East Malaysian State Of Sarawak To Host 13th World Islamic Economic Forum

KUCHING (Sarawak, Malaysia), July 13 (Bernama) – Kuching (the capital of Sarawak) will host the World Islamic Economic Forum (WIFE), which is set to return once again to Malaysia for its 13th edition. Chairman of the WIFE Foundation Musa Hitam said the forum would be held from Nov 21 to 23 at the Borneo Convention Centre Kuching (BCCK) here. “This year’s theme ‘Disruptive Change: Impact and Challenges’ reflects on the transformation the world is experiencing as a result of disruptive ideas and technologies,” he told a press conference here Thursday. He said the discussions would explore how businesses could prepare, adapt and leverage on the opportunities created in these most dynamic of times. Through this forum, he said current and aspiring industry players would have the opportunities to share their thoughts and insights on the impacts and challenges of disruptive change and craft a more sustainable and forward looking global business landscape. Since its inaugural edition, the forum had seen numerous trade deals and agreement struck between participants amounting to some US$13 billion in the past five years, he said. Musa said, in its 13th year running, the WIFE had more than doubled the number of participating nations – with participants hailing from economies of all sizes and maturity. Meanwhile Sarawak Deputy Chief Minister Amar Awang Tengah Ali Hasan said Sarawak offered a new experience to WIEF participants with its vast natural beauty and unique cultural diversity that is the perfect backdrop to the annual forum. He said Sarawak was honoured to be the host for WEIF’s 13th edition, adding that WEIF’s track record of championing collaboration between economies was showcased through this partnership with Sarawak, particularly as the state was poised to be the next corridor of growth in Malaysia. “With this partnership we hope to attract investments from industries that are aligned with our values and goals to strengthen Sarawak’s economic prospect,” added Awang Tengah. -- BERNAMA