Labuan, 28 November 2025 – The Labuan Financial Services Authority (Labuan FSA) today organised the Labuan International Finance Lecture Series, spotlighting the theme: “Synergising ESG, Islamic Finance and Digital Pathways for Labuan IBFC”. The dialogue focused on how sustainable finance and innovative Shariah-compliant solutions, and technologies can be integrated to create new opportunities, and highlighted how Labuan IBFC can take a leading role in driving responsible, inclusive, and future-ready growth.

The lecture started with a keynote presentation titled “From Compliance to Value Creation: Innovating for Sustainable Growth” by Dr Ahmad Hezri Adnan, a renowned sustainability practitioner. The keynote addressed the evolving global ESG landscape and strategic approached for organisations to transition from regulatory alignment to impact-driven value creation.

This was followed by insightful panel discussion titled “Transcending Innovation: Convergent Pathways in ESG, Islamic and Digital Finance”. The panel feature two distinguished speakers, namely Dr. Renard Siew, President of Malaysia Carbon Market Association and Mr. Faroze Nadar, Executive Director of the UN Global Compact Network Malaysia & Brunei.

The panellists discussed the intersection of ESG, Islamic finance, and digital innovation, covering topics from regulatory disclosure to embedding ESG into business strategy, governance, and long-term value creation. They also highlighted opportunities for Labuan IBFC to advance ESG practices and sustainable finance solutions. The panel discussion was moderated by Mr. Ja’afar Rihan, Head of the Islamic Business Development Unit of Labuan FSA.

In his welcoming remarks, Director General of Labuan FSA, Affendi Rashdi stressed the importance of strengthening Labuan IBFC’s role as a centre for innovative financial solutions that support long-term value creation, inclusivity and positive economic impact. He also highlighted that Labuan IBFC’s growing role in Islamic finance innovation, marked by the milestone issuance of the RMB200 million Climate Sukuk, structured on Shariah principles and backed by verified carbon-credit linked assets. This structure demonstrates the practical integration of sustainability, Islamic finance and digital tokenisation in a real economic project.

The lecture series is landmark event in the calendar of Labuan IBFC, serving as a platform for knowledge sharing on global financial developments and contemporary market issues. The event drew more than 200 participants, comprising industry leaders, practitioners, intermediaries and other stakeholders, reflecting the growing importance of sustainability-oriented and Shariah-compliant financial solutions in markets.


Labuan Financial Services Authority
28 November 2025