HBKU helps set up Islamic fin centre at Kazakh Univ
The centre aims to become a hub for research, education in Islamic Finance
AN Islamic finance centre has been established at Al-Farabi Kazakh National University in Almaty, Kazakhstan, in cooperation with Qatar’s Hamad Bin Khalifa University (HBKU).
HBKU President Dr Ahmad M Hasnah attended the opening of the centre, along with Al-Farabi University Rector Dr Galym Mutanov and Astana International Financial Centre (AIFC) Board Vice-Chairman Yernur Rysmagambetov. The inauguration took place on May 15.
The Islamic finance centre is equipped with the advanced technological tools for training programmes and aims to become a hub for research and education in Islamic Finance.
The College of Islamic Studies (CIS) will support this Centre through faculty expertise in the area of Islamic finance and economy. In addition, the two institutions will be working on student exchange programmes, joint conferences, and mutual research projects to promote Islamic finance studies.
CIS, as a global leader in Islamic finance, works to support other entities in establishing academic programs and research in this area.
HBKU’s partnership with one of the leading universities in Kazakhstan will open the door for promoting the Islamic finance arena.
Dr Hasnah said, “Our common goal is to develop relationships based on success and prosperity. This partnership adds a great value in contributing to building a unique bridge between Qatar’s strategy and Central Asia. I look forward to the moment when we congratulate our first graduates.”
At the opening ceremony, Dr Mutanov highlighted that the training of highly qualified personnel is a vital tool for the growth of the innovation economy. Moreover, the AIFC prepares professionals for the future where human capital is the main key for development, he added.
During the event, a thought-provoking roundtable discussion was held under the theme of “Islamic Finance in Kazakhstan: Prospects and Opportunities”.
Arising from this partnership, during the Astana Economic Forum 2019, a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) was also signed by HBKU, Al-Farabi Kazakh National University and AIFC on May 17 in Astana.
This MoU describes a strategic partnership that will result in great benefits and outcomes for both sides. It will allow experienced professors to support the initial launch of the Islamic Finance Centre at Kazakh National University by bringing all the experience, expertise, and best practices to the classrooms from Islamic Finance and Islamic Banking practices in Qatar since the 1990s. HBKU seeks to cultivate worldwide partnerships with the aim of advancing knowledge and education in key areas.