INCEIF University celebrated its 15th Convocation today, marking the graduation of 117 students from 25 countries – a diverse cohort set to become pivotal forces in Islamic finance. Representing nations such as Malaysia, India, South Korea, and Thailand, these graduates are not merely entering the field; they are poised to redefine its contours across policy, business, and global markets.
The graduates, receiving their scrolls from INCEIF University Chancellor Nor Shamsiah Mohd Yunus, who is also former Gavernor of Bank Negara at Sasana Kijang, come from a broad spectrum of academic and professional backgrounds, bringing unique perspectives to the university’s globally respected PhD, Master’s, and Professional Certificate programmes in Islamic Finance.
With curricula adopted by international institutions and programmes steeped in Islamic economic principles, INCEIF’s impact extends beyond Malaysia, solidifying the country’s reputation as a global leader in Islamic finance. INCEIF alumni already hold positions in top-tier financial institutions, regulatory bodies, and world-renowned organisations like The World Bank, where they’re influencing everything from policy frameworks to market practices.
President & CEO, Professor Emeritus Dr. Azmi Omar, says, “our graduates are recognised internationally for their expertise in Islamic finance, the halal economy, and sustainable development. They don’t just join the industry; they advance it.”
This year, INCEIF introduced the Centre of Excellence for Policy and Innovation in Islamic Economics, further strengthening Malaysia’s influence in Islamic finance policy. Alongside its existing Centre of Excellence in Islamic Social Finance, this new hub will lead research and develop policies grounded in Maqasid Al-Shariah, a system of values driving social and economic justice.
The centre’s launch coincides with a significant funding boost, as Prime Minister Anwar Ibrahim allocated RM10 million in Budget 2025 for INCEIF and the International Islamic University Malaysia to advance research in Islamic economics, underscoring the government’s faith in the role of Islamic finance as a cornerstone of Malaysia’s economic vision.
This commitment to growth and innovation was also evident at this year’s Global Forum on Islamic Economics and Finance, where INCEIF’s impactful projects took centre stage. Projek Hasan, a partnership with Lembaga Zakat Negeri Kedah and other Islamic finance leaders, was recognised as a transformative blended finance initiative.
Using zakat funds, Projek Hasan uplifts the socioeconomic conditions of asnaf in Kedah through innovative large-scale paddy farming – a model of how Islamic finance principles can drive local economic development.
To support sustainable practices among businesses, INCEIF’s ISRA Research Management Centre launched Malaysia’s first ESG-i Assessment Platform. Developed in collaboration with Ficus Capital, this pioneering tool integrates Environmental, Social, and Governance (ESG) standards with Islamic values, helping MSMEs reach global sustainability benchmarks while aligning with Islamic principles.
To secure a strong leadership pipeline, INCEIF recently launched its Islamic Finance Future Leaders Boot Camp, a high-impact programme designed to mentor high-achieving final-year students from local universities.
Through mentorship with industry experts and INCEIF faculty, these future leaders gain hands-on experience in ethical governance and sustainable business practices, ensuring that they are well-prepared to carry forward Islamic finance’s mission of responsible and inclusive growth.
With each graduating class, INCEIF cements its role as a global pillar of Islamic finance, producing graduates who will shape policies, drive business transformations, and promote sustainable financial practices across borders.
