization in Morocco and was the Executive Director of the International Strategy Institute. Fazil also served as an ASEAN consultant for the Organisation of Economic Cooperation and Development in Paris and was a consultant for the International Federation of Red Cross and Red Crescent Societies in Geneva.
He also served as CEO of MyBazar, an eCommerce company focusing on developing local merchants for the export market. He was the Executive Director and Head of the Young Leaders Network of the WIEF Foundation. He started his career as the Special Research Assistant to the Chairman & CEO of ISIS Malaysia.
Fazil contributes regularly to the South China Morning Post, New Straits Times, Bangkok Post, The Star, Jakarta Post etc.
Keiji Ono
Managing Director
AEON Co. (M) Bhd
Malaysia
Keiji Ono was appointed as the Managing Director of AEON Co. (M) Bhd on 1 July 2022. Established in Malaysia in 1984, AEON is now a leading General Merchandise Stores (GMS) cum Supermarket chain with 28 AEON Malls, 34 AEON Stores, 9 MaxValu Prime, 65 AEON Wellness, 42 DAISO and 4 Komai-so across Malaysia.
Keiji Ono has 27 years of experiences in the retail industry and has been working with AEON since his early days in the industry. He has served the AEON Group in various capacities including the President and Representative Director of AEON Ryukyu since March 2021, President and Representative Director of AEON Cambodia from May 2015 to March 2021 and Sales Division General Manager of AEON Thailand from March 2012 to March 2013.
Madiha Fuad
Founder and Chief Executive Officer
PlusVibes (M) Sdn Bhd
Malaysia
Madiha Fuad is the Founder and CEO of PlusVibes, a mental health solutions provider that currently serves over 30,000 members and has prevented 800 suicide ideations. In recognition of PlusVibes’ social impact, it has won awards, startup competitions and grants. She is the only Malaysian selected to be part of the Young Founder’s Programme 2022, an international fellowship based in Germany.
Madiha started her career as a business journalist for three years at The Edge newspaper. She has been an entrepreneur for the past decade, venturing into various businesses from F&B to software development. She is multi-lingual and speaks Bahasa Malaysia, English, French as well as Japanese. She has spoken at various conferences, media channels and other events across Asia on entrepreneurship, mental health and digital transformation.
Madiha obtained her MBA on a High Achiever scholarship. Currently, she is in her last semester for her PhD in Business on a Vice-Chancellor scholarship.
Ashfaq Zaman
Strategic Communication Advisor
Access to Information (a2i), Ministry of ICT
Bangladesh
Ashfaq Zaman, CPA, is the Strategic Communication Advisor of A2i (Aspire to Innovate); an innovation agency of Bangladesh, incubated from the Prime Minister’s office, under the ICT Ministry with technical support from UNDP. A2i has digitally transformed the country with its models being replicated in many other developing countries.
Ashfaq is the Director of Asia Pacific of an international business consultancy network, “Santa Fe Associates, USA” and oversees 32 counties in the Asian region. He is an expert in strategic leadership, design thinking and innovative concepts tailored for transformational development. He is the Chair of Dhaka Forum, dubbed as the Davos of the South. His works are recognised by international platforms such as Hult Prize by Clinton Foundation, UN Leaders Summit 2016 and honoured as mentor and advisor for British Queen Young Leaders programme.
Ashfaq holds a post graduate degree on leadership from Cambridge University and Six Sigma from Oxford University.
TYT YANG DI-PERTUA NEGERI PULAU PINANG
TUN DATO’ SERI UTAMA AHMAD FUZI BIN HAJI ABDUL RAZAK
Tun Dato’ Seri Utama Ahmad Fuzi was born on 8 January 1949 in Sungai Bakap, Seberang Prai, Penang. He is the eldest son of Hj Abdul Razak Yahya, a religious school teacher and subsequently Information Officer at the Department of Information, and Siti Aminah Abdullah.
Tun Dato’ Seri Utama Ahmad Fuzi had his primary education at King Edward VII School in Taiping and Stowell School Bukit Mertajam, Pulau Pinang. He continued his secondary education at the Bukit Mertajam High School, higher secondary education at the Anderson School Ipoh before graduating from the University of Malaya in 1972 with a Bachelor of Arts (Hons). He also attended the UK Foreign Service Programme at Oxford University where he obtained a Certificate in Diplomacy in 1974.
Tun Dato’ Seri Utama Ahmad Fuzi joined the Ministry of Foreign Affairs (Wisma Putra) as a PTD officer and rose from the ranks as Assistant Secretary Consular, Principal Assistant Secretary Law of the Sea, Under-Secretary Europe and South East Asia, Deputy Secretary-General Political and Secretary-General. He also served in the Malaysian Missions abroad as Second Secretary in Moscow, Russia, Counsellor in The Hague, U.S, Deputy High Commissioner in Canberra, Australia, Deputy Chief of Mission in Washington, U.S. and High Commissioner in Dhaka, Bangladesh.
Tun Dato’ Seri Utama Ahmad Fuzi’s 37-year stint from 1972 to 2009 at Wisma Putra, under 7 Foreign
Ministers and 5 Prime Ministers, also included serving as the Director-General of the Institute of Diplomacy and Foreign Relations (IDFR) that provided training for Malaysian diplomats, and Ambassador-at-Large as Malaysia’s Representative to the ASEAN High-Level Task Force on the Drafting of the ASEAN Charter and the High-Level Panel on the Drafting of the Terms of Reference of the ASEAN Human Rights Body.
As Secretary-General from 2001 and 2006, Tun Dato’ Seri Utama Ahmad Fuzi was responsible for the formulation and conduct of Malaysia’s foreign policy and diplomatic relations, including supervising and overseeing the entire officers and staff at the Ministry and Malaysia’s Missions abroad. He was also deeply involved in organising the NAM Summit and OIC Summit in 2003 and the ASEAN Summit and East Asia and Related Summits in 2005 in Kuala Lumpur.
Tun Dato’ Seri Utama Ahmad Fuzi was the Malaysia Representative to the bilateral negotiations on the Delineation of Maritime Boundaries between Malaysia and Brunei and to the International Tribunal for the Law of the Sea (ITLOS) over the Land Reclamation by Singapore in and around Johor between Malaysia and Singapore. He also witnessed the settlement of the International Court of Justice (ICJ) case on the Sovereignty of Pulau Ligitan and Pulau Sipadan between Malaysia and Indonesia and the case between Malaysia and Singapore over the Sovereignty of Pedra Branca/Pulau Batu Puteh, Middle Rocks and South Ledge.
At the bilateral level, Tun Dato’ Seri Utama Ahmad Fuzi was involved in the resolution of the package of issues between Malaysia and Singapore and the strengthening of relations through annual consultations and bilateral visits between Malaysia and major countries like Australia, Brunei, China, Indonesia, Japan, Republic of Korea, India, New Zealand, Vietnam, Laos, and various other countries in South East Asia, the Middle East, Europe and Africa.
At the regional level, Tun Dato’ Seri Utama Ahmad Fuzi headed the Malaysian Delegation to all Senior Official Meetings (SOM) held in ASEAN countries in preparations for the ASEAN Summits and East Asia and Related Summits.
Tun Dato’ Seri Utama Ahmad Fuzi was deeply involved with the World Islamic Economic Forum (WIEF) since its inception as the OIC Business Forum in 2003. His 18-year involvement include being Co-Chair / International Advisory Panel Member, Board of Trustee Member and finally, Secretary-General of the WIEF Foundation from 2007 until 2021. As a global platform for trade and business collaboration, 13 WIEFs had been successfully held in Kuala Lumpur, Johor Baru, Kuching in Malaysia and other capitals namely, Islamabad, Kuwait, Jakarta, Astana (currently Nur-Sultan), Dubai and London.
Leveraging on his wide diplomatic and administrative experience, Tun Dato’ Seri Utama Ahmad Fuzi entered the corporate world upon retirement by assuming the post of Chairman of several PLCs namely, Syarikat Takaful Malaysia Keluarga Bhd; Syarikat Takaful Malaysia Am Bhd; Amanahraya REIT Bhd; Seremban Engineering Berhad; Success Transformer Corporation Bhd; Apex Equity Holding Bhd; and Board Member of Maybank Islamic (MIB) Bhd; Puncak Niaga Holdings Bhd, PROTON Berhad, BERNAMA, and Connect County Holdings Bhd.
He was also Chairman & Director of several private companies such as ACE Group, ACE Investment Bank; ACE Money Exchange Sdn Bhd; Ranhill Energy Resources Sdn Bhd; PKT Logistics Sdn Bhd; Maybank Islamic Asset Management Sdn Bhd, Theatre Management Associates Sdn Bhd; and the Labuan-based Asia Development & Investment Bank (ADIB).
Tun Dato’ Seri Utama Ahmad Fuzi was actively involved with various Think-Tanks and Foundations.
He was Distinguished Fellow, Institute of Strategic and International Studies (ISIS) and Institute of Diplomacy and Foreign Relations (IDFR); Chairman, IMAN Research & Consultancy; Deputy Chairman, Malaysian Member Committee of the Council for Security Cooperation in the Asia Pacific (CSCAP Malaysia); Member, Institute of Advanced Islamic Studies (IAIS); Board Member, Maritime
Institute of Malaysia (MIMA); and Malaysia-Thailand Joint Development Authority (MTJA); Board of Trustee, MERCY Malaysia; Perdana Global Peace Foundation (PGPF); Yayasan Sarana Pendidikan Malaysia (YSPM) and Lejadi Foundation.
He was also Patron, Malaysia – China Culture Association, High School Bukit Mertajam Alumni Malaysia, ACE Foundation, Majlis Sukan Negeri Pulau Pinang, Mount Miriam Cancer Hospital, Crime Consciousness & Public Safety Society (CCPSS) and Penang Swimming Club; President, Association of Former Malaysian Ambassadors; Advisor, Asia Pacific Enterprise Award (APEA); Malaysia-Myanmar Chamber of Commerce,
He also sat on the Board of Governors of Meritus University, Malaysia and the Board Member of Management Development Institute of Singapore (MDIS) in Johor.
On 30 April 2021, Tun Dato’ Seri Utama Ahmad Fuzi was appointed as the 8th Yang di-Pertua Negeri of Penang by KDYMM Seri Paduka Baginda Yang di-Pertuan Agong at Istana Negara. On 01 April 2021, he was appointed as the Chancellor of Universiti Tenaga Nasional (UNITEN) for a period of three years.
In recognition of his services to the nation, he was awarded the AMN (1979), the JSM (1999), the DSPN (1999), the DMPN (2002) the PSM (2003), the DSLJ (Sultan of Brunei, 2014), the SMN (2021), and DUPN (2021). On 17 December 2021, he was awarded with Seri Panglima Darjah Kinabalu (S.P.D.K.) and Bintang Semangat Padi (Emas) by Persekutuan Pengakap Malaysia on 2 December 2021.
Tun Dato’ Seri Utama Ahmad Fuzi is married with 2 children and enjoys reading and planning for a better Penang and Malaysia.
Version January 2022