Ibnu Sina, Ibnu Rushd and Al Jabir were among the many legendary thinkers who not only excelled in one specific area of study, but in multiple areas of knowledge such as philosophy, science and theology. The great thinkers of the past have indeed demonstrated exemplary intellectual qualities for us to emulate. The current highly competitive and demanding operating environment requires presentday Ibnu Sina, Ibnu Rushd and Al Jabir to formulate and develop solutions to the challenges faced by the ummah. Today, the definition of Shariah scholars is often understood in a narrow context where recognition is largely attributed to one’s proficiency in the field of Islamic theocracy. However, the nature and challenges faced by society today demand a broader context of scholarly endeavours that necessitate a new cadre of Islamic finance scholars. Such scholars, not only excel in their depth of Shariah knowledge and wisdom, but also possess knowledge in other related disciplines such as economics, finance and law. The combination of technical knowledge and Shariah wisdom, together with a strong understanding in other disciplines would produce great thinkers who are able to translate theoretical reasoning into practice. These thinkers could contribute to the society with their contemporary innovative solutions, starting from even small ideas that could potentially bring incremental changes with bigger positive impact over the long run. Great thinkers of yesteryears were known for the audacity to think beyond the sphere of conventional wisdom to shift into a new paradigm that molded civilisation into the next leap forward.

Muhammad bin Ibrahim: Outstanding contributions to the development of Islamic finance in Malaysia Welcoming remarks by Mr Muhammad bin Ibrahim, Governor of the Central Bank of Malaysia (Bank Negara Malaysia), at the Royal Award for Islamic Finance Gala Dinner and Award Presentation, Kuala Lumpur, 14 November 2016. * * * Bismillahhirahmanirrahim. Mengadap Seri Paduka Baginda Yang di-Pertuan Agong Almu’tasimu Billahi Muhibbuddin Tuanku Alhaj Abdul Halim Mu’adzam Shah ibni Almarhum Sultan Badlishah, Seri Paduka Baginda Raja Permaisuri Agong Tuanku Hajah Haminah. Ampun Tuanku beribu-ribu Ampun, sembah patik mohon diampun. Patik serta seluruh dif-dif jemputan pada malam ini dengan penuh hormat dan takzimnya merafak sembah menjunjung kasih atas limpah perkenan Seri Paduka Baginda Tuanku berdua berangkat bercemar duli ke Majlis Makan Malam Anugerah Diraja Kewangan Islam Tahun 2016. Ampun Tuanku. Seterusnya patik ingin memohon perkenan Seri Paduka Baginda Tuanku untuk menyampaikan ucapan kepada para hadirin dalam Bahasa Inggeris. KeBawah Duli Yang Maha Mulia Paduka Seri Sultan Nazrin Muizzuddin Shah Ibni Almarhum Sultan Azlan Muhibbuddin Shah Al-Maghfur-lah, Sultan of Perak Darul Ridzuan, and Duli Yang Maha Mulia Raja Permaisuri Perak Tuanku Zara Salim. Your Royal Highnesses, Your Excellencies, Distinguished Guests, Ladies & Gentlemen. It is my pleasure to welcome the distinguished audience to the Gala Dinner for the Royal Award for Islamic Finance (RAIF) tonight, which is held to honor an individual for outstanding contributions to the growth and development of Islamic finance.