MARCH-APRIL . 2023 | @ Halal

07

Khairul Shahril Hamzah , organising chairman and chief executive of HQC Commerce Sdn Bhd , stated the first-ever event would have space for three hundred small and medium businesses ( SMEs ), allowing those businesses to showcase their goods and services , and gain exposure and knowledge necessary to enter international markets .

The domestic SMEs that serve as the foundation of our economy will be the focus of this event .

Said Khairul : “ By bringing all of this together under one roof , this event will be a significant milestone for Malaysia ’ s halal industry as the government agencies will be available to support and facilitate the industry .”

He also announced the government would establish agencies to assist SMES . These agencies will include the Department of Islamic Development Malaysia ( JAKIM ) for halal certification and the Malaysia External Trade Development Corp to assist SMEs in exploring the export market .

Halal Development Corporation ( HDC ) and Malaysia Productivity Corp will discuss fostering the halal business , while Malaysia Productivity Corp will focus more on productivity and innovation .

Malaysia ’ s diverse halal industry will be highlighted during the expo , themed “ Empowering Local for Global Sustainability ”.

This industry includes food and beverages , cosmetics , pharmaceutical , education , e-commerce and digitalisation , tourism , fashion , shariah compliance , Islamic finance , and Muslim-friendly .

Khairul stated the expo had the potential to become an enabler to support government initiatives to turn Malaysia into a centre for a global distribution network and to facilitate the exportation of Malaysian halal products . This can be accomplished by utilising Malaysia ’ s advantages with its developed halal ecosystem .

The expo is expected to attract 30,000 visitors . It will be held at the Mines International Exhibition and Convention Centre .

BANK Muamalat Malaysia Berhad ( Bank Muamalat ) and Malakoff Corporation Berhad ( Malakoff ) announced their strategic collaboration aimed at promoting Environmental , Social , and Governance ( ESG ) initiatives in Malaysia .

This collaboration supports the Malaysia Budget 2023 initiative and demonstrates both organisations ’ commitment towards promoting sustainable practices in the country .

The collaboration will focus on financing programmes for Renewable Energy ( RE ), specifically Solar Photovoltaic Systems , Battery Energy Storage Systems and Electric Vehicle Chargers , to support the growth and development of sustainable energy solutionsin the country .

The programme will provide financing options for businesses and individuals looking to adopt RE , helping to reduce the country ’ s carbon footprint and support the transition to a more sustainable future .

“ We are proud to be partnering with Malakoff to bring ESG to the forefront of our customers ’ minds ,” said Khairul Kamarudin , President & CEO of Bank Muamalat .

“ Bank Muamalat is the first bank to offer eco-green financing through various innovative solutions such as personal financing , mortgages , credit cards and car financing tailored to customer ’ s needs . We aim to provide our customers with the best financial services and support their journey towards a better life . This partnership is just one of the many ways we demonstrate our commitment towards # BetterLivesTogether and a sustainable future for all Malaysians .”

Speaking on the collaboration , Malakoff ’ s Managing Director / CEO Anwar Syahrin Abdul Ajib said : “ Malakoff thrives on being the partner-of-choicein providing green and innovative energy solutions in the country .”

“ We are committed to championing the nation ' s transition towards greener energy sources as the Group continues to expand its RE portfolio while providing sustainable energy solutions , in line with its target of achieving net zero carbon emissions by 2050 .

“ Through this strategic alliance with Bank Muamalat , we are confident of helping make cleaner energy adoption more accessible and affordable for businesses and individuals , and also serve as a catalyst in instilling environmental awareness among Malaysians and contribute to the growth of sustainable living .”

Chief Financial Officer of Bank Muamalat Amirul Nasir Abdul Rahim ( 2nd left ) and CEO of Malakoff Corporation Berhad Anwar Syahrin Abdul Ajib during the launch ceremony . Also present were the Director of Retail Banking of Bank Muamalat Zury Rahimee Zainal Abiden ( left ) and the Chief of Solar of Malakoff Corporation Berhad , Arnie Azlina Omar ( right ). want to help parents to perform Hajj by applying for this personal financing with a minimum amount of RM50,000 . The campaign runs from 24 March to 31 May 2023 and offers a chance to win Umrah package prizes .

The personal financing package provides an opportunity for prospective Hajj pilgrims who can repay the financing in a structured manner according to their respective financial capabilities .

Bank Islam CEO Mohd Muazzam said :

“ Since the cost of the Hajj package is increasing due to external factors , the personal financing offered is timely to enable more Muslims who can fulfil the 5th pillar of Islam .”

“ Meanwhile , Bank Islam ’ s role is not only limited to a financial solution hub for pilgrims but will be expanded comprehensively to more than 600 tourism companies registered under BUMITRA and their customers .”

Apart from Personal Financing products and Bank Islam Tabung Haji Visa Debit Card-i , Bank Islam , as a hub of financial solutions for pilgrims , also offers other products such as the Al-Awfar investment account , credit card-i , takaful protection products , will-writing , online and mobile banking facilities and foreign currency exchange at Bank Islam ’ s ‘ Bureau de Change ’ counter . With the existence of these benefits , it is in line with Bank Islam ’ s aspiration , which is ‘ Urusan Dipermudah , Lebih Tenang Beribadah ’.