Prime Highlights
- IsDB Chairman and Thailand’s Finance Minister discuss stronger cooperation in education, human capital, and Islamic finance on the sidelines of the Bangkok Annual Meetings.
- IsDB Group pledges to share its expertise and global networks to help Thailand develop its Islamic finance sector.
Key Facts
- The IsDB Scholarship Program has supported 635 Thai students since 1986, and 549 have graduated.
- The Communities Outreach Program has approved 30 projects in Thailand since 1985.
Background
Islamic Development Bank (IsDB) Group Chairman Dr. Muhammad Al Jasser met Thailand’s Deputy Prime Minister and Finance Minister Dr. Ekniti Nitithanprapas in Bangkok to expand cooperation in education, human capital development, and support for Muslim communities.
The two leaders met on the sidelines of the World Bank Group and International Monetary Fund Annual Meetings. Al Jasser said the IsDB Group plans to widen its work in Thailand. He thanked the government for backing programs that open education and job opportunities for Muslims, especially in the southern provinces.
They reviewed the Bank’s Communities Outreach Program, which has approved 30 projects since 1985. These projects support community-led work in education, social development, and resilience.
They also looked at the IsDB Scholarship Program, which has backed 635 Thai students since 1986. Most of the group has finished their studies: 549 scholars have graduated and returned to work in Thai communities.
Islamic finance took up the final part of the talks. Both sides welcomed the growing partnership between the Islamic Bank of Thailand (iBank) and the Islamic Development Bank Institute (IsDBI).
The partnership aims to build Islamic finance skills, support entrepreneurs and small businesses, improve financial literacy, and bring more people into the financial system.
Al Jasser said the IsDB Group will share its expertise, knowledge platforms, and global networks to help Thailand grow its Islamic finance sector and strengthen links with IsDB member countries.
