The Philippine government participated in the ‘Road to WIES’ (World Islamic Entrepreneur Summit) 2025 event held on July 7 at the West Sumatera Grand Mosque, now known as Masjid Syekh Ahmad Khatib Al Minangkabawi.
The event was made possible through a collaboration between the Ministry of Tourism and Creative Economy (Kemenparekraf), the West Sumatra Provincial Government, and the West Sumatra Regional Tourism Promotion Board (BPPD).
The ‘Road to WIES’ is a preparatory event to welcome WIES 2025, which is scheduled to be held in 2025.
“Road to WIES 2025 signifies the beginning of preparations for WIES 2025, which will always be hosted in West Sumatra. WIES belongs to West Sumatra and is the pride of ‘Urang Awak’ (the local community),” said Dr. Sari Lenggogeni, Chairman of the West Sumatra BPPD.
Dr. Sari also called for full support from the government, business players, Gen-Z, creative economy actors, MSMEs, and community stakeholders to make this international event a success.
“We hope that whoever leads will continue to make WIES a beneficial agenda for stakeholders and a branding opportunity for West Sumatra, which has a long history of trade and tourism,” Dr. Sari added.
The goal of the Road to WIES 2025 is to promote the mosque as a center for entrepreneurial empowerment and innovation.
Five prominent speakers from various countries including the Philipoines will discuss this initiative.
Among the speakers is Aleem Siddiqui Guiapal, Program Manager of the Halal Industry Development Department of Trade & Industry, Philippines.
“Halal Friendly Philippines is more than a brand campaign; it is about building relationships and strengthening our presence in ASEAN and GCC countries,” said Guiapal.
He will be joined by Prof. Mohammad Fida Bahjat, President Director of MFB & Co. Company from Saudi Arabia; Audy Joinaldy, Deputy Governor of West Sumatra; Mr. Zikry Kholil, COO and Co-Founder of Incitement from Malaysia; and Wisnu W. Effendi, S. Pd., M.Sc from Istiqlal Halal Center Jakarta.
