AmBank Chairman receives Islamic Finance Pioneering Initiative Award from IBFIM

Tan Sri Azman Hashim, Chairman, AmBank Group, has received the Islamic Finance Pioneering Initiative Award at the Islamic Banking and Finance (IBFIM) Third Certification Awards Ceremony on 9 April 2016.

The Islamic Finance Pioneering Initiative Award was awarded to Tan Sri Azman for his contribution in the establishment of the first Islamic bank in Malaysia, which has served as the benchmark for other regional Islamic financial institutions. Tan Sri Azman was among six successful leaders in Islamic finance to receive awards at the ceremony.

“It is a privilege to receive this award, and I am happy that Islamic banking has come a long way since its inception in Malaysia. This award encourages me to continue efforts in contributing to the further development of the Islamic finance industry.

“I am also honoured to be awarded alongside other pioneers in this field and would like to congratulate my fellow recipients for their contributions towards the industry”, said Tan Sri Azman.

IBFIM is an industry-owned institute dedicated to producing personnel with the required skills for Islamic finance industry. AmBank Group is one of Malaysia’s financial solutions groups and provides a wide range of both conventional and Islamic financial solutions and services, including retail banking, wholesale banking, as well as the underwriting of general insurance, life assurance and family takaful. The Group has a partnership with MetLife International Holdings for the family takaful business.

Fragrance Du Bois adds more niche luxury fragrances

Source: Fragrance Du Bois
website.

The world’s leading niche luxury fragrances are now available at Fragrance Du Bois boutiques in Kuala Lumpur, Singapore and very soon, in Bangkok. With brands such as House of Sillage, Parfums de Marly, Illuminum, Sue Wong, Isabey, and Xerjoff joining the exclusive range of Fragrance Du Bois fragrances, customers can now experience the latest wave of groundbreaking luxury perfumes under one roof.

“House of Sillage is all about luxurious and sophisticated fragrances, presented in amazing and unique crystal bottles,” said Arielle Chrisman - Brand Ambassador, House of Sillage. “We gathered wisdom from people who have devoted their lives to this particular kind of beauty, collecting rare components from exotic locales, to create a synthesis of artistry and craft, tradition and innovation. Scents can transport you to another place, another time, and this is why we have chosen to partner with Fragrance Du Bois as their fabulous fragrances and boutiques embody everything we stand for as a brand.”

Despite their ‘niche’ status, many of these brands have already achieved significant success globally, reflecting today’s increasingly sophisticated consumers who recognise innovation and quality, and are always on the lookout for originality. While House of Sillage has risen to become the bestselling luxury fragrance brand in Russia and the Middle East, Xerjoff’s Oud perfumes have become the most popular fragrances at Harrods in the UK - arguably the world’s most famous department store. Illuminum is one of the top selling fragrance brands at Bloomingdale’s and Fortnum and Mason, and was the perfume of choice for Catherine, Duchess of Cambridge, when she married Prince William in April 2011.

“We are very pleased to showcase our finest and exclusive perfumes alongside those of Fragrance Du Bois,” said Sergio Momo - Xerjoff’s Founder and Creative Director. “I believe Fragrance Du Bois shares important principles and values with Xerjoff in the universe of artistic perfumery. It is extremely important for Xerjoff to be represented by dedicated partners who can introduce and support the philosophy of our brand.”

Fresh from a hugely successful month-long ‘pop-up’ store exercise at Tang’s flagship department store in Singapore, Fragrance Du Bois is not only making waves regionally, but is also stimulating worldwide interest. The addition of other premium luxury brands augments Du Bois’ expansion strategy and fulfils its mission of bringing only the very best to its customers and clients.

“Since opening our first flagship boutiques in Singapore and Kuala Lumpur in July and October last year, we have seen good growth in our business. Customers are learning about, and beginning to appreciate, the uniqueness and value of luxury niche fragrances. We view the expansion to include exciting niche fragrance brands of the highest quality as part of Fragrance Du Bois’ evolution,” said Nicola Parker - Brand Director of Fragrance Du Bois.

“We already have a loyal following for our oud based fragrances that we sell exclusively in our boutiques and lounges,” she continued, “and we can now complement these with a wider range of superbly crafted products, all with their own identities and individual qualities."

Parker noted that all of the oud oil used for the company's fragrances is supplied by Asia Plantation Capital from its sustainable plantations in the region. "We know that the oud oil they provide is 100% natural and pure, and that gives us unique advantage in the market. Customers are becoming ever more discerning, and are right to want only natural ingredients of the very highest quality. Fragrance Du Bois and all our partners are perfectly placed to provide this quality and innovation, and we’re delighted to announce that the launch of our latest fragrance, London Oud, is only a few weeks away. It’s tested very well in a limited run, with both men and women, so we’re excited to welcome a new addition to our family of fragrances very soon.”

In February, Asia Plantation Capital announced the attainment of shari'ah compliance approval for its products by the IBFIM, formerly known as the Islamic Banking and Finance Institute Malaysia, the advisory body for shari'ah compliance on all matters pertaining to Islamic banking in Malaysia. IBFIM's approval thus clears the way for Asia Plantation Capital's products to be marketed and sold in Malaysia and the global markets as Islamic products that meets all requirements as set out under the laws of Islam.

"As part of Asia Plantation Capital's mission to respect local culture and integrate into the markets we are operating in, gaining this approval for shari'ah compliance of our products has been very important for us," said Steve Watts, CEO, Asia Plantation Capital at the time. "This gives our customers here in Malaysia and from around the Islamic world, confidence that they are not only investing in a sound product, but the assurance that it is socially responsible and fully in accordance with their beliefs."

IBFIM allows industry to trial Islamic finance e-learning platform

IBFIM launched its first online education platform, IBFIM Online, in April. Aimed at the Islamic finance industry, IBFIM Online offers students the flexibility to access training materials in their own time, place and pace.

Dato' Dr. Adnan Alias, IBFIM's Chief Executive Officer said during the launch: "As a start we will provide limited complimentary access to the industry to experience the system. If they feel the programme matches their desired requirements then they can have the option of subscribing fully on a personal basis or via their employers."