The University of Manchester South East Asia Centre (UoMSEA) recently reinforced its commitment to advancing sustainable finance education in the region by hosting two impactful masterclasses in Kuala Lumpur.
Led by Ismail Ertürk, Senior Lecturer in Banking at Alliance Manchester Business School (AMBS), these sessions provided crucial insights into balancing profitability and sustainability within the banking sector.
Malaysia’s Islamic banking sector, the third largest globally, and the fact that Shariah-compliant financing accounts for 42% of domestic banking loans, positions the country at a critical juncture in sustainable finance advancement.
In support of this, UoMSEA partnered with AFFIN Group to deliver an exclusive, private masterclass titled “Re-thinking Banking and Finance for a Sustainable Economy” for their senior leadership team at Menara AFFIN @ TRX on 24 January 2025.
This exclusive session explored key topics including maximizing shareholder value amidst short-term financial pressures, the impact of financialisation on economic stability, and integrating ESG principles into financial strategies. It also highlighted sustainable finance instruments such as green bonds and sustainability-linked loans.
The masterclass saw participation from senior AFFIN Group leaders, many of whom are University of Manchester (UoM) alumni, underscoring the strong partnership between UoMSEA and the financial sector in promoting sustainable finance expertise.
“The masterclass led by Ismail Ertürk was an enlightening experience,” said Datuk Wan Razly Abdullah, President & Group Chief Executive Officer of Affin Bank Berhad, and a UoM alumnus.
“His insights have sparked meaningful perspectives on how we can better align our strategies with global sustainability goals. As we strive towards the Group’s vision of becoming the Most Creative and Innovative Financial Company in Malaysia, it is imperative that we embrace the principles of modern, progressive banking.
“By integrating sustainability into our operations, we are shaping the ‘Bank of the future,’ delivering transformative solutions that drive meaningful change and better outcomes for our customers.”
Dato’ Paduka Syed Mashafuddin Syed Badarudin, CEO of Affin Islamic Bank Bhd and a fellow alumnus, added, “The masterclass provided valuable insights into balancing profitability with sustainability, equipping leaders with practical strategies to navigate the evolving financial landscape.
“UoMSEA’s expertise plays a key role in supporting our journey towards aligning with Malaysia’s vision of becoming a global leader in Islamic and sustainable finance.”
Other UoM alumni participants included Irwin Mohd Eusoff, Group Chief Corporate Strategy & Sustainability Officer of Affin Bank Berhad, and Joanne Rodrigues, Group Chief Financial Officer of Affin Bank Berhad.
Irwin noted, “Sustainability in banking is not just about risk mitigation but also about seizing new opportunities. I am proud to be part of a movement shaping the future of finance through innovation and responsible business practices.”
Joanne added, “As financial leaders, it is crucial to understand how financial strategy must adapt to the challenges of a sustainable future. Integrating sustainability into financial decision-making is no longer optional; it is essential for future growth. I am grateful to UoMSEA for facilitating such an invaluable session, which supports Malaysia’s aspirations to lead in sustainable finance.”
Following the AFFIN Group session, a public masterclass, “Sustainable Finance in Action: Unlocking Opportunities,” was held at The Gardens, Kuala Lumpur on 25 January 2025. This session welcomed professionals, policymakers, and entrepreneurs seeking to understand sustainable finance’s transformative role in building economic resilience.
Key takeaways included an overview of the sustainable finance landscape, recent regulatory developments, strategies for integrating sustainability into investment and risk management, and the role of green bonds, Islamic finance, and public-private partnerships in achieving sustainability goals.
Ismail Ertürk commented, “Collaborating with UoMSEA to spotlight these crucial discussions has been an incredible privilege. UoMSEA’s dedication to fostering meaningful knowledge-sharing is nothing short of inspiring. Their efforts are not just about advancing technical expertise; they are about empowering stakeholders across the region to drive real, lasting change. Together, we are helping to shape a more sustainable and inclusive financial future, and that’s something truly impactful to be a part of.”
These masterclasses highlight UoMSEA’s leadership in driving sustainable finance conversations in Malaysia, particularly as the country aims to become a leader in the ASEAN region. With Prime Minister Anwar Ibrahim’s vision to position Malaysia as a global leader in Islamic finance and the country’s ASEAN chairmanship in 2025, UoMSEA’s initiatives align perfectly with national and regional objectives.
By bringing thought leaders like Ismail Ertürk to Malaysia, UoMSEA empowers professionals and institutions to integrate sustainability into their practices while meeting evolving market and regulatory demands.
For more information about upcoming events and programmes, visit manchester.edu.sg.
