Covid 19 Pandemic was a global full stop for doing ‘business as usual’, fast-tracking digital transformation’ and fuelling growth. A tech-savvy population also has contributed to this accelerating. More than half of Indonesians have access to mobile phones and the internet and this figure is expected to grow to almost 100% in 2025. How digital transformation could “reshape” the Shariah Finance & Economy? Could digital transformation become the game changer to increase the market share of Sharia Finance rise to 20 percent by 2024 as per Government plan? How do the Islamic Financial Institution (IFI)’s stakeholder transform to meet the evolving the demand of the digital economy? And to what extent the influence of influencer and the role of Shariah Scholar to drive the rise of the next future of Shariah Finance & Economy. This effort would require a greater support from all Stakeholders including Industry Players, the Government, Regulators and the supporting parties.

Maybank Indonesia always believes Shariah Finance Industry has a huge chance to be at the heart of society. In addition to creating opportunities and growth through the business, this Industry also fulfils social responsibility by fostering unique and sustainable values that have a positive impact on society.

On the back of this spirit, since 2014 ‘Shariah First’ philosophy has driven Maybank Indonesia’s strategy. Seven years on, the Shariah First strategy has translated into significant growth and share of Shariah Banking. Maybank Unit Usaha Syariah (UUS) contributes about 20% of Maybank Indonesia’s asset. This strategy has proven effective, resulting in positive outcomes in terms of financials, product innovation, services, environment and culture. It enables us to deliver our capabilities on how, when, where and what in response to our Customers’ wants and needs.

In line with the commitment of ‘Shariah First’, Maybank Indonesia aims to bring forth important discussions among the key Stakeholders to highlight the challenges facing the Industry and deliberate potential and actionable solutions through “Shariah Thought Leader Forum”.

This year forum will continue the success of 2020 as a virtual discussion amongst leaders from different background to discuss the strategy in mainstreaming the Shariah Finance Industry. We will have Regulators, Practitioners, Business Leaders, Shariah Scholar, International Expert, and related Stakeholders in Shariah Finance to share their thought.