Full Speech:

1. I would like to thank Chartered Institute of Islamic Finance Professionals (CIIF) for this award. It is with great humility and gratitude that I accept this Honorary Chartered Membership.
2. I regard this recognition not just a personal honour but a testament to the collective efforts of many in Malaysia that have tirelessly championed the growth and mainstream acceptance of Islamic finance, domestically and globally. I stand on the shoulders of giants. In fact, looking around the room today, I see many of those giants here today.
3. My journey in Islamic Finance started as a professional. I was an audit partner in PwC specialising in banks and in the 2000s, found myself having to grapple with the concept of faith-based financing. Many of my clients were moving to being full-fledged Islamic Banks from windows and as an accountant, we had to figure out how to account for these new products as well as the tax implications. In fact, Puan Azura was part of my Islamic Finance team dealing with tax matters then.
4. I am very grateful to the very patient clients and scholars, who spent the time explaining the concepts to me like Pak Mustafa of Bank Islam, Rafe Haneef, Tan Sri Daud Bakar and many others.
   
5. I have learnt a lot in my journey and have tried in a small way to contribute back. For example, as the MIA President, I started an internship programme and the first IFRS and Islamic finance book. I have also represented the Malaysian view at the IASB, the international body that determines IFRS or accounting standards. And now as the SC chairman, I am supporting the work the SC has started on Maqasid al-Shariah and we hope to make a difference beyond the finance industry to the community as a whole.
6. Just a word on CIIF. I was a fee paying member of CIIF for many years as I supported the need for a professional body for Islamic Finance Professionals. I must congratulate En Kemal and his team for continuing to make a difference and helping the professional development of the Islamic Professional. And I also support the widening of its scope more to the capital markets. You may not be aware but the equity, bond and sukuk market stands at about RM4.3 trillion today which is larger than banking assets. So the capital markets will be more and more relevant to the provision of capital going forward.
7. To the young and not so young conferees who are being recognised today: congratulations on this milestone. This is only the beginning of a journey that requires continuous learning, adaptability, and resilience.
   
8. The fast-growing world of Islamic finance needs more leaders like you — leaders who embody the principles of Maqasid al-Shariah with the determination and drive to innovate and make meaningful impact.
9. Remember, every step you take in your personal and professional development is a step towards uplifting the community and the global economy.
10. Let us all commit to building a more vibrant and resilient Islamic finance landscape—one that serves not just the financial and capital markets, but humanity.
11. Thank you once again CIIF, for this honour. May we all continue to progress together for the betterment of the ummah, InsyaAllah.
    
    Wassalam wbt.