BANDAR SERI BEGAWAN (Borneo Bulletin/ANN): Brunei’s Islamic financial sector continues to soar, with assets reaching a staggering BND13.3 billion in 2023, comprising 57.2 per cent of the nation’s financial market share. This remarkable growth was celebrated at the Brunei Darussalam Islamic Finance Symposium 2024, held at Balai Khazanah Islam Sultan Haji Hassanal Bolkiah. Minister at the Prime Minister’s Office and Minister of Finance and Economy II Dato Seri Setia Dr Awang Haji Mohd Amin Liew bin Abdullah hailed the sector’s development as a catalyst for economic prosperity. In his keynote address as the guest of honour, he emphasised the pivotal role played by Islamic financial institutions in providing financing, savings, and investment opportunities, thereby stimulating economic activities and job creation. Organised by the Brunei Darussalam Central Bank in collaboration with Universiti Islam Sharif Ali, the symposium focused on the theme “The Role of Islamic Finance as a Catalyst for Economic Growth and Shared Prosperity.” Participants explored how Islamic finance has contributed to Brunei’s economic landscape, fostering inclusive growth and shared prosperity among its citizens. Attendees at the symposium included key stakeholders from the financial sector, government officials, academicians, and industry experts. Discussions revolved around leveraging Islamic finance to drive sustainable economic growth, enhance financial inclusion, and promote socio-economic development in Brunei Darussalam and beyond. The symposium underscored Brunei’s commitment to advancing Islamic finance as a viable and ethical alternative to conventional financial systems. With its burgeoning Islamic financial sector, Brunei Darussalam is poised to continue its journey towards economic resilience and shared prosperity for all its citizens. – Borneo Bulletin/ANN
