Anwar: Malaysia to offer Islamic banking, halal expertise to Kyrgyzstan
PUTRAJAYA: Malaysia is ready to offer its expertise in Islamic banking and the halal industry to Kyrgyzstan to help develop more comprehensive facilities and services, said Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim.
Anwar, who is also Finance Minister, said his discussions with Kyrgyz President Sadyr Zhaparov focused on establishing an Islamic bank to strengthen the financial system.
"Of course, we discussed Islamic banking, halal matters, construction, finance, and related programmes, including the proposal to establish an Islamic bank.
"There will be follow-up meetings between our ministers. You (Zhaparov) have brought key ministers to Malaysia, and my ministers will respond accordingly," he said at a joint press conference at Kompleks Seri Perdana today.
Anwar said the strategic cooperation was essential not only to strengthen understanding and friendship but also to ensure that bilateral trade, investment programmes and projects continue to progress.
He added that Malaysia and Kyrgyzstan had also agreed to explore the Halal Cooperation Action Plan proposed by Zhaparov.
"This matter will be explored more thoroughly. Undoubtedly, Kyrgyzstan has strong capabilities in hydropower, green energy, and renewable energy – areas in which Malaysia is very interested to understand, study, and benefit from."
He also said Malaysia and Kyrgyzstan had agreed to enhance cooperation in education and research, with a focus on strengthening people-to-people ties and expanding the social and economic potential of both countries.
As part of this effort, Anwar said Malaysia would provide technical and educational assistance to the people of Kyrgyzstan through the Malaysian Technical Cooperation Programme (MTCP).
"Our institutions are ready to assist in identifying individuals for training, and we would greatly appreciate the opportunity to implement an exchange programme with your country."
Hashtags
Try Our AI Features
Explore what Daily8 AI can do for you:
Comments
No comments yet...
Related Articles
New Straits Times
42 minutes ago
- New Straits Times
TNB's unit GSparx to install solar panels at USIM campus in Nilai
KUALA LUMPUR: Tenaga Nasional Bhd (TNB), via unit GSparx Sdn Bhd, will develop a 5.5 megawatt-peak (MWp) solar project at Universiti Sains Islam Malaysia (USIM) campus in Nilai, Negri Sembilan. In a statement, USIM said a supply agreement of renewable energy (SARE) was signed to support its initiative to reduce carbon footprint by installing a solar system that is expected to generate electricity savings of up to RM350,000 in the first year. USIM vice-chancellor Professor Datuk Dr Sharifudin Md Shaarani said the project was not merely an investment in campus infrastructure, but also in the nation's sustainable future. "It paves the way for innovation, research, and study in the field of renewable energy at the university," he added. The project is unique as it is implemented through the zero capital expenditure solar solution, which requires no upfront costs from the university. About 80 per cent of the solar system will be installed in open areas on campus, such as parking spaces, while the remaining 20 per cent will be mounted on the rooftops of buildings on campus. TNB chief retail officer Kamal Arifin A Rahman said the installation of these solar panels has the potential to reduce carbon dioxide emissions by 3,696 tonnes annually. "TNB, through its subsidiary GSparx, is fully committed to ensuring the smooth implementation of this project, which is expected to be completed within 12 months. "This initiative is also part of TNB's energy transition effort in support of the National Energy Transition Roadmap, which targets 70 percent renewable energy capacity and net-zero carbon emissions by 2050," he said. With the collaboration, USIM has not only achieved another significant milestone, but also cemented its role as a leading sustainable and competitive Islamic university on the global stage.
New Straits Times
2 hours ago
- New Straits Times
National-level Maal Hijrah celebration to take place at Mitec this Friday
KUALA LUMPUR: The Department of Islamic Development Malaysia (Jakim) will host the National Maal Hijrah 1447H/2025M celebration at the Malaysia International Trade and Exhibition Centre (Mitec) here this Friday. Jakim director-general Datuk Dr Sirajuddin Suhaimee said His Majesty Sultan Ibrahim and Her Majesty Raja Zarith Sofiah, the King and Queen of Malaysia are expected to grace the event, which carries the theme Membangun Ummah Madani (Developing a Madani Ummah). Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim and his wife Datuk Seri Dr Wan Azizah Wan Ismail are also scheduled to attend the ceremony, which will begin at 9.30am and is expected to draw around 8,000 guests. These include Cabinet ministers, deputy ministers, heads of government departments and agencies, foreign dignitaries and members of the public. "This year's celebration aims to highlight the importance of drawing lessons from the hijrah in building a progressive Muslim community," Sirajuddin said in a statement today. He said a Madani ummah embodies the principle of inclusivity in developing a civilised society, not only in terms of physical development, but also in nurturing spiritually excellent human capital. The highlight of the event will be a Royal Address by His Majesty, as well as the presentation of the National and International Tokoh Maal Hijrah Awards to individuals who have made significant contributions to Islamic development and the advancement of the ummah. In conjunction with the celebration, a special prayer ceremony to mark the end and beginning of the Islamic year will take place at 6.30pm this Thursday at Masjid Negara (National Mosque). The ceremony will be attended by Minister in the Prime Minister's Department (Religious Affairs) Datuk Dr Mohd Na'im Mokhtar, with prayers led by the Grand Imam Ehsan Mohd Hosni. A special tausiyyah (religious lecture) will also be delivered by Prof Datuk Dr Mohd Izhar Ariff Mohd Kashim from Universiti Kebangsaan Malaysia (UKM). "May this year's Maal Hijrah celebration bring renewed hope and unity to Muslims in Malaysia and around the world, in the spirit of togetherness exemplified by Prophet Muhammad SAW in Madinah," said Sirajuddin.
The Star
2 hours ago
- The Star
ACE Market-bound iCents group eyes regional growth after listing
From left: iCents Group executive director Tan Wei Ying, executive director Foo Siang Leng, substantial shareholder Faye Khor Fei Yi, managing director Vincent Ong Mum Fei, independent non-executive chairperson Lim Bee Vian, Alliance Islamic CEO Rizal IL-Ehzan Fadil Azim, Alliance Bank Malaysia group chief corporate and institutional banking officer Teoh Chu Lin and Alliance Islamic Bank head and senior vice-president of coverage and origination of Islamic capital markets Lim Shueh Li KUALA LUMPUR: Cleanroom and facility services provider iCents Group Holdings Bhd (iCents Group) plans to expand its operations to Singapore and establish new offices in Kuching and Indonesia following its listing on the ACE Market of Bursa Malaysia on July 17, 2025. Group managing director Vincent Ong Mum Fei said the company aims to expand to Singapore and is currently preparing a proposal. He added that funds raised from its initial public offering (IPO) will also be used to establish offices in Kuching and Indonesia, supporting its operations in these areas. "As for Kuching, we currently have ongoing service activities there, with two projects in progress. After the IPO, we also plan to set up an office to serve the Kuching market and expanding our product range is always important," he said at the press conference held in conjunction with the company's prospectus launch. iCents Group aimed to raise RM27 million from its IPO, and of the proceeds, RM4.68 million would be utilised for the purchase of machinery and equipment, RM3.02 million for business expansion, RM1.72 million for product development, RM1.5 million for marketing activities, RM12.09 million for working capital and RM4 million for estimated listing expenses. Ong said the company would be setting up a facility in Mantin, Negeri Sembilan, this year. Meanwhile, Ong said iCents Group has not seen any immediate impact from the tariff imposed by the United States. The company's cleanroom services cater to the semiconductor, electronics, data centres, pharmaceutical, and life sciences sectors, among others. "We have not seen any immediate impact from the new tariffs. Currently, many companies, especially in the semiconductor sector, are taking a 'wait and see' approach. "That said, there has been a minor impact on capital expenditure," he said. In a statement released today, iCents Group said its IPO exercise encompassed a public issuance of 112.50 million new ordinary shares, representing approximately 22.50 per cent of its enlarged issued share capital upon listing, as well as an offer for sale of 30 million existing shares, representing approximately six per cent of its enlarged issued share capital. Out of the public issue of 112.50 million issue shares, 25 million issue shares will be made available to the Malaysian public via balloting, and 10 million issue shares will be made available to its eligible directors, employees and persons who have contributed to the success of the group. Another 15 million issue shares will be made available through private placement to selected investors, while the remaining 62.50 million issue shares will be made available by way of private placement to Bumiputera investors approved by the Ministry of Investment, Trade and Industry. "Additionally, all 30 million offer shares to be offered for sale will be offered to selected investors by way of private placement," it added. Following the prospectus launch, applications for the public issue are open from today and will be closed on July 2, 2025, at 5 pm. Alliance Islamic Bank Bhd is the principal adviser, sponsor, sole underwriter and placement agent for the IPO exercise. - Bernama
