@Halal September/October 2023 | Page 6

HLISB empowers B40 single mothers with sustainable income in partnership with SURI
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Local News

@ Halal | SEPTEMBER-OCTOBER . 2023

Empowering single mothers

HLISB empowers B40 single mothers with sustainable income in partnership with SURI

HONG LEONG Islamic Bank ( HLISB ) recently expanded its Value Based Intermediation ( VBI ) initiatives by partnering with SURI , a Social Enterprise focusing on empowering underprivileged / B40 mothers using financial aid and the living skill of sewing .

This flagship initiative , funded by an RM77,600 injection from HLISB through Lembaga Zakat Selangor ’ s Zakat Wakalah fund , aims to empower low-income single mothers with opportunities to start their businesses and earn a sustainable income , alleviating the community from harsh financial conditions and starting them on a journey towards financial freedom .
The partnership between HLISB and SURI ensures the upskilling of 20 single mothers from the B40 community with three months of intensive sewing and product development training , focusing on using recycled and upcycled materials .
These single mothers would be coached through training sessions and issued sewing machines to help them start their financial freedom and sustainability journey .
This programme was launched by HLISB Chief Executive Officer Dafinah Ahmed Hilmi , alongside Head of Research and Shariah Secretariat Department Lembaga Zakat Selangor , Ustaz Mohamad Farid Mohd Zainal , and founder of SURI , Salena Ahmad .
“ As a community bank , we are always looking for ways to promote financial inclusion and positively impact the communities
From Left ; Salena Ahmad , Dafinah Ahmed Hilmi , Mohamad Fariz Mohd Zainal , Syed Fariz Sheik and Akmal Solihi Mohd Yazid .
we operate in ,” acknowledged Dafinah on the importance of empowering female entrepreneurs in Malaysia , especially single mothers .
“ With inflation and the rising cost of living , low-income single mothers are a marginalised community who face a huge mountain to climb to provide for their families , from putting food on the table to affording general living costs and quality education for their children . On the flip side , women-owned businesses have contributed almost RM70 billion to the country ’ s GDP , proving to be a pivotal contributor to Malaysia
’ s economy .
“ We believe in unlocking the potential of these women by leveraging their tenacity and determination , as well as through strategic collaborations with social enterprises . Therefore , we are proud to kickstart this community empowerment program with SURI to help these underserved women generate a steady income and build a better life for themselves . We also hope to expand our VBI initiatives through our HLB Jumpstart - Micro Business platform and continue empowering underserved communities to achieve financial freedom .”

HLISB spearheads halal industry expansion as crucial partner of PIHEC 2023

HONG LEONG Islamic Bank ( HLISB ) participated in the Penang International Halal Expo & Conference ( PIHEC ) 2023 . HLISB ’ s participation in the expo affirms the bank ’ s position and commitment to supporting entrepreneurs and businesses in the global halal industry .
PIHEC 2023 was organised by Penang Halal International ( PHI ). The expo distinguishes itself by prioritising trade development , innovation , and sustainability within the Halal market , fostering a robust and resilient Halal business ecosystem within Malaysia and beyond .
“ We see that we can drive value to the Halal Industry with our deep-rooted heritage in entrepreneurship and a greater focus on Value Based Intermediation ( VBI ),” said HLISB Chief Executive Officer Dafinah Ahmed Hilmi .
“ HLISB is dedicated to empowering Small and Medium-sized Enterprises ( SMEs ), halal exporters , women entrepreneurs and advancing technology in the halal industry .”

Maybank inks strategic partnership with Cambridge International Financial Advisory

MAYBANK INKED a strategic partnership with Cambridge International Financial Advisory ( IFA ), with the two parties aiming to explore new opportunities in Islamic finance .
The inking ceremony was held at Menara Maybank , Kuala Lumpur , with more than 150 attendees : industry experts , ministry representatives , WOMANi alums and Cambridge IFA representatives .
The ceremony was also graced with VVIP attendees , including Cambridge IFA General Director Prof . Dr Humayon Dar , Maybank
From Left ; Nora Abd Manaf , Dr . Ungku Zeti Akhtar Aziz and Humayon Dar .
Group Chief Human Capital Officer Datuk Nora Abd Manaf , and former governor of Bank Negara Malaysia Tan Sri Dr Ungku Zeti Akhtar Aziz .
Through this partnership , Maybank assured that they were committed to gender diversity and continued learning , preparing to lead the charge in Islamic finance while empowering women in the industry through collaboration , knowledge sharing , leadership programmes , panel discussions , networking , and creating an inclusive environment within Maybank . –