“Translating intention to action” – Academy Awards 2013

The First Global Academy (FGA) had its “Academy Awards 2013” with the theme of ‘translating intention to action’ on 04-Jan2014 as a houseful and inspiring event to appreciate its students. The First Global Academy – FGA ( Formerly, First Global Knowledge Centre - FGKC) is the pioneer institution in Sri Lanka to promote training and career development programs in the field of Islamic Banking, Finance and Takaful and also it has been recognized as a significant talent supply institution in the region.FGA has pioneered the introduction of some highly recognized and quality courses of study in Islamic Banking and Finance in Sri Lanka since 2006.

FGA is the only educational institution which has been recognized as “Education First” in the first ever Islamic Finance country report 2011 by KPMG – Sri Lanka and covered in the Global Islamic Finance Forum – GIFF 2012 – Country and Business Guide, as a ‘Talent Development’ institution for the Islamic finance industry, coming from Sri Lanka. FGA has been accredited by Chartered Institute for Securities & Investments (CISI) – UK, City & Guilds – UK and Institute of Certified Management Accountants (ICMA) –is the Management Accounting body in Sri Lanka which is incorporated by Parliament Act No.23 of 2009.

First Global also has the rare distinction of being selected by the esteemed Abu Dhabi Commercial Bank (ADCB), UAE to train its nearly 1000 plus strong workforce on Islamic Banking and Finance and by Doha Bank of Qatar to train its staff to equip them with an Islamic Finance Qualification (IFQ).

This event has attracted many industry professionals including the CEOs / Heads of Islamic Finance Unit, parents and the students where they had an opportunity for a great networking & sharing their thoughts. This event was graced by the guest of honour Mrs. Hafeeza Ghori, the Principal of Ilma International Girls’ school. The Academy Awards 2013 had the privilege to share the stage with Dr. Naomal Balasuriya as a keynote speaker who holds fully fledged degrees in medicine, marketing and management. His professional fields range from medicine, military, management, marketing, mentoring to motivational speaking where he delivered a motivational speech to all the participants titled “The power of a world class vision” and emphasized to think, feel and act in a world class manner.

Following his speech, Founder & Managing Director of First Global Group - Muhammed Ikram Thowfeek delivered a presentation titled ‘Entering the Islamic finance market’ at the Academy Awards 2013, sharing his knowledge, experience and the practical exposure gained in the industry over the last two decades.

“Indeed it’s a great opportunity to be an integral part of this growing industry patronized by both Muslim & non-Muslims who are entering the Islamic Finance field to tap into the riches of this industry. Which is not confines to the Muslims only but for the entire mankind irrespective of what color, religion or ethnic group one belongs to” said Mr. Thowfeek

Mr. Thowfeek a Chartered Accountant by profession and an Islamic Banker by practice. To date, he has gained a wealth of knowledge and experience in setting up Islamic banks and Islamic financial institution from scratch and has become a ‘specialist in setting up’ Islamic banks and Islamic financial institutions also being the founder of the FGA wants to build a new breed of professional Islamic Bankers and Islamic Finance specialist to cater to the industry where there is a dearth of professionals in the field.

“Bigger the global financial crisis is, greater the opportunities for all the stakeholders (Both Muslims &non-Muslims) of the Islamic Finance industry” he added. Further, Mr. Thowfeek highlighted that London wants to be the Islamic Financial hub, which is currently having five Islamic Banks to cater to the population of 2 million Muslims. The objective of wants to be the Islamic Finance hub with minority Muslim population is not to convert the entire country into an Islamic country but to tap into the Middle East funds to fund the infrastructure & revenue generating projects to the nation through Islamic Finance.

Being Mr. Thowfeek a Sri Lankan draw parallels with London’s initiatives with that of the opportunities to the potential for Sri Lanka to be the Islamic Finance hub of the region to tap into the riches of the Middle East funds through Islamic Finance propositions & he reiterated not to convert the country into an Islamic country but to pave away to bring benefits to all Sri Lankans through Islamic Finance propositions.

Over the period of time FGA has trained more than 2000 students and professionals locally and globally in the field of Islamic Banking & Finance. Also 50 plus local students have obtained their Associate membership ( ACSI- UK) which is awarded by Chartered Institute for Security Investments (CISI) - UK, the largest and most widely respected professional body for those who work in the securities and investments body.

The Academy Awards 2013 was organized to appreciate all the Associate members of CISI-UK those who have qualified in Islamic Finance Qualification ( IFQ) from FGA and awarded with Diploma & Executive Diploma in Islamic Banking & Finance under the brand of iBanker (Islamic Banker) considering their performance and relevant work experience. It is noteworthy that Mr. Farook Fazlullah, FGA student has obtained 95% in Islamic Finance Qualification in 2013 who has been considered as the second highest marks holder in the world. The students’ achievements and lecturers dedication and commitment was appreciated by special awards which were given by Mr. Brian Selvanayagam, Country Head - Sri Lanka at Chartered Institute for Securities & Investment (CISI) – UK.

Most importantly, Mohamed Unais Mohamed Afkar – a visually impaired graduate teacher who has been awarded a special award at First Global Academy Awards 2013 for his utmost dedications in learning Islamic Banking & Finance. As a keen student at FGA he had all the commitments for the continuous attendance of the classes with the normal students. First Global Academy (FGA) provides Mr. Afkar with the voice version of the presentation along with the soft copies of the learning materials. His aim is to become the first visually impaired qualified teacher to do the IFQ’s Computer Based Test in coming months.

At the event The Council for Islamic Finance Professionals (CIFP), the student council of FGA is proud that it has launched its website http://www.cifprofessionals.com followed by a briefing by the founder president of the CIFP Mr. Hussam Hameed. It was launched by Mr. Muhammed Ikram Thowfeek, The Founder of First Global Academy. The CIFP was formed in September 2013 as an association comprising of 25 enthusiastic individuals with a mission to emphasize the importance of the principles of Islamic finance and its promotion in Sri Lanka and worldwide whilst nurturing and offering the directions for FGA’s past students and industry professionals.

FGA is having its unique open session on 11th January in Kandy and 25th January in Colombo for all specially including those who are waiting for the O/ L results on where the participants will have the privilege of getting the glimpse of Islamic Banking & Finance in a two hour free session. That will prompt to take a decision to build a carrier path in a multi trillion dollar industry. For more information and reserve your seats please contact us on 0774616710 / 0777703567.

Visit the websites for more information www.firstglobalacademy.com