May-June. 2025 | @ Halal

During an official visit by Guinea- Bissau President Umaro Sissoco Embalo on 4 June, Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim expressed Malaysia’ s readiness to share its expertise in the halal sector.

This creates promising avenues for collaboration between both countries. He also encouraged Malaysian corporations, including PETRONAS and FGV Holdings, to explore investment opportunities in Guinea-Bissau. These ventures are expected to strengthen bilateral trade and serve as a strategic entry point into broader African markets.

As part of Malaysia’ s continued commitment to capacity building, the Prime Minister reaffirmed support through the Malaysian Technical Cooperation Programme( MTCP).

BANK Islam Malaysia Berhad has launched a new sustainable financing initiative, IHSAN Financing for Business Resilience, Sustainability, and Green Transition( IFiRST), to help small and medium-sized enterprises( SMEs) and mid-tier companies adopt more sustainable and Shariah-compliant business practices.

The initiative was announced during the Bank Islam Sustainability Conference 2025. Themed“ Accelerating Just Transition Towards a Nature-Positive economy,” the event brought together government officials, corporate leaders, and industry stakeholders to discuss sustainable growth.

Designed with the principles of Islamic finance and environmental responsibility in mind, IFiRST aims to accelerate Malaysia’ s shift towards a low-carbon economy. It offers equitable access to financing, including facilities such as Bank Negara Malaysia’ s Low Carbon Transition facility( LCTF), especially to carbonintensive sectors that face challenges in adopting green technologies.

Bank Islam Group Chief Executive Officer Datuk Mohd Muazzam Mohamed emphasised that IFiRST

STRENGTHENING BONDS: Anwar Ibrahim and Umaro Sissoco Embalo meet in Putrajaya to discuss expanding cooperation in the halal industry, Islamic finance, and energy sectors.

The programme offers scholarships and technical training in areas such as governance, agrotechnology, and public administration.

These areas are expected to support Guinea-Bissau’ s efforts to develop a halal regulatory framework and enhance institutional capabilities.

The two leaders also explored potential cooperation in the areas of semiconductors, oil and gas, and food technology. Broader development programmes tailored to

SUSTAINABLE FUTURE: Datuk Mohd Muazzam Mohamed, with other distinguished guests, during the launch of IFiRST at the Bank Islam Sustainability Conference 2025, driving ESG values in the halal economy.

reflects the bank’ s mission to embed environmental, social and governance( ESG) principles into its offerings. He stated that the bank wants to ensure all segments, including halal SMEs and their ecosystem partners, are supported in this transition.

IFiRST builds on Bank Islam’ s existing ESG-based solutions, such as the Ihsan Sustainability Investment Account( ISIA) and SME Smart Eco Financing Programme-i. This reinforces its commitment as a purpose-driven Islamic financial institution. These efforts align with

Guinea-Bissau’ s national goals will be coordinated through the Ministry of Plantation and Commodities.

“ We are prepared to offer assistance under the MTCP and through larger programmes coordinated by Plantation and Commodities Minister Datuk Seri Johari Abdul Ghani,” said Anwar.

President Embalo’ s visit marks a historic milestone as the first by a head of state from the West African nation since diplomatic relations were established in 1974. Bilateral

Malaysia’ s broader climate goals while supporting the integrity of the halal industry.

As part of its roadmap to achieve Net-Zero emissions by 2050, the bank will continue to engage stakeholders to foster a resilient, inclusive, and Shariah-compliant green economy.

Bank Islam also signed a strategic partnership at the event, including collaborations with Thoughts in Gear, Mastercard and Elopura Power Sdn Bhd to further drive its sustainability efforts within the halal and Islamic ecosystem. ties are further strengthened through shared memberships in the Organisation of Islamic Cooperation( OIC) and the Non-Aligned Movement( NAM).

With total trade between Malaysia and Guinea-Bissau valued at RM4.1 million in 2024, the new focus on halal and Islamic economic collaboration is expected to open up wider trade and investment prospects for both countries.

BANK Muamalat has officially launched ATLAS, Malaysia’ s first fully digital Islamic bank, aligned with faith and lifestyle values. Developed in partnership with global fintech leader Backbase, ATLAS redefines Shariah-compliant banking by offering a seamless and AIpowered digital experience.

The platform features DuitNow integration, Shariahcompliant financing, and personalised services that reflect Islamic principles. With a mission to make Islamic banking more accessible, inclusive and purpose-driven, ATLAS targets modern Muslim consumers who seek faith-centric financial solutions.

Future offerings will include digital debit and credit cards, personal financing, and a gold investment account, all in line with Shariah guidelines. A lifestyle rewards programme will also connect users to exclusive halal-friendly brands and services.

This milestone reflects the growing demand for halal financial solutions in the digital era. By integrating Islamic values with advanced banking technology, ATLAS sets a new benchmark for Malaysia’ s halal economy and digital banking landscape.

The initiative highlights Bank Muamalat’ s leadership in digital Islamic finance, strengthening Malaysia’ s position as a global halal financial hub.-