A case in point is the reputational risk a financial institution that provides financing to companies involved in environmental destruction activities could face, which may eventually affect the institution’s financial sustainability. Malaysia’s experience and approach A question in mind is therefore whether Islamic finance has fully optimised on these value propositions. Allow me to share this in the context of the Malaysian Islamic financial industry. 1/3  BIS central bankers' speeches  After three decades of development, the Islamic finance industry has progressed to become an integral component of the Malaysian financial system5. Most notably, Islamic finance has played a catalytic role in financial inclusion – enabling access to formal financial services for the different segments of the society. In charting its strategic direction, in 2017, a few Islamic financial institutions began to explore value-based intermediation or VBI as a new operational model. The VBI encapsulates the vision to focus on being more impact-driven, reinforcing the overarching intent of Shariah to promote good and prevent harm. Islamic finance, moving forward, strives to be relevant to all as a financial intermediation that creates positive and sustainable values for broader stakeholders – consistent with the long-term value creation for shareholders and aligned with the national targets of sustainable development goals (SDGs). To date, 12 Islamic banking institutions have committed to integrate environmental and social considerations in their offerings, practices and cultures. In facilitating the industry in this journey, Bank Negara Malaysia collaborates with the industry to create an enabling environment for smooth and orderly transition.
It serves as a networking effort while creating opportunities to exchange views, explore mutually beneficial opportunities, and most importantly, implement positive changes in the financial systems. It is not too far-fetched to envisage the generation of breakthrough thinking for future collaboration that is solution-driven; practical; and innovative. Collective effort is also key to success and the industry should aim to work closely with other key stakeholders. These include government agencies, civil societies and the public to increase awareness and encourage more active participation in supporting further development and offerings of sustainable financial solutions in the market. Strong technical know-how in dealing with the changing dynamics of the financial landscape and the arising risks is also essential for industry players to navigate itself in this journey. To end, I wish to reiterate that “sustainability is indeed a journey, and one that is best navigated collectively”. Sustainable development can be best served by re-connecting finance and element of value creation that is reinforced by bringing benefit to society, environment and prosperity. On that note, I wish all of you a beneficial and productive session today. 1 Around 30 least developed and other vulnerable countries are exposed to debt distress – limiting their ability to  invest in the sustainable development goals (SDGs). 2 Countries home to most people in the world and global growth in real wages is only 1.8% – the lowest since  2008 (Source: United Nation (2019).