Global Muslim Business Forum

The Global Muslim economy is entering a new phase of influence. In 2022, Muslim consumer spending reached USD 2.29 trillion, driven by growth in halal food, pharmaceuticals, modest fashion, travel, and media. Islamic finance assets stood at USD 4.5 trillion and are projected to exceed USD 6.7 trillion by 2027. With a global population of 1.9 billion and rising, Muslims represent one of the most important demographic and economic forces worldwide.

In response, the Global Muslim Business Forum (GMBF) was established in 2022 by the KSI Strategic Institute, the Islamic Chamber of Commerce, and Development (ICCD), and Global One, a UK-based UN-accredited NGO. After successful editions in Kuala Lumpur and Kuching, Sarawak, the 2025 Forum will again be hosted in Kuala Lumpur.

As one of the most dynamic economies in the Muslim world, Malaysia has become a convenor of economic transformation, leading platforms in Islamic finance, trade, and thought leadership. Serving as ASEAN Chair in 2025, Malaysia bridges East and West, from the OIC and the Gulf to China and the United States, reinforcing its role in shaping cooperation for regional and global stability.

The choice of Kuala Lumpur underscores its status as a modern capital and financial hub. With leading institutions in Islamic finance, trade, and innovation, it offers the ideal platform for dialogue, partnership, and sustainable development. Its connectivity and infrastructure make it a natural venue to showcase collaboration across the OIC and beyond.

AIMS AND OBJECTIVES

To bridge the Muslim world by forging stronger connections and partnerships, particularly in the Middle East, Asia and the rest of the world.

To encourage value-based result-oriented initiatives and programmes for social and economic impact for upliftment of poverty, and the promotion of social entrepreneurship and business endeavours.

To promote investment in Muslim countries by exploring new growth opportunities and unlocking the full potential of untapped resources and markets.

To be the hub of Islamic knowledge for governments, private sector and civil society in the Muslim world and beyond.

To advance the Green Economy and partnerships for Climate Action, Green Technology and Innovation for the preservation of the planet earth as a habitat for humans.

To advance partnership for sustainable development with inclusiveness to and ensure no one is left or lags behind.

PROGRAMME

This year, the Forum will highlight the latest developments in the Islamic economy and provides indicators of opportunity for governments, businesses, and investors to steer a clearer course in a turbulent world. It will also provide insights into the opportunities and challenges for the global Islamic economy in the upcoming period and to spotlight latest trends, policy developments and learning experiences. It will also focus on Innovation, Technology and Transformation as key drivers of the Islamic economy

mODERATORS & SPEAKERS

  • TYT Tun Seri Setia Dr. Haji Mohd Ali bin Mohd Rustam

    Yang di-Pertua Negeri Melaka, Malaysia (Governor of the State of Melaka, Malaysia)

  • The Rt. Hon. Datuk Patinggi Tan Sri (Dr) Abang Haji Abdul Rahman Zohari bin Tun Datuk Abang Haji Openg

    Premier of Sarawak

  • H.E. Syed Yousaf Raza Gilani

    Chairman of the Senate of Pakistan & Former Prime Minister, Pakistan

  • H.E. Yousef Hassan Khalawi

    Secretary-General, Islamic Chamber of Commerce and Development (ICCD)

  • Tan Sri Abdul Majid Khan

    Chairman, KSI Strategic Institute for Asia Pacific (KSI)

  • H.E. Neak Oknha Datuk Dr Othsman Hassan

    Senior Minister In Charge of Special Mission (Islamic Affairs); Special Envoy of Cambodia to the Organization of Islamic Cooperation (OIC), Cambodia; and Supreme Council Member of the Muslim World League (MWL/RABITA)

  • Datuk Seri Mohamed Iqbal Rawther

    President, Global Muslim Business Forum (GMBF)

  • Tan Sri Michael Yeoh

    President, KSI Strategic Institute for Asia Pacific & President, World Digital Chamber

  • Dato’ Seri Dr. Vaseehar Hassan Abdul Razack

    Co-Chairman, Global Muslim Business Forum / Executive Vice-Chairman, KSI Strategic Institute for Asia Pacific / Board Director, Bank Rakyat Malaysia / Former Chairman, RHB Islamic Bank, Malaysia

  • Tan Sri Abdul Wahid Omar

    Chairman, Cypark Resources Berhad and IOI Corporation Berhad and Former Minister in the Prime Minister's Department (Economic Planning).

  • Salahuddin Kasem Khan

    Executive Chairman, SEACO Foundation Bangladesh and Former International Advisory Council, World Islamic Economic Forum (WIEF)

  • H.E. Ardasher Qodiri

    Ambassador of the Republic of Tajikistan to Malaysia

  • Zaim Mohzani

    Senior Director of External Relations, KSI Strategic Institute for Asia Pacific

  • Prof. Dr. M. Din Syamsuddin

    Chairman, Centre for Dialogue and Cooperation among Civilizations (CDCC), Indonesia

  • Usman Nisar Chaudhry

    Adviser, KSI Strategic Institute for Asia Pacific (KSI); CEO, Panjtan Group, Pakistan & Malaysia

  • Mirza Vejzagic

    Vice President, Malaysia-Bosnia and Herzegovina Business Council (MBBC)

  • Bilal Parvaiz

    CEO, Standard Chartered Saadiq (Islamic Banking) Malaysia

  • H.E. Bulat Sugurbayev

    Ambassador of Kazakhstan to Malaysia

  • Dr. Husna Ahmad

    Founder & CEO, Global One, UK

  • Datuk Zunaidah Idris

    Founder / Vice Chairman, Women Leadership Foundation, Malaysia

  • Dr. Wael ElDesouky

    Secretary General of Sustainable Entrepreneurship & Enterprise Development Organization (SKSEED), Egypt

  • Natavan Mammadova

    Secretary General of Maida Nazir Organization for Women’s Economic Empowerment, Azerbaijan

  • Dr. Noor Amy Ismail

    Board Director (Global Services), Wahed & Faculty Lecturer, University Teknologi Malaysia (UTM)

  • Professor Emeritus Dato’ Dr. Mohd Azmi Omar

    President and CEO, INCEIF University

  • Rejina Rahim

    Founder, Wahine Capital & Former Council Member, Malaysia International Islamic Financial Centre (MIFC)

  • Nur Alyssa Coraline binti Yussin

    Acting Director-General, Islamic Tourism Centre (ITC)

  • Noridham Nordin

    Head of Halal Training Institute, Halal Development Corporation (HDC)

  • Shabnam Karimova

    First Secretary, Embassy of Azerbaijan to Malaysia

  • Sir Iqbal Sacranie

    Chairman, Muslim Trade Forum (MTF) and Chairman, Global Group of Companies, UK

EVENT SPONSORS AND PARTNERS

GALLERY

VIDEO HIGHLIGHTS