On course for success
BRUNEI ISLAMIC ECONOMY CONFERENCE (BIE-CON) 2026
BRUNEI ISLAMIC ECONOMY CONFERENCE (BIE-CON) 2026
https://bilif.com.bn/2026/08/brunei-islamic-economy-conference-bie-con-2026/
BRUNEI ISLAMIC ECONOMY CONFERENCE (BIE-CON) 2026
Brunei Institute of Leadership & Islamic Finance (BILIF), with the support of Brunei Darussalam Central Bank (BDCB), and in collaboration with its partners Universiti Islam Sultan Sharif Ali (UNISSA), Brunei Economic Development Board (BEDB), and Track & Roll Sdn Bhd, kicked off the 2-day “Brunei Islamic Economy Conference (BIE-Con) 2026” on 24–25 June 2026 at Mulia Hotel, Bandar Seri Begawan.
Held under the theme “Catalysing a High-Performance Islamic Economy”, the two-day conference aimed to highlight the role of the Islamic economy as a strategic driver for sustainable, resilient and inclusive national development. The conference also served as a platform to encourage meaningful discussions and collaboration among policymakers, industry leaders, Syariah scholars, academia, regulators and institutions across the Islamic economy ecosystem.
In attendance as the Guest of Honour was Yang Berhormat Dato Seri Setia Dr. Awang Haji Abdul Manaf bin Haji Metussin, Coordinating Minister for Economic Policies and Minister at the Ministry of Economy, Trade & Industry in his capacity as Chairman of the Board of Directors of Brunei Darussalam Central Bank (BDCB).
The event commenced with a welcoming remark by Hajah Rashidah binti Haji Sabtu, Managing Director, BDCB and as the Chairperson of BILIF Bhd. In her remarks, Hajah Rashidah highlighted the role of Islamic finance, halal industries, social finance, technology, and innovation in driving sustainable and inclusive growth. Forum discussions will focus on investment opportunities, digitalisation, artificial intelligence, and the role of zakat and waqf in socio-economic development. Through stronger collaboration, BIE-Con 2026 aims to strengthen Brunei Darussalam’s position as a regional platform for Islamic economy development, investment, and strategic partnerships.
The event continued with a keynote address by Yang Berhormat Dato Seri Setia Dr. Awang Haji Abdul Manaf bin Haji Metussin, Coordinating Minister for Economic Policies and Minister at the Ministry of Economy, Trade & Industry as Chairman of BDCB. He highlighted that the Islamic economy extends beyond halal products and Shariah-compliant finance, encompassing a comprehensive ecosystem built on productive economic activity, ethical values, and sustainable development. He emphasised that its success depends on the effective integration and collaboration of key sectors, including Islamic finance, halal industries, tourism, technology, education, and social finance. By working together, these sectors can create stronger synergies, enhance innovation and competitiveness, and generate sustainable value, positioning the Islamic economy as a catalyst for long-term socio-economic growth, resilience, and shared prosperity.