Cambridge, UK - The Cambridge Islamic Finance Leadership Programme 2016 (Cambridge-IFLP 2016) attracted participation from the Middle East, Africa, Asia, Europe and America. Over a period of 5 days (August 20-25, 2016), more than 50 mentors, speakers and delegates participated in the first and the only global leadership programme specifically structured for middle and upper-middle management personnel of Islamic financial institutions. Designed and structured by Cambridge IF Analytica, and held at Clare College, University of Cambridge, the programme was delivered by some of the most influential leaders in Islamic banking and finance.
The Cambridge-IFLP 2016 was strategically supported by the Jeddah-based Islamic Corporation for the Development of the Private Sector (ICD), which also sent a group of delegates from its internationally-acclaimed Islamic Finance Talent Development Programme. Other sponsors included Kuala-Lumpur-based Finance Accreditation Agency (FAA), which was represented by its CEO, Dr Amat Taap Manshor and Dr Eddy Chong, Chief Technological Officer.
The 2016 Programme attracted a number of IBF leaders from Islamic banks, Islamic asset management firms, Shari'a scholars, standard setters and business leaders. The Programme included 8 Leadership Interviews, which were recorded and live-streamed on major social media platforms. On Day 1, Dr Adnan Chilwan, CEO of Dubai Islamic Bank, was interviewed by Professor Humayon Dar, as part of the Leadership Interviews segment. Sharif El Gamal, CEO of Soho Properties, New York; and Dr Daud Bakar, Chairman of Amanie Holdings were amongst other distinguished speakers and interviewees for Day 1.
The Cambridge-IFLP is uniquely designed to expose participating middle and upper-middle management personnel of Islamic financial institutions to the well-established IBF leaders with the aim of preparing the next generation of leaders through unique mentoring opportunities and rigorous leadership training from renowned leaders. Through the Leadership Interviews segment, delegates had the opportunity to interview leading CEOs to gain unique insights into their leadership thinking and decision making. Industry-specific case studies in Islamic finance were also used as learning aids.
"Today's dynamically changing business landscape can be viewed both as a challenge and opportunity for organisational growth. As Islamic finance as an industry matures and ready to move on to the next level of development, the industry requires leaders who are able to transform global challenges into opportunities," said Professor Humayon Dar, Chairman of Cambridge IF Analytica.
"Grooming the next generation of leaders with relevant skill sets to meet changes in the business environment is vital for the future of Islamic banking and finance. Cambridge-IFLP aims to fast-track and groom the next generation of C-suite executives and leaders had. I am pleased that we have successfully met the objectives we set out to achieve," said Dr Sofiza Azmi, CEO of Cambridge IF Analytica and Programme Director of Cambridge-IFLP. "The industry is not short of capable and competent leaders with great potentials. Our programme provides them with the interactive opportunity to develop, advance, and practice various leadership skills that will benefit them as individuals, leaders, and citizens," she added.
Commenting on the programme, Dr Eddy Chong of FAA said, "Cambridge-IFLP does not look at leadership from a singularity point of view but incorporates the development of holistic individuals who is answerable to the Creator. My words to describe the programme: Integiry, Fun, Leadership and Prestigious."
One of the delegates, Mr Bilal Subzwari of Habib Metropoliton Bank commented: "I'm honoured to be part of this movement for the greater good of Islamic finance. As Cambridge motto states: "from this place, we gain enlightenment and previous knowledge. Cambridge-IFLP provided exactly what Cambridge University is all about."
A number of CEOs of Islamic financial institutions spent plenty of time with the delegates throughout the Programme. Among them were Dato' Wan Fadzmi Wan Othman, CEO of Agrobank (Malaysia), Ramlie Kamsari, CEO of Nomura Islamic Asset Management, Mohammad Ikram Thowfeek, CEO of CAF Investment Bank (Kuwait), and Fadi Al Faqih, CEO of Bank of Khartoum.
Iqbal Khan, CEO of Fajr Capital, and Dr Tim Winters of the University of Cambridge, were distinguished guests on the closing day. All the delegates received Cambridge Certificates in Islamic Banking and Finance Leadership. Five of the distinguished delegates were also presented with Cambridge Islamic Finance Leadership Awards. The winners included Tanvir Ahmed Uddin (ICD), Abdul 'Azim Mohammed (Bank Islamic Brunei Darussalam), Dr. Hanis Osman (Bank Rakyat Malaysia), Mohammad Taufik Zakaria (Agrobank Malaysia) and Oluwaseun Alele (DDGI).
About Cambridge IF Analytica:
Cambridge IF Analytica is a financial services intelligence house that specialises in developing and utilising powerful cutting edge analytical tools to evaluate business data, assess macroeconomic indicators and understand market trends, leadership positioning and brand development relevant to the development of the financial services industry globally.
The principal activity of Cambridge IF Analytica is developing performance indicators specific to alternative practices of banking and finance. It also aims to provide strategic advice to governments, financial institutions and multilateral organisations in the development of financial markets including alternative banking and finance products, procedures, practices and policies.
Through our strong and invaluable relations with policy makers and private sector industries, we have insights into market and business trends as well as policy changes. This allows us to identify and prioritize common issues and provide perspectives and solutions that are practical, focused and effective; which will increase the competitive advantage of our clients.
Cambridge IF Analytica is a member of HD-Edbiz Group of Companies with offices in London, British Virgin Island, Istanbul and Islamabad.
Contact Person: Umar Rauf; Email: urauf@cambridge-ifa.com
© Press Release 2016
