Happy Islamic New Year (1st Muharram-1430 Hijrah)

I wish all Muslim readers, a very happy, prosperous and peaceful Islamic New Year (1st Muharram 1430 Hijrah).

Let's make self assessment and reflection (muhasabah) on past one year we lived through in order to improve ourselves in the coming years. Tomorrow should be better than today and next year should be better than this year...continuous improvement is required on all Muslims.

Let's live on the true spirit of Hijrah and Jihad....and keep on the right path.

The Prophet Muhammad (peace be upon him) said: “I have left two things among you, as long as you hold fast to them, you will never go astray. They are the Book of Allah (Quran) and the Sunnah of His Messenger”

The 1st Muharram 1430 (known as Maal Hijrah/Awal Muharram in Malaysia) falls on 29 December 2008. It is a national celebration here (with syariah-compliant events).

Peace to all...Salam!

Lectures at Islamic Science University of Malaysia (USIM) and University of Technology Malaysia (UTM)

In January 2009, I will be delivering lecture on Islamic Financial Planning and Wealth Management at Islamic Science University of Malaysia (USIM) and lecture on Islamic Banking at University of Technology Malaysia (UTM).

Lately, I received many invitations from universities from across the country (alhamdulillah). Hope to share my knowledge and experience with students and lecturers at ivory towers (universities) in Malaysia and other countries.

Global Sukuk Conference 2009 - Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia

My firm, GlobalPro Consulting is organising Global Sukuk Conference on 19-20 January 2009 at Seri Pacific Hotel, Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia.

For more information please visit www.globalpro.com.my

What is sukuk? Read my Islamic finance blog: http://gifc.blogspot.com

Visitor from Korea at GlobalPro Consulting office

On 23 December 2008, I received visitor from Seoul, Korea, Mr Robert JS Ryu, Director of Overseas Operations Division of Shariah Finance Co., Ltd, Korea. (In this photo, he is standing to my left).

We are going to have some form of cooperation in the promotion of Shariah (Islamic) finance in Korea and beyond. I have been invited to deliver lectures and training sessions in Korea, God's willing.

Thank you Mr Robert for visiting our office.

Islamic Financial Services: Development, Prospect & Challenges

Today I delivered a paper entitled "Islamic Financial Services: Development, Prospect & Challenges" at the Conference on Marketing & Product Development for Islamic Financial Services held at the Grand Millennium Hotel Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia.

The conference was attended by bankers, Islamic bankers, takaful operators, business /product development executives, IT consultants, marketing managers and representatives from Bank Negara Malaysia (central bank of Malaysia).

Visitors from Denmark and Lithuania at GlobalPro Consulting office

On 11 December 2008, I received visitors from Denmark and Lithuania, they are Mr Lars Ohnemus (Founder of BPT Asset Management, Denmark), standing tall on the right and Mr Algis Vaitiekunas (Fund Manager and Managing Director of the Baltic's for BPT, Lithuania), standing tall on the left.

Thank you for visiting our humble office.

My humble office by the lake garden...Queen's Lake, Kuala Lumpur

This is my humble office located by a lake garden of Tasik Permaisuri (Queen's Lake), Kuala Lumpur. The beautiful man-made lake garden is really well-maintained and well-supervised by Kuala Lumpur City Hall. Mounted park rangers could be seen moving around on their stallions making sure everything is fine.

Why it was named the Queen's Lake? The lake garden was opened by Her Royal Highness the Queen of Malaysia in 1989.

From the windows of of my office, you can enjoy the breathtaking view of the world's tallest twin towers...the Petronas Twin Towers...standing tall as an icon of modern Malaysia.

It provides picturesque and serene surrounding, a conducive working and relaxing environment... and how I wish I have the time for a morning walk and afternoon jog around the lake before and after work everyday.

Invited as a guest lecturer on Islamic finance in Singapore

I have been invited to be a guest lecturer on Islamic finance at an institute of higher learning in Singapore.

Will be going to Singapore every 2 months for 2-day lecture sessions.

Singapore is Malaysia's southern neighbour, complementing Malaysia in promoting Islamic finance in this region.

Received Islamic Financial Planner (IFP) professional qualification

(I received the IFP certificate from Dato' Adnan Alias, CEO of IBFIM and
Mr Steve Teoh, President of FPAM at Sime Darby Convention Centre)

Alhamdulillah, today I received another professional qualification as the a graduate in Islamic Financial Planner certification program. I am among the first 57 graduates of the program organised by IBFIM and FPAM. The program is endorsed by the Bank Negara Malaysia (cental bank of Malaysia) and the Securities Commission of Malaysia.

So basically I am officially qualified to provide professional advice on Islamic financial planning and Islamic wealth management.

I will be one of lecturers for the future IFP certification programs.

The quest for knowledge shall continue as Prophet Muhammad said "seek knowledge from cradle to grave".
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Related story:

The inaugural Islamic Financial Planner Award and MOU Signing ceremony was held at the Sime Darby Convention Centre, Bukit Kiara today (24 Nov). The Islamic Financial Planner (IFP), a professional certification program, is a joint collaboration between Islamic Banking and Finance Institute (IBFIM) and The Financial Planning Association of Malaysia (FPAM). This program to produce qualified Islamic financial planning professionals is the first in Malaysia and the world.

The IFP program has received approvals from the Securities Commission and Bank Negara Malaysia for licensing purposes. With these approvals, the IFP is regarded as equivalent to the existing conventional professional qualifications for financial planning such as the Certified Financial Planner (CFP), Registered Financial Planner (RFP) dan Chartered Financial Consultant (ChFC).

The ceremony was officiated by Deputy Finance Minister I, YB Dato’ Ahmad Husni bin Mohamad Hanadzlah. Apart from by the 57 recipients, the ceremony was attended distinguished academic members including Prof. Dr Hajah Mustafa Mohd Hanefah (USIM), Prof. Dato’ Dr Mansor Md Isa (Universiti Malaya), Dato’ Haji Mohd Adanan Isman (KUIS) dan Prof. Dr Mohamad Khalifa Al-Tamimi (Al-Madinah International University) and the President of Malaysian Association of Tax Accountants (MATA), En. Abd. Aziz Abu Bakar.

The MOU between FPAM and IBFIM with the universities and professional association is to introduce Islamic financial planning courses into their academic and professional programs. The university graduates who have taken the relevant subject courses will be granted exemptions for up to 5 of the 6-module Islamic Financial Planner (IFP) qualification.

In his speech, Dato’ Ahmad Husni said, “the global financial crisis had exposed the defects of conventional finance.” “In light of this global financial crisis, with its intrinsic syariah framework, I believe there is a vast potential for Islamic finance to expand as a viable and competitive alternative to conventional finance”, he added.

On financial planning, Dato’ Ahmad Husni said “in light of the uncertainties in the global financial markets and economic growth prospects, there is need for effective financial planning.” Providing Islamic financial planning services can be seen as a shift to knowledge-based economy to take advantage of the experience that Malaysia has in developing the Islamic finance industry. “We have developed a comprehensive Islamic financial system supported by a robust regulatory and supervisory framework”, he added.

Speaking to reporters at the MOU signing, Dato’ Dr Adnan Alias, the Chief Executive Officer of IBFIM said, “We are looking to export the IFP program overseas but the details as to how and whether we want to franchise it, has not been finalized.” “In fact, IBFIM has received requests from potential education providers in UK, East Asia and the Middle East for the IFP to be made available in that part of the world,” he added.

The importance of conducting the IFP program overseas is to support the objectives of the Malaysia International Islamic Financial Centre or MIFC initiative in making Malaysia the origination centre for product innovation and training program for Islamic finance”, explained Dato’ Dr Adnan.

On another issue, Dato’ Dr Adnan was happy to note that there are 22 non-Muslim recipients among the first batch of 57. “This shows the acceptance of Islamic finance among non-Muslims, the potential Islamic financial planning offers, and how Islamic finance can be a factor in promoting international understanding”, he said.

Mr Steve Teoh, the president of FPAM said, ‘The collaboration with IBFIM to develop the IFP program is indeed one major initiative that FPAM had taken to raise the standards of competency of financial planners. Today is historic because it is the fruition of many efforts that we have set out to do for Islamic financial planning. We hope the momentum created by graduating the pioneer batch of IFP and the MOUs will reverberate further to cause other positive changes in the financial planning industry and society in general.”

In the MOU signings, IBFIM was represented Dato’ Dr Adnan Alias and FPAM by Mr. Steve Teoh.

Delivered the Welcome Address and a Paper at The 2nd Global Islamic Finance Conference (GIFC2008)

On the morning of 29 October 2008, I delivered the welcome address at The 2nd Global Islamic Finance Conference (GIFC2008) before the Minister in the Prime Minister's Department, Malaysia, Y.B Dato' Dr. Zahid Hamidi delivered his Keynote Address.

In the morning of 30 October 2008, I delivered a paper entitled "Human Capital Development in Islamic Finance industry: Issues and Challenges"

Forum Chairman - Global Islamic Finance Conference (GIFC2008) - Grand Millennium Hotel, Kuala Lumpur

I was the chairman of the Forum: Development and Challenges in Islamic Finance in The 2nd Global Islamic Finance Conference (GIFC2008):

Chairman: Ahmad Sanusi Husain (CEO/Chief Consultant, GlobalPro Consulting)

Panellists:

1-A. Riawan Amin (Chairman, Indonesian Sharia Bank Association/CEO Bank Muamalat Indonesia)

2-Muzaffar Hisham (Deputy CEO, CIMB Islamic Bank Berhad)

3-Mohammad Illiayas Seyed Ibrahim (Senior Partner, Illiayas)

4-Hassan Ahmed (Managing Director, Crescent Risk & Wealth Management Consultancy)

With the Minister in VIP Corner - The 2nd Global Islamic Finance Conference (GIFC2008) - 29 October 2008

With the Minister in the Prime Minister's Department, Malaysia, Y.B Dato' Dr. Zahid Hamidi (de facto Religious Affairs Minister) in the VIP corner of Grand Millennium Hotel Kuala Lumpur. On the left is Dr. Mohd Kamal Khir, CEO of IBBM and on the right is Mr Amirullah Hj Abdullah.

Speaker - Human Capital Development in Islamic Finance at the Sixth International Islamic Finance Conference

Today I presented a paper entitled "Human Capital Development in Islamic Finance: Issues and Solutions" at the Sixth International Islamic Finance Conference held in Kuala Lumpur.

Having involved in human capital development in Islamic finance for the past 17 years (directly and indirectly), I shared my knowledge and experience on this crucial and critical issue with global audience.

My next destinations: Moscow (Russia), Athens (Greece), Sao Paulo (Brazil,) Madinah and Makkah (Saudi Arabia).... insyaAllah.

Certified as an Islamic Financial Planner

Alhamdulillah with the grace of Allah, I have passed the certification program on Islamic Financial Planning (IFP) conducted by FPAM and IBFIM. IFP pogram is recognised by Securities Commission and Bank Negara Malaysia (central bank of Malaysia). I was in the first batch of participants/candidates.

I must admit, the final exam was tough.... particularly in plan construction.....lots of financial formula we need to remember and utilise. It was certainly not a cup of tea taking the exam (can't drink tea during exam anyway). 6 hours exam was not sufficient to most of participants. Not all are able to go through....

Now it is my turn to give lecture for the subsequent batches of participants....insyaAlllah. Learning is not about just passing exam....it is a lifelong process of seeking knowledge, understanding and putting it into good use.

Eid Mubarak to All Muslims - 1 Syawal 1429

(A Malaysian mosque, Turkish-style)

I would like to wish Eid Mubarak to all Muslims....we say "Selamat Hari Raya Aidil Fitri" in Malaysia. The Great Day of Eid is expected to be celebrated on 1 October 2008.

This is the Day of Victory for the faithfuls.

It's time for celebration but don't forget to follow through what we learn from the 'University of Ramadan'...We are UOR graduates! Piousness and piety are not only for 1 month....it is a lifelong duty.

It's also time for forgiveness and reconciliation.

Therefore I seek forgiveness from everyone...my sincere apology, brothers and sisters.

Look forward for your support.

A Perfect Oasis For Travellers

Today I travelled to Penang in the north of Malaysia (400 km from Kuala Lumpur) for a meeting. On the way back to Kuala Lumpur, I stopped at Tapah R&R (Rest & Rescue) on PLUS Highway, south-bound just after Ipoh City for iftar (breaking fast) and prayers.

What I would like to highlight is that the R&R is so nice with very beautiful landscaped garden...very 'cool' and comfortable prayer area (surau)...very clean 'garden-setting' toilets with cleaners standing by for slightest imperfection...lots of restaurants, shops and fruit stalls with reasonable prices...ample parking space with 2 petrol megastations and peaceful surrounding. Having travelled to many countries including making 12,000 miles journey by road across USA (covering most of the states )....Tapah R&R (south-bound) is exemplary and could be the best R&R in the world.

Congratulation PLUS....I think it deserves a rating of A Plus (A+) for this particular R&R. It proved once again that Malaysians can do it even better than so-called developed countries ...Malaysia Boleh! We have first-class expressway and first-class R&R, keep up good works but please don't push up the toll rate.

This is a perfect oasis for tired and hungry travellers.

Ramadan Kareem! (Generous, Bountiful Ramadan)

Today, 1 September 2008 is the the first day of Ramadan 1429 (Muslim calendar) in Malaysia and most of other countries in the world.

To all Muslim friends all over the world, I wish you Ramadan Kareem.

As the new moon is sighted and the Holy Month of Ramadan begins,
May the blessing of Allah shower upon you.
Wishing you a joyous and blessed Ramadan.

Let's listen, read and think (ponder) upon the the following Quranic verses regarding Ramadan (Surah Baqarah: verse 183-187),



Let's also seek for the Night of Power...a night that is better than a thousand months (i.e 83 yrs 4 mths or 29,500 days in Islamic calendar) as mentioned in Surah Al-Qadr below,



In this Holy Month of Ramadan, let's make lots of remembrance and dua (prayer) to Allah. Please pray for me too.

O Allah, make us amongst the fortunate who will attain the reward of Laylatul Qadr by your mercy, oh the Most Merciful of those who show mercy.

Amazing Lailatul Qadr Dua by Sa'ad AL Ghamdi part 1


Amazing Lailatul Qadr Dua by Sa'ad AL Ghamdi part 2


Thanks to so many friends who have been very helpful, supportive and patient with me....God shall reward and bless you.

Ramadan Mubarak. Wishing you a blessed Ramadan.

Ahmad Sanusi Husain
Kuala Lumpur

Speaker - Islamic Finance Conferences in Pakistan

I have been invited to be a speaker for 2 international Islamic finance conferences in Pakistan in August '08 (to be held in Karachi and Lahore).

I will also be a speaker in the international conference on Islamic banking and finance organised by Monash University in October '08.

InsyaAllah I will not disappoint the organisers who are very kind in extending their invitation for me to speak in the international conferences...and hopefully will not disappoint the audience too.

See you there...and please also support my own events (organised by Alfalah Consulting), please visit www.alfalahconsulting.com...thanks for your support.

In between the conferences...I am lecturing at colleges and institutes and doing consulting works in Islamic finance/Islamic unit trust investment/human capital development....and writing in my blogs (5 of them are active).

8 July 2008 - Delivered a Lecture on Talent Management Towards Excellent Performance

Today I delivered a lecture on Talent Management (Human Capital Management) in a conference on performance management in Kuala Lumpur.

I deliberated on talent matrix and others.....the definitions and solutions.

Based on encouraging feedbacks from participants, this topic (talent management/human capital management) will be my regular lecture/training topic besides my usual passion....Islamic finance and financial planning.

I thought I could finish my lecture in 30 min. but it ended up in almost 2 hours.

28 June 2008 - Talk on Islamic Financial Planning in Slim River, Perak

Today I delivered a talk on Islamic financial planning in a function organised by a NGO (non-govermental organization) with the support of Perak State government at Dewan Tan Sri Ghazali Jawi in Slim River.

I touched on:

• the importance and need for Islamic financial planning particularly in facing the current inflationary situation due sharp increase in oil price
• What are characteristics of Islamic financial planning
• Islamic investment avenues
• Other related issues

I wish I can upload the video clip of my talk.

Note:

Slim River is one of few places in Malaysia that still maintain the colonial name.... However I could not find the river perhaps it is too slim. Others have been "Malaysianized".

Slim River was a military strategic mid-point from North to South of Malaya during World War II. It was the site of a major battle during World War II between the Japanese and British forces which consisted of troops from India, Australia and Great Britain. The British lost the Battle of Slim River to the Japanese forces, who were equipped with tanks. The Japanese also had total air superiority. In their defeat at Slim River, the British suffered heavy casualties and many units were cut off from their line of retreat. The battle effectively ended British hopes of defending Malaya

Glossary of Islamic Financial Terms: The A-Z Guide

This video was produced by me personally (my very first attempt on YouTube in June 2008).....certainly not the best in the world because I was just learning how to do it...more to come insyaAllah. Please check out my youtube channels: http://www.youtube.com/user/sanusitube and also http://www.youtube.com/user/islamicfinancevideos

20-23 May - Training on Islamic Trade Finance - Country Height Kajang

This week, my firm is conducting a 4-day in-house training program on Islamic Trade Finance for a development financial institution (DFI) at Country Height Kajang.... what a nice place.

6 May 2008- My Birthday

Today, 6 May 2008 is my birthday.

Guess how old am I?

31 March 2008 - Delivered a Lecture on Syariah-based Investment in Muar, Johor

Today I delivered a lecture on Syariah-based investment (Islamic unit trusts etc) in the historical town of Muar, located in the southern state of Johor. I was invited to speak on the topic by the country's top fund management company.

I noticed that about 50% of the crowd are non-Muslims. Some of the partipants drove from Kuala Lumpur (some 200 km away) to listen to my talk.

At the end of the talk, I got an invitation to speak at a university in Johor.

22 March 08 - Delivered a Lecture on Developing Excellent Talent for Islamic Finance Industry

Today I delivered a lecture entitled "Developing Excellent Talent for Islamic Finance Industry" at a Seminar organised by Universiti Teknologi Mara (UiTM) in Shah Alam. I addressed the issue of lack of talent pool for Islamic finance industry and the steps to overcome this problem. What are competencies required to be an excellent Islamic banker etc.

Photo: Shah Alam Mosque...."The Blue Mosque of Malaysia", located near UiTM main campus.

Islamic Finance & Capital Market Conference 2008, 17-18 March 2008

Berjaya Times Square, KL

My firm, GlobalPro Training & Development successfully organised Islamic Finance & Capital Market Conference 2008 held at Berjaya Times Square Hotel & Convention Center, Kuala Lumpur on 17-18 March 2008.

I delivered opening speech and chaired the sessions. Delegates from Malaysia, Saudi Arabia, Kuwait, Oman, Iran, Ghana and Nigeria attended the conference.

Join our future events on Islamic finance: "Seminar on Shariah & Legal Aspects of Islamic Banking & Finance" in April and "The 2nd Global Islamic Finance Conference (GIFC2008)" in June. The Minister of Finance, Malaysia will be invited to deliver the Keynote Address. GIFC will be our biggest conference of the year, InsyaAllah. Sponsorship for the event is very much welcomed.

Welcome to Kuala Lumpur...the centre of excellence.

5 March 2008 - Inter-state Lectures in KL and Johor Bahru

Inter-state lectures..... Delivered a lecture on Islamic finance in Kuala Lumpur during the day and drive down south to Johor Bahru "the Southern Gateway" on a 350km journey (3 hr 30 m drive)....then delivered another 2 hr-lecture on Islamic investment at night to a big crowd.

Since it is election time in Malaysia (8 March 2008)...some people asked me if I'm on an election campaign trail...going here and there....(No! not interested to be a politician at all).

Seen in the picture above is Johor-Singapore Causeway. The Johor-Singapore Causeway was completed in 1923 after four years of construction. The Johor-Singapore Causeway is the first land link between Peninsular Malaysia and Singapore. The second, called the Malaysia-Singapore Second Link, was completed in 1998.

Southern joke:

Someone told me that Singaporean authority is searching for Mas Selamat, the escaped detainee all over Johor Bahru because they notice billboards everywhere with the words "Selamat Datang"....actually Selamat Datang means welcome in Malay and nothing to do with welcoming Mas Selamat.

Appointed as Member of Board of Studies (BOS) for BBA (Muamalat) - UNITAR (Feb 2008)

On 22 February 2008, Universiti Tun Abdul Razak (UNITAR) has appointed me as member of Board of Studies (BOS) for BBA (Muamalat).

UNITAR is the nation's first e-learning, MSC-status and ISO 9001:2000-certified private university in Malaysia. UNITAR offers the best combination in its teaching and e-learning methods by combining face-to-face classes with the effective use of web-based courseware and online tutorials.

The university is named after the second Prime Minister of Malaysia, Tun Abdul Razak Hussein. For his contributions in the area of national and rural development, Tun Abdul Razak is known as the Father of Development.

30 January 2008 - Inter-state Lectures in KL and Penang

Inter-state lectures..... Delivered a lecture on Islamic finance in Kuala Lumpur from 9 am till 4.30 pm....drive up north to Penang "Pearl of the Orient" on a 350km journey (3 hr 30 m drive)....then delivered another 3 hr-lecture on Islamic investment from 8-11 pm. The next day attended 3 meetings....then time for Nasi Kandar.

"Malaysia as an International Islamic Financial Centre" (August 2007)

Delivered a lecture, "Malaysia as an International Islamic Financial Centre" at the International Centre for Education in Islamic Finance (INCEIF) in Kuala Lumpur on 6 August 2007.

"The Role of Islamic Banking in Promoting Malaysia as an International Halal Financial Hub" (July 2007)

Delivered a lecture, "The Role of Islamic Banking in Promoting Malaysia as an International Halal Financial Hub" at National Halal Industry Forum 2007 organised by Halal Industry Research Centre, International Islamic University Malaysia at MATRADE on 23-24 July 2007

"Islamic Banking in Asia: Improving Delivery Channels through Latest Technology" (May 2007)

Delivered a lecture, "Islamic Banking in Asia: Improving Delivery Channels through Latest Technology"at BankTech Asia 2007 organised by Knowledge Group at Kuala Lumpur Convention Centre on 22-23 May 2007.

Delivering A Speech in an Islamic Finance Conference in Kuala Lumpur (June 2006)

A Moderator in an Islamic Management Course for a Malaysian Government Department in Cameron Highlands (2006)

A Lecturer on Takaful (Islamic Insurance) for Finansa Life Assurance in Bangkok, Thailand (2005)

With the management of Finansa Life Assurance and its Shariah Advisors for Takaful (Dr Adam and others) as well as another speaker....very nice and friendly people.

In Bahrain attended MEFTEC and became the guest to the Malaysian Ambassador to Bahrain (2004)

Bahrain Financial Harbour

Delivering a Lecture on Islamic Finance at Brunei Institute of Technology (2004)

My 14th trip to Brunei Darussalam.

My lecture is reported in BruneiDirect.com

"Islamic principles should be adhered to when acquiring profit the halal way," said Hj Suhaila Hj Abd Karim, Acting Director, Institute Technology Brunei and the guest of honour at the Accounting for Islamic Banking workshop yesterday.
Around 43 participants took part in the workshop, which was organised by the Institute of Technology Brunei (ITB). Participants comprised 38 ITB student who are currently in their final year of the Higher National Diploma in Business Management as well as five personal from the Islamic Bank of Brunei Bhd (IBB).
Two speakers from Malaysia were invited as guest lecturers at the workshop, where they would be sharing their experiences in the banking world and their knowledge on Accounting for Islamic Banking.
The guest of honour at the event, in his opening speech, explained the main objectives of the workshop, which was to provide Bruneian students better insight into Islamic Banking including its principals and complainants.
Hj Suhaili Hj Abdul Karim added that the key to success in the employment world was continuously acquiring knowledge and skills- especially for Muslim where Islamic Law was compulsory.
The first speaker for the workshop was Ahmad Sanusi Husain, Managing Director of Global Pro Training Development Sdn Bhd who has over 14 years of experience in training, education and banking fields.
He spoke on "Global Development of Islamic Banking and Finance", highlighting and briefly explaining the basic concept and principals of Islamic Banking with relative to the Syariah Basis as well as some aspects of Islamic banking frameworks.
The second speaker for the workshop was Dr Siti Normala Sheikh Obid, a lecturer from the Department of Accounting, School of Economics & Management Sciences, International Islamic University, Malaysia.
Dr Siti Normala spoke on the "Development of Islamic Accounting Standards in Malaysia", which touched on the new financial regime in Malaysia and issues relating to Islamic based transactions.
She also delivered a talk titled, "Objectives and Concepts of Financial Accounting for Islamic Banks and Financial Institutions".
Courtesy of Borneo Bulletin

Delivered 10-day training session on Islamic banking operation for Malaysian students in Al Azhar University, Cairo, Egypt (2003)

Al-Azhar University--the world's oldest surviving university... 2 weeks in exciting City of Cairo.


Delivered 10-day training session on Islamic banking operation for Malaysian students in Al Azhar University, Cairo, Egypt (2003)

Attended the Launching of the Islamic Bank of Thailand by the Prime Minister Thaksin (2003)

Attended high-profile launching of Islamic Bank of Thailand by the then Prime Minister of Thailand, Thaksin. Ended with the recitation of dua (supplication) led by the Grand Mufti of Thailand. Some 1,000 persons attended the ceremony held at Bangkok International Trade & Exhibition Centre (BITEC). I was the trainer/consultant on Islamic banking for Islamic Bank of Thailand and Krung Thai Bank Islamic (the 2 banks now merged) as well as on takaful for Finansa Life Assurance.

In Malacanang Palace, Manila for launching of an Islamic bank (2002)

Attended the launching ceremony of ALIF Bank (an Islamic bank) at Malacanang Palace in Manila together with a group of bankers from Malaysia, Brunei and Philippines. The Islamic bank was meant particularly to serve banking needs of Muslims in Mindanao and Manila.

A Trainer on Islamic banking for Indonesian bankers organised by Bank Indonesia in Bumi Karsa, Jakarta (1999)

Bumi Karsa Bidakara, Jakarta....2 weeks here conducted training on Islamic banking and finance. Visited Puncak and Bandung on the weekends.

International Integrated Course on Islamic Banking and Finance: 17-days Program at Holiday Villa Subang (1994)

Organised 17-days International Integrated Course on Islamic Banking and Finance held at Holiday Villa, Subang in the suburb of Kuala Lumpur in 1994. I was a speaker on the topic "Islamic Consumer/Retail Financing". The course was attended by over 100 participants from 20 countries including from Bahrain, Kuwait, USA, Brunei and Indonesia. Treated delegates for a trip by bus to Penang Island "the Pearl of the Orient" on the weekend, 400 km away up north.

Joined Bank Islam Malaysia Berhad (BIMB) on 15 September 1991

Joined Bank Islam Malaysia Berhad (BIMB) on 15 September 1991. I was interviewed by the "Father of Islamic Banking in Malaysia", Dato' Dr. Abdul Halim Ismail, the bank's first Managing Director. Undergone overall Islamic banking operation familisation program at Shah Alam Branch (located about 35 km from KL) for several weeks and then assigned to the Organisation and Methods Dept (more like Business Development/Product Development Dept). Developed several new products and services (mostly financing products) for the Islamic bank, wrote manuals and standard operating procedures and trained staff from branches and head office during the implementation stage. Of course, products and services must be approved by the Shariah Advisory Council of the bank before implementation.

In 1993, Bank Negara Malaysia introduced Interest-free Banking Scheme (IBS) or in Malay it was called Skim Perbankan Tanpa Faedah (SPTF) to be implemented at conventional banks as an "IB window" or "IB counter". Most of other banks asked for consultancy service from BIMB to develop and introduce their Islamic banking business. I was then assigned a consultant/trainer for almost all conventional banks in Malaysia and then expanded to foreign countries like Indonesia, Brunei, Thailand and other countries.

That was how my consulting and training career in Islamic finance started up till now....

Served at Universiti Utara Malaysia (UUM) (1990-1991)

After returning to Malaysia from the States, I served (worked) for about a year at Universiti Utara Malaysia (UUM) / "Northern Malaysia University" in the Faculty of Foundation Studies. I think the faculty is currently known as College of Arts & Sciences.

The Universiti Utara Malaysia formally incorporated on 16th February 1984, with the unique mission to provide academic excellence in the areas of business management education, IT and quality management. Faced with this challenging task, the University has, since its inception, ensured that its academic niche areas are focused on such disciplines as management, accountancy, economics, information technology, entrepreneurial development, tourism management, banking and finance, social development, human resources development and international affairs management.

From its humble beginnings in Tanah Merah, Jitra, in 1990, the University moved to Sintok, 48 kilometers north of Alor Setar, the state capital of Kedah Darul Aman and 10 kilometers east of Changlun, a small town on the North-South Highway. The 1,061 hectares campus is surrounded by tropical rain forests set against a background of mountains. The Sintok and Badak Rivers run through the campus creating a truly unique feature as well as making it one of the most beautiful campuses in Malaysia.

The huge campus, which cost RM 580 million, started operation on 15 September 1990. It comprises 15 residential colleges which can accommodate 20,000 students in total. Many of these colleges are named after multinational and public listed companies, namely MAS, TENAGA NATIONAL, TM, PROTON, PETRONAS, TRADEWINDS, EON, GUTHRIE, MISC, PERWAJA, MAYBANK, BANK MUAMALAT, YAYASAN AL-BUKHARY, BUKIT KACHI 1 and 2. UUM is one of the very few IPTAs that offer full accommodation to its students throughout their academic years at the University.

Study at Northern Illinois University, DeKalb, Illinois, USA (1984-1988)

In 1988's, there were about 200 Malaysian students studied at NIU. Together with Muslim students from other countries, we collected about USD90,000 to purchase a house in Normal Rd and converted it to Muslim House (Islamic Centre)....where we performed our weekly Friday Prayer and daily Congregation Prayers. I was the Vice President of Islamic Society of NIU (ISNIU). Professor Dr. Sidek Baba was the President then. We organised several dialogue sessions with Christians and people of other faiths to explain about Islam and to correct the common misunderstanding. Happy to note that many NIU graduates from Malaysia have progressed to become university professors and corporate leaders.....with the exception of me (maybe not yet).

The City of DeKalb, the home of NIU is located some 60 miles from Chicago "the Windy City". Illinois is called "Land of Lincoln" and currently it is also "Land of Obama".......

Received secondary education in Ipoh City, State of Perak, Malaysia (1981-1982)

Born somewhere here....in picturesque country side, near Alor Star City in the State of Kedah, north of Malaysia (1965)

Never forget your root.....

Kedah sits in the northwest corner of Peninsular Malaysia. Kedah has the distinction of being the "Rice-bowl of Malaysia" - a term that takes on aesthetic significance when one sees the rice fields for themselves: the flat expanse of padis against a backdrop of rolling hills provides a picture of utter serenity that lulls the senses.

Off Kedah's western shores are clusters of sun-drenched islands that comprise the legendary archipelago of Langkawi, easily the most popular resort location in the country. Rising to meet the western shoreline is the mountain of Gunung Jerai (1,200 meters above sea level).

Kedah's population of about one million is primarily Malay, though there are significant Chinese and Indian minorities.

Welcome to Kedah Darul Aman (the State of Peace)!