Global Muslim Business Forum 2023 set to unite leaders in innovation, economic transformation

Awang Tengah (seated centre) together with Sarawak ministers and Yeoh (seated right) in a group photo after the press conference at Media Room of DUN Complex on Nov 24, 2023.

By Karen Bong

KUCHING, Nov 24: Some 1,000 delegates, including prominent global leaders, are expected to convene at the Global Muslim Business Forum (GMBF) 2023 to be held from Nov 28 to 30 at Borneo Convention Centre Kuching (BCCK) here.

The forum is hosted by the Sarawak government and jointly organised by KSI Strategic Institute for Asia Pacific, Islamic Chamber of Commerce, Industry and Agriculture, and Global One.

Deputy Premier Datuk Amar Awang Tengah Ali Hasan emphasised that Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim, Indonesia Vice President Prof Dr Kyai Ma’ruf Amin and Premier of Sarawak Datuk Patinggi Tan Sri Abang Johari Tun Openg will deliver keynote addresses at the opening gala dinner on Nov 28.

“GMBF 2023 aims to be a hub of knowledge for governments, corporations and civil society to explore best and innovative practices in various domains such as Islamic finance, green technology and agriculture.

“Themed ‘Innovations and Transformation in Islamic Economies’, the Forum will feature keynote speeched by world leaders, plenary sessions, workshops, awards ceremony and a gala dinner,” he told a press conference at the Media Room of Sarawak Legislative Assembly (DUN) Complex here today.

Elaborating, Awang Tengah emphasised that over 60 prominent local and foreign speakers from Malaysia, Asean countries, and other parts of the world will share their knowledge, insights and experiences on various pertinent issues such as Islamic innovation, the New Economy, Digital Technology, Green Energy, Food Security, Halal Industry, Entrepreneurship and Start-ups.

The Forum is designed to address challenges and opportunities within the Islamic economies with the objectives to bridge the Muslim world by forging stronger connections and partnerships, particularly in the Middle East, Asia and the rest of the world.

Among others, the Forum also hopes to encourage value-based result-oriented initiatives and programmes for social and economic impact for upliftment of poverty and the promotion of social entrepreneurship and business endeavours; to promote investment; to be the hub of Islamic knowledge; to advance the green economy and partnerships for climate action, green technology and innovation for the preservation of the planet earth as a habitat for humans; and to advance partnership for sustainable development with inclusiveness and to ensure no one is left or lags behind.

“It is an avenue for these actors to connect, collaborate and contribute. The Forum will provide insights as well as highlight latest trends in various sectors. GMBF is also the ideal platform to connect between the Muslim World and the non-Muslim community,” Awang Tengah added.

Minister of Utility and Telecommunication Dato Sri Julaihi Narawi, deputy ministers and KSI president Tan Sri Michael Yeoh were among those present. — DayakDaily