YB Deputy Chairman - BRUNEI DARUSSALAM ISLAMIC INVESTMENT SUMMIT 2017

Assalamualaikum Warahmatullahi Wabarakatuh BISMILLAHIRRAHMAANIRRAHIIM Alhamdulillahi Rabbil ‘Aalameen, Wassalaatu Wassalaamu ‘Alaa Sayyidinaa Muhammadin, Wa’alaa Aalihee Wasahbihee Ajma’een, Waba’du. Your Royal Highness, Prince Haji Al-Muhtadee Billah Ibni His Majesty Sultan Haji Hassanal Bolkiah Mu’izzaddin Waddaulah, the Crown Prince and Senior Minister at The Prime Minister’s Office as The Chairman of Board of Directors of Autoriti Monetari Brunei Darussalam; Allow me Your Royal Highness, on behalf of the Organising Committee, to express our deep gratitude and appreciation to Your Royal Highness for having graciously consented to officially open the Brunei Darussalam Islamic Investment Summit 2017. Your Royal Highness’s presence is very significant and portrays Your Royal Highness’s full commitment in the development of Islamic Finance. Your Royal Highness, May I now seek your consent to address the distinguished gathering. Distinguished Excellencies, Ladies and Gentlemen, 1. I would like to extend a very warm welcome to the distinguished scholars, experts and participants attending this Summit. Autoriti Monetari Brunei Darussalam is indeed privileged and honoured to be a part of this major event on Islamic Finance, the second of a series of Brunei Darussalam Islamic Investment Summits organised by the Centre For Islamic Banking, Finance And Management and supported by AMBD. 2. Since the last summit in 2013, technological advances, legislative and regulatory requirements have improved and expanded the financial infrastructure and ecosystem of Brunei Darussalam. Earlier this year, AMBD released the Financial Sector Blueprint providing the strategic direction for Brunei Darussalam’s financial sector for the next 10 years to transform the country into a hub for Islamic Finance. This aspiration is founded upon rising financial inclusiveness and literacy as well as the development of sophisticated and resilient human capital. 3. This summit provides an important platform for the sharing of experience, knowledge and views on the current challenges in Islamic Finance with special focus on its globalisation and future direction. We are privileged to have with us an esteemed group of distinguished scholars and experts to lead and facilitate discussion in this growing global industry. Distinguished Guests, Ladies and Gentlemen, 4. Globalisation of Islamic finance has accelerated in the last few decades, facilitated by the rapid pace of standardisation, availability of information and advancement of communication techonology. We have also witnessed the proliferation of Islamic financial institutions, greater participation in international Islamic financial markets, and increased cross border flows. Therefore, the theme of this year’s summit “Globalisation of Islamic Finance: The Road Ahead” is indeed timely, given the myriad of opportunities and challenges. 5. Over the next 2 days, speakers, panelists and participants will have the opportunity to deliberate on emerging issues including the promotion of social and responsible values, innovations in Sukuk and the digitilisation of Islamic Finance. These issues are indeed pertinent and important in our efforts to further develop Islamic finance in Brunei Darussalam. Insya- Allah, participants will take home invaluable knowledge gained from the interaction and networking during this summit. 6. At this juncture, I would like to extend my sincere appreciation to the Centre For Islamic Banking, Finance And Management, as well as the organizing committee, various programme partners and relevant agencies for their hardwork, dedication and support for this event. I would like to thank the invited speakers and panelists who have made time in their busy schedules to join us in this summit. Jazaka Allahu Khayr. 7. Before I conclude my welcoming remarks, I would like to take this opportunity to express our deep appreciation and thanks for the presence of Yang Amat Mulia Pengiran Cheteria, Honourable Cabinet Ministers, Excellencies High Commissioners and Ambassadors and distinguised guests to this memorable occasion. Your Royal Highness May I once again humbly thank Your Royal Highness for so graciously consenting to grace this auspicious occasion. Wabillahittaufiq Walhidayah Wassalamualaikum Warahmatullahi Wabarakatuh. Menjunjung anugerah.