Anwar, Indonesian vice-president to deliver keynote address at GMBF 2023

KUCHING: Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim and Vice-President of Indonesia Dr Ma’ruf Amin are set to deliver their opening keynote speeches at the Gala Dinner Global Muslim Business Forum (GMBF) 2023 on Nov 28.

Speaking to reporters at a press conference at the State Assembly here today, Sarawak Deputy Premier Datuk Amar Awang Tengah Ali Hasan said Sarawak Premier Tan Sri Abang Johari Tun Openg was also expected to deliver a keynote address during the dinner that would be held at the Borneo Convention Centre in Kuching.

“GMBF 2023 aims to be a hub of knowledge for governments, corporations and civil society to explore best and innovative practices in various domains such as Islamic finance, green technology and agriculture, entrepreneurship and the halal industry.

“Through this forum, the governments, corporations, international organisations, investors and civil society can convene to discuss, deliberate and debate these key issues. It is an avenue for these actors to connect, collaborate and contribute,” he said, adding that a total of 37 countries would participate in the GMBF 2023.

Themed ‘Innovations and Transformation in Islamic Economies’, the forum to be held from Nov 28 till Nov 30, was anticipated to draw about 1,000 attendees, including prominent global leaders, with over 60 prominent local and foreign speakers scheduled to share their knowledge and insights on various pertinent issues, he said.

An ideal platform to connect between the Muslim and non-Muslim world, the GMBF 2023 is designed to address challenges and opportunities within the Islamic economies with five objectives, Awang Tengah said.

“Among the five objectives are to bridge the Muslim world by forging stronger connections and partnerships, particularly in the Middle East, Asia and the rest of the world as well as to promote investment in countries by exploring new growth opportunities,” he said.

He said that through the forum, the leaders can highlight the green economy and partnerships for climate action and Innovation.

GMBF 2023 is hosted by the Sarawak government and jointly organised by KSI Strategic Institute for Asia Pacific, Islamic Chamber of Commerce, Industry and Agriculture as well as Global One. – BK