November 25, 2008, Business Times, By Roziana Hamsawi ~ PLANS are under way to export the world's first Islamic financial planner (IFP) certification programme to other countries, as interest in Islamic finance as an alternative and viable financial system deepens.

Islamic Banking and Finance Institute Malaysia (IBFIM) chief executive officer Datuk Dr Adnan Alias said some enquiries have been received from foreign universities regarding the programme, which was launched here in 2006.

Currently, a partnership with Al Madinah International University is in place, he said of the programme developed by IBFIM and the Financial Planning Association of Malaysia (FPAM).

"We have received enquiries from universities in Cardiff, Pusan and Riyadh," Adnan told reporters after the signing of memorandum of understanding (MOU) with four universities and two professional associations in Kuala Lumpur yesterday.

Also present was FPAM president Steve Teoh. The MOU signing was witnessed by Deputy Finance Minister Datuk Ahmad Husni Mohamad Hanadzlah. For the IFP programme, the first batch of 57 qualified IFPs received their certificates yesterday. Adnan said 200 more have enrolled for the programme which has been recognised by the Securities Commission and Bank Negara Malaysia.

Also present was FPAM president Steve Teoh.

The MOU signing was witnessed by Deputy Finance Minister Datuk Ahmad Husni Mohamad Hanadzlah.

For the IFP programme, the first batch of 57 qualified IFPs received their certificates yesterday. Adnan said 200 more have enrolled for the programme which has been recognised by the Securities Commission and Bank Negara Malaysia.

Meanwhile, Ahmad Husni said Islamic banking is a viable and resilient financial system's alternative which must be taken seriously in light of the global financial crisis.

"The only problem now is how to disseminate this idea to the world leaders without making it look that we are promulgating or advocating Islam. Because this is not about Islam but about being another financial system that is viable and competitive to conventional finance," he said.

Ahmad Husni encouraged local Islamic finance practitioners to seek opportunities from the global financial crisis.