The Muamalat Newsletter Vol. 2 2024

FEM eNewsletter | December 2024 21 he emphasized the importance of being good at your job. Competence not only reduces stress but also makes challenges more manageable. Knowing your strengths and how you can add value to your company is crucial for long-term success and job satisfaction. Second, he discussed the importance of influencing others positively. Building good relationships and collaborating with others is essential, as no job can be done in isolation. Lastly, Dato’ Mohammed highlighted the need for wise financial management. Knowing how much to spend and save can prevent unnecessary stress and financial difficulties, ensuring a stable and stress-free life. Puan Suri Hanim Mohamed’s journey, which began in conventional finance before transitioning to Islamic finance, underscored the importance of lifelong learning. Despite the challenges of balancing work and family, her passion for the industry kept her motivated. She shared a poignant story of being mocked by her child for returning home late, a reminder of the sacrifices working mothers often make. Yet, her commitment to her career never wavered. Puan Suri Hanim also emphasized that Malaysia has become a global leader in Islamic finance, with institutions like INCEIF University playing a crucial role in nurturing talent. This makes Malaysia an ideal place for those pursuing a career in Islamic finance, as it continues to be a center of innovation and development in the field. Mr. Hamidi A Razak, an Adjunct Professor and Chief Risk Officer at Bank Muamalat, highlighted the importance of a positive attitude and a strong desire to contribute to the company. He noted that a highly capable employee, even if only with the company briefly, can be more valuable than a loyal but less competent one. He also stressed the critical skill of explaining complex financial jargon in simple terms, which helps make financial concepts more accessible to the public. For example, simplifying terms like Tawarruq for those unfamiliar with Islamic finance requires not just knowledge but the ability to communicate effectively. The final session of the day featured Mr. Mohamed Syairoz, who delivered a presentation on “Developing Leadership and Communication Skills.” His approach was refreshingly simple and he used minimalist slides with only key points by asserting that the real power of a presentation lies in the speaker, not the slides. This mindset resonated with many attendees, as it underscored the importance of personal delivery in effective communication. Mr. Syairoz highlighted that whilemanypeople communicate, few truly connect with their audience. Building connections and relationships, he argued, makes work smoother and more manageable. His insights on connecting with people provided valuable strategies for fostering stronger relationships in both professional and personal contexts. On the second day of the event, the forum’s focus shifted to exploring global career opportunities, leadership within Islamic Financial Institutions (IFIs), personal growth, and the future direction of organizations in this dynamic industry. The day featured an impressive lineup of specialists, including Assoc. Prof. Dr. Maya Puspa Rahman, Mr. Kemal Rizadi Arbi, CPIF, Dr. Muhammad Syahmi Mohd Karim. Their collective knowledge and experience provided attendees with a unique opportunity for direct consultation with subject matter experts, making the event exceptionally valuable. One of the key takeaways from the day was the power of having a clear vision for one’s life. A well-defined vision serves as the foundation for recognizing and seizing opportunities that align with personal and professional goals. This clarity of purpose helps individuals navigate their careers with greater focus and determination, ultimately driving them toward success. Another significant insight was the recognition of Malaysia as a global intellectual hub for Islamic finance. With countries around the world seekingMalaysian scholars as their experts, there is a growing demand for Malaysian professionals to take on leadership roles abroad.