The University of Manchester South East Asia Centre (UoMSEA) recently reaffirmed its commitment to advancing sustainable finance education in the region by hosting two highly impactful masterclasses in Kuala Lumpur. These sessions, led by Ismail Ertürk, Senior Lecturer in Banking at Alliance Manchester Business School (AMBS), provided valuable insights into the importance of balancing profitability and sustainability in the banking sector.
Malaysia is currently at a pivotal moment in advancing sustainable finance, with its Islamic banking sector ranking as the third-largest globally and Shariah-compliant financing accounting for 42% of domestic banking loans. As part of these efforts, UoMSEA was pleased to partner with AFFIN Group to deliver an exclusive session for the Group’s senior leadership team with a private masterclass titled Re-thinking Banking and Finance for a Sustainable Economy. Held at Menara AFFIN @ TRX on 24 January 2025, the session reflected UoMSEA’s dedication to equipping financial institutions with the knowledge needed to navigate the complexities of modern banking.
The masterclass delved into critical topics such as strategies for maximising shareholder value while navigating short-term financial pressures, the influence of financialisation on economic stability through capital markets and financial engineering, and the integration of environmental, social, and governance (ESG) principles into financial strategies. It also highlighted sustainable finance instruments, including green bonds and sustainability-linked loans.
A distinguished gathering of senior leadership from AFFIN Group, all proud alumni of The University of Manchester (UoM), took part in the exclusive masterclass. Their involvement highlights the enduring partnership between UoMSEA and the financial sector, with a special emphasis on advancing expertise in sustainable finance.
“The masterclass led by Ismail Ertürk was an enlightening experience,” said Datuk Wan Razly Abdullah, President & Group Chief Executive Officer of Affin Bank Berhad, and an alumnus of The University of Manchester. “His insights have sparked meaningful perspectives on how we can better align our strategies with global sustainability goals. As we strive towards the Group’s vision of becoming the Most Creative and Innovative Financial Company in Malaysia, it is imperative that we embrace the principles of modern, progressive banking. By integrating sustainability into our operations, we are shaping the ‘Bank of the future,’ delivering transformative solutions that drive meaningful change and better outcomes for our customers.”
Dato’ Paduka Syed Mashafuddin Syed Badarudin, Chief Executive Officer of Affin Islamic Bank Berhad and a fellow alumnus highlighted the value of the session, stating, “The masterclass provided valuable insights into balancing profitability with sustainability, equipping leaders with practical strategies to navigate the evolving financial landscape. UoMSEA’s expertise plays a key role in supporting our journey towards aligning with Malaysia’s vision of becoming a global leader in Islamic and sustainable finance.”
Also participating were UoM alumni members Irwin Mohd Eusoff, Group Chief Corporate Strategy & Sustainability Officer of Affin Bank Berhad, and Joanne Rodrigues, Group Chief Financial Officer of Affin Bank Berhad. Irwin remarked, “Sustainability in banking is not just about risk mitigation but also about seizing new opportunities. I am proud to be part of a movement shaping the future of finance through innovation and responsible business practices.”
“As financial leaders, it is crucial to understand how financial strategy must adapt to the challenges of a sustainable future. Integrating sustainability into financial decision-making is no longer optional; it is essential for future growth,” added Joanne. “I am grateful to UoMSEA for facilitating such an invaluable session, which supports Malaysia’s aspirations to lead in sustainable finance.”
The session with AFFIN Group was followed by a public masterclass, Sustainable Finance in Action: Unlocking Opportunities, held at The Gardens, Kuala Lumpur on 25 January 2025. This session welcomed professionals, policymakers, and entrepreneurs eager to learn about sustainable finance’s transformative role in fostering economic resilience.
Key takeaways from this session included a comprehensive overview of the sustainable finance landscape, highlighting recent regulatory developments shaping the industry. It explored strategies for embedding sustainability into investment decisions and risk management processes, emphasising the need for a balanced approach to profitability and long-term impact. Additionally, the discussion also underscored the pivotal role of green bonds, Islamic finance, and public-private partnerships in driving progress toward achieving sustainability goals, showcasing these instruments as key enablers of a greener and more equitable financial ecosystem.
Ismail Ertürk, who delivered both sessions, remarked, “Collaborating with UoMSEA to spotlight these crucial discussions has been an incredible privilege. UoMSEA’s dedication to fostering meaningful knowledge-sharing is nothing short of inspiring. Their efforts are not just about advancing technical expertise; they are about empowering stakeholders across the region to drive real, lasting change. Together, we are helping to shape a more sustainable and inclusive financial future, and that’s something truly impactful to be a part of.”
These masterclasses highlight UoMSEA’s leadership in driving conversations around sustainable finance at a time when Malaysia is poised to take a leading role in the ASEAN region. With YAB Prime Minister Anwar Ibrahim’s vision to position Malaysia as a global leader in Islamic finance and the country’s current chairmanship of ASEAN in 2025, UoMSEA’s initiatives align seamlessly with national and regional goals.
By bringing thought leaders like Ismail Ertürk to Malaysia, UoMSEA continues to provide professionals and institutions with the tools and insights needed to integrate sustainability into their practices while meeting evolving market and regulatory demands.
For more information about upcoming events and programmes, visit manchester.edu.sg.
