Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia, November 27, 2025 — The Islamic Development Bank (IsDB) through its Center of Excellence in Kuala Lumpur (KLCoE) participated as a prominent speaker at the ASEAN Technology and Cooperation Development Summit 2025. Held under Malaysia's ASEAN Chairmanship and supported by the Malaysian Ministry of Science, Technology, and Innovation (MOSTI), the event took place on 25-26 November 2025, at the Malaysia Industry Trade and Exhibition Centre (MITEC). It was formally opened by The Hon. Datuk Amar Haji Fadillah bin Haji Yusof, Deputy Prime Minister of Malaysia,

Br. Syed Faiq Najeeb, KLCoE's Lead Islamic Finance Specialist, represented the IsDB on the panel session: ‘The Future Halal Consumer and the Islamic Digital Economy’. He shared crucial insights from the IsDB’s new 10-Year Strategic Framework (2026-2035) and emphasized the IsDB Group’s vision, highlighting how technology, AI, and innovative Islamic economic solutions are essential enablers that empower countries for broad-based productivity and sustained growth.

The session explored key questions on the definition, scope, and ecosystem needs of the Islamic Digital Economy, along with the essential integration of Islamic finance and the Halal sector as core components of the wider Islamic economic system. It also highlighted KLCoE’s collaborative initiatives in Malaysia, including Greening Halal Businesses, Halal Industrial Park 2.0, and advancing the Islamic Digital Economy Framework.

The session also highlighted the need to simplify modern technology and strengthen capacity building for MSMEs, who often feel overwhelmed by rapid digital changes. He further emphasized that Islamic finance and the expanding Halal industry—now covering tourism, fashion, entertainment, and more which present significant opportunities for the private sector in IsDB member countries, driven by rising global demand for ethical and faith-aligned products and services.