H.E. Heng Swee Keat, Governor of the Monetary Authority of Singapore (MAS), has confirmed that he will be delivering a Keynote Address at the inaugural plenary session of the 16th Annual World Islamic Banking Conference (WIBC 2009). Held under the theme of New Strategies for New Economic Realities, WIBC 2009 will feature insights from key decision-makers and thought leaders in the global Islamic banking industry who will share their perspectives on the future of Islamic finance.

H.E. Rasheed M. Al Maraj Governor The Central Bank of Bahrain		H.E. Heng Swee Keat Governor Monetary Authority of Singapore

WIBC 2009 has set the stage for discussions that will shape the post-crisis landscape as Islamic banks grapple with the need to manage risk, seek new growth markets, deliver on market expectations as well as remain competitive. The conference's theme reflects the fresh outlook that the leading Islamic financial institutions will have to adopt as they compete in an increasingly challenging landscape.

The dialogues at the 16th Annual WIBC 2009 will be even more vital this year as decision-makers in the global Islamic banking industry look to strengthen their market position and seek renewed growth paths.