| INTRODUCTION |
| Monday 14th and Tuesday 15th, August 2006 at the Mandarin Oriental, Kuala Lumpur witnessed the inaugural Malaysian Islamic Finance – Issuers & Investors Forum. The event was hailed as a success by the deputy governor of Malaysia’s Central Bank, among other key industry figures.
MIF 2006, which attracted over 1,000 senior participants, was the Islamic finance industry’s largest ever event. Thirty countries were represented at the Forum and 65 of the industry’s leading practitioners appeared as panelists. Keynote addresses were made by the governor of Bank Negara Malaysia Dr Zeti Akhtar Aziz, chairman of the Securities Commission Zarinah Anwar, the second deputy minister of finance Dr Awang Adek B. Hussin, secretary-general of IFSB Professor Rifaat Ahmed Abdel Karim, and the deputy governor of Bank Negara Malaysia Mohd Razif Abd Kadir. Mohd Razif Abd Kadir commented: “I would regard the Forum as a successful one. The 14 sessions and the distinguished panelists and moderators from various backgrounds and experience have deliberated and focused on issues that are relevant to both the issuers and investors, who are among the key stakeholders of Islamic finance.” This inaugural annual report is a byproduct of the Forum and contains a full round-up of the key-notes, presentations and discussions which took place during the two-day event. MIF Monthly was also launched in September this year. An electronic newsletter focused on the Malaysian Islamic capital markets MIF Monthly is FREE of charge to anyone who registers. |
| What was said |
| “This was one of the best conferences I have attended. Very diverse and a good mix of people attended the event. It was heartening to see a full attendance on both days and till the end of the conference. A great effort by the organizers.” Mohsin Nathani, Managing Director, Citi Islamic “The conference was very well attended both days and very focused on Islamic investors and issuers primary concerns. “MIF now will be a must attend for those interested in Islamic finance especially for South East Asia.” “A high quality Islamic finance event that addressed a broad array of interesting topics and stimulated an interesting exchange of views and perspectives with experienced market practitioners. Prominent industry leaders were represented and provided a unique opportunity to network and cement relationships.” “I was impressed by the excellent mix of attendees – practitioners, regulators and academics from around the world. The use of interactive panels to discuss topics of interest was a brilliant change to the standard conference fare of prepared speeches and powerpoint slides.” “I too enjoyed the two day event and I have no doubt the overwhelming response from participants is good testimony to the success of the conference.” “The event was well organized. The panelists and moderators provided valuable insights into Islamic finance from their respective perspective. The forum also provided an opportunity for cross fertilization of ideas.” “The event is a unique annual event in the field of Islamic finance which provides a unique opportunity to not only meet with the leading figures but also share knowledge and expertise in addressing the issues confronted by the industry. Besides the highly interactive mode of communication, which is a departure from traditional forums having dry and lengthy presentations, it ensures a meaningful dialogue between industry experts.” “I walked away anxious to attend more such similar events by this conference organizer. Certainly one of the best Islamic banking events I have attended. Very beneficial in every aspect.” |