Izwan Zainuddin is currently the Chief Executive Officer of Perbadanan Usahawan Nasional Berhad, a Malaysian Government entity that was established to enhance the participation and involvement of native Malaysian in entrepreneurship and to develop dynamic, resilient, progressive native Malaysian in the commercial and industrial community.
At the same time, he is currently the Chairman of the Association of Development Finance Institutions Malaysia (ADFIM). ADFIM promotes the strengthening of institutional structure and good practices in the development of finance and banking industries. ADFIM is affiliated with the World Federation of Development Financing Institutions, representing Africa, Asia-Pacific, Europe, Latin America and the Middle East with close working relationships with the World Bank, Asian Development Bank, United Nations agencies and other international organizations.
He graduated with a Bachelor of Science majoring in Finance from Oklahoma State University and a Diploma in Agribusiness from Universiti Pertanian Malaysia.
He was previously the Chief Operating Officer, Debt Venture of MyCreative Ventures Sdn Bhd, a Malaysian Government investment arm to spur Malaysia’s creative industry. Prior to that, he was the Head of Group Corporate Finance, Treasury and Investor Relations of PROTON Holdings Berhad where he was involved in the strategizing, evaluating and executing of all corporate and fundraising exercises for Proton Group of companies inclusive of Lotus Cars Limited.
Before joining the corporate sector, he was attached to several Malaysian investment banks in the Corporate Finance department specializing in merger and acquisition and fundraising. Among the notable transactions are the RM6 billion merger between Diversified Resources Berhad, HICOM Holdings Berhad, Gadek (Malaysia) Berhad, Gadek Capital Berhad and Master-Carriage (Malaysia) Sdn Bhd, the RM1.2 billion merger between Southern Bank Berhad, Ban Hin Lee Bank Berhad and United Merchant Finance Berhad and the creation of MIDF Amanah Investment Bank Berhad through the RM1 billion merger and restructuring between Utama Merchant Bank Berhad, Amanah Short Deposits Berhad, Malaysia Discounts Berhad and MIDF Sisma Securities Sdn Bhd. In addition, he was also involved in several debts and corporate restructuring exercises after the 1997/1998 Asian financial crisis.
Special Interest Groups (SIGs) has been established as targeted, practitioner-led platforms to address critical development financing challenges across ADFIAP-member DFIs. Coordinated jointly by the Focal Team of Special Interest Groups (FT-SIG)—led by the Agricultural and Rural Development Bank (ARDB) of Cambodia and the ADFIAP Secretariat—the SIG initiative enables member banks to exchange evidence-based practices, diagnose institutional bottlenecks, and formulate joint action plans.
SIG 1: Integrated Financial Instruments and Guarantees
SIG 2: Sustainable Finance (Green and Climate Finance)
SIG 3: Sustainable Infrastructure
SIG 4: Digital Technology and Transformation
SIG 5: Affordable and Sustainable Housing
SIG 6: Agriculture and Food Security
Venue: TBA
Sri Lanka’s recent economic journey has been marked by significant challenges, but also by bold reforms, renewed investor confidence, and a growing commitment to sustainable, future‑ready finance.
SIS1 examines how the country is reshaping its financial landscape – strengthening institutions, modernizing regulatory frameworks, and accelerating digital and green finance initiatives – to build a more resilient and competitive economy. The discussion will highlight how Sri Lanka’s experience offers valuable insights for development finance institutions across the region: from managing crisis recovery and restoring stability to mobilizing private capital, expanding SME support, and fostering innovation through fintech and digital banking. It will also explore how Colombo’s strategic position and emerging financial capabilities create new opportunities for regional collaboration, investment, and knowledge exchange.
By spotlighting Sri Lanka’s transformation, this session invites delegates to view the host country not only through the lens of its challenges but also as a source of practical lessons, partnership potential, and shared regional opportunity.
Climate change demands urgent, coordinated action. This session will highlight innovative financing tools like blended finance, green bonds, and climate funds that enable institutions to expand climate-smart projects. It will feature partnerships promoting renewable energy adoption, sustainable agriculture, and circular economy initiatives. The discussion will emphasize how regional collaboration can unlock climate finance and secure fair transitions for vulnerable communities.
Digital technologies are reshaping how economies operate, creating new pathways for financial access, innovation, and competitiveness. This session examines how fintech partnerships, digital banking, and regional digital platforms can broaden inclusion – especially for underserved communities that remain outside the formal financial system. Strengthening cybersecurity, data governance, and digital literacy will be emphasized as essential foundations for trust in the digital economy. At the same time, the discussion will highlight how SMEs can use these digital tools to scale their operations, improve productivity, and connect with regional and global markets. Financing mechanisms, capacity-building programs, and market access initiatives will be showcased, along with the role of regional collaboration, trade agreements, and innovation hubs in accelerating SME growth. This session positions digital transformation as a catalyst for empowering SMEs and advancing more inclusive, sustainable economic development across the region
Prosperity must be inclusive to be sustainable. This discussion will highlight partnerships that ensure marginalized groups—such as women, youth, rural communities, and persons with disabilities—benefit from regional growth. It will showcase programs that promote financial inclusion, social protection, and equitable access to opportunities. The session will focus on how inclusive policies and collaborative efforts strengthen community resilience and foster shared prosperity.
