SHAH ALAM - Bank Islam Group chief executive officer (CEO) Raja Teh Maimunah Raja Abdul Aziz was named CEO of the Year 2026 at the WOMANi Awards 2026, recognising her leadership and Bank Islam’s commitment to advancing women’s leadership, workplace inclusion and gender equality.
Organised by Cambridge IFA, the WOMANi Awards honour institutions and leaders that promote women’s participation, foster inclusive workplaces and drive meaningful change across the global Islamic finance and business sectors.
The assessment considered women’s representation in leadership, workplace policies, professional development initiatives and measurable contributions towards gender equality.
Raja Teh Maimunah received the award during the 7th Annual WOMANi Symposium and Awards Ceremony on Aug 27 at Hilton Kuala Lumpur.
The event brought together senior policymakers, regulators, board members, institutional investors and corporate executives from Southeast Asia, the Middle East, South Asia, Europe and Africa.
The recognition came as Bank Islam also secured four accolades at The Asset Triple A Islamic Finance Awards 2026, highlighting the group’s leadership and capabilities across the Islamic finance sector.
Raja Teh Maimunah said the recognition reflected a career shaped by challenges and continuous transformation.
“I am truly honoured and humbled to receive this recognition. Reflecting on my 30-year journey in banking, I am reminded that growth is often forged through challenges, change and the courage to embrace new possibilities.
“Resilience is not about avoiding setbacks but persevering with purpose, staying true to one's values and emerging stronger from every experience. Leadership is built on trust, guided by integrity, compassion and service.
“As the industry evolves, we must embrace innovation and transformation while remaining firmly anchored to Shariah principles.
“This responsibility compels me to help shape a more resilient, inclusive, and future-ready Islamic finance industry while nurturing leaders who will carry this trust forward,” she said.
Bank Islam's institutional capabilities were further recognised with four awards at The Asset Triple A Islamic Finance Awards 2026, covering sukuk transactions across the water, banking, plantation and renewable energy sectors.
The bank served as Lead Manager and Syariah Adviser for Pengurusan Air Selangor's RM1.5 billion Sustainable and Responsible Investment (SRI) Kelestarian Murabahah Sukuk, which won Best SRI Sukuk – Water.
It also acted as Bookrunner and Lead Manager for Bank Simpanan Nasional's RM890 million Bi Al-Istithmar Wakala Sukuk, which received Best Sukuk – Bank.
In the plantation sector, Bank Islam served as Bookrunner and Lead Manager for Johor Plantations Group's RM200 million Sustainability Wakala Sukuk, named Best Sustainability Sukuk – Plantation.
For renewable energy, the Bank acted as Principal Adviser, Syariah Adviser and Lead Arranger for Heliosel Sdn Bhd's RM150 million SRI Kelestarian Murabahah Sukuk, which won Best SRI Sukuk – Renewable Energy.
The four awards demonstrated Bank Islam's capabilities in sukuk advisory, structuring and execution, while also reflecting its involvement in financing projects linked to sustainability and key economic sectors.
Raja Teh Maimunah said the recognition would reinforce the Bank's efforts to develop Syariah-compliant and sustainable financial solutions.
“We are honoured to be recognised at The Asset Triple A Islamic Finance Awards 2026. This achievement reflects our commitment to delivering innovative Syariah compliant financial solutions that create lasting value for our customers, stakeholders and communities.
“Moving forward, we will continue to advance sustainable finance, strengthen Islamic capital market innovation and support the continued growth of Malaysia's Islamic finance ecosystem,” she added.