VISIT OF IKAM (TURKEY) TO ICIFE : Another Step Towards Competent and Harmonized Islamic Finance Education Globally

As a follow up of the MoU signed on 17 July of the current year representatives from Research Center for Islamic Economics (IKAM) and Association for Science Culture and Education (ILKE); Mr. Davut Şanver – Chairman Board of Trustees, ILKE,  Assoc. Prof. Dr. Lütfi Sunar – President of IKAM & Chairman of the Executive Board-ILKE and  Prof. Dr. Nihat Erdoğmuş – Executive Committee Member, ILKE-payed a visit to Malaysia and were hosted by the International Council of  Islamic Finance Educators (ICIFE) between September 8 and 12.

Visit to Tabung Haji

On 11th September ICIFE organised a meeting with Tabung Haji represented by the Deputy CEO Dato’ Badlisyah Bin Abdul Ghani.  Dato’ Badlisyah stressed on the importance of translation of Ottoman books related to Islamic Finance in English and Bahasa Malaysia. After carefully listening to the presentation about the history and current achievements of Tabung Haji Turkish delegates were impressed by the successful model.

Visit to ISRA

On 11th September second visit was paid to the International Shariah Research Academy for Islamic Finance (ISRA). Delegates were welcomed by the CEO of ISRA Prof.Dr. Akram Laldin and Senior Researcher Assoc. Prof. Dr. Younes Soualhi.  The discussion was mainly oriented on tripartite collaboration in future research activities. Assoc. Prof. Dr. Lutfi Sunar tabled the urgent need of references to be used in Turkish universities to teach Islamic Finance courses. As a response Prof. Akram Laldin introduced books (Islamic Financial System, Islamic Capital Market and Sukuk) issued by ISRA and used as a reference in more than 80 universities worldwide.  In principal it was agreed to translate these books into Turkish to address the lack of references in Turkish language. The meeting ended with the exchange of souvenirs from both parties.

Visit to ICIFE

The third meeting was held with ICIFE Excos namely Assoc. Prof. Dr. Syed Musa Alhabshi – President, Assoc. Prof. Dr. Adam Abdullah – Secretary, Assoc. Prof. Dr. Rusni Hassan – Assistant Secretary, Professor Rosylin Yusof – Exco, Professor Aslam Haneef – Exco, Professor Saadiah Mohamed – Exco, Assoc. Prof. Dr. Zurina Shafii – Exco, Assoc. Prof. Dr. Dzuljastri Abdul Razak – Exco and Dr. Kamola Bayram – Project Executive. The main objective of the discussion was an implementation of the items in MoU. It was decided to have three joint events annually:  i) International Conference, ii) Laboratory Workshop, iii) Train the Trainer Program. The first conference will be held in Kuala Lumpur in fall 2018.

High Tea with KENMS and ISAS

ICIFE organised a High Tea to bring together faculty members of Kulliyyah of Economics and Management Sciences (KENMS) and IIUM Shariah Advisory Services (ISAS) for networking purposes.

Visit to FAA

On 12th September ICIFE brought delegates from IKAM and ILKE to Finance Accreditation Agency (FAA). The meeting was chaired by the CEO of FAA – Mr. Khairul Nizam accompanied with Director (Research & Development) Ms. Sarala J Marimuthu and Ms. Najwa Zulkefli, Manager (Strategic Corporate Relation).  Prof. Dr. Nihat Erdoğmuş said that one of the areas need improvement in Participation banking industry in Turkey is human resources. Therefore, it was suggested by Ms. Sarala J Marimuthu and Assoc. Prof. Dr. Adam Abdullah to develop assessment programs and joint training.

Visit to IFSB

The last visit of the fruitful journey was paid to the Islamic Financial Services Board (IFSB). The group was welcomed by Dr. Nagwa Sheikh Eldin – Assistant Secretary General and Members of Secretariat (Technical and Research). The delegates were briefed about the activities and projects of IFSB.  Dr. Kamola suggested to add Education Sector to the Islamic Financial Institutions Stability Report Issued annually by IFSB. The idea was found interesting and future collaborations were encouraged.

Leave a Comment