KUALA LUMPUR (March 29): The Islamic Banking and Finance Institute of Malaysia (IBFIM) has appointed Maybank Islamic Bhd chief executive officer Datuk Mohamed Rafique Merican as its new chairman, effective Wednesday (March 28).

In a statement, Maybank Islamic said Rafique will play a leading role to ensure the board of directors' effectiveness in its task of setting and implementing IBFIM's strategy and direction.

"As Malaysia aspires to become an international Shariah-compliant financial hub, no doubt, the industry needs to continue producing industry-ready professionals, and IBFIM will continue to raise the skills and knowledge of the human capital in the Islamic banking industry," Rafique said.

Rafique took over the position from former BIMB Holdings Bhd chief executive officer Datuk Seri Zukri Samat.

IBFIM is an institution that specialises in industry technical certifications, which are designed to ensure attainment of technical proficiency levels in order to supply a pool of Islamic finance professionals to fulfil the needs of the industry.