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Melbourne student Imran Lum has been granted the 2007 NAB Sheikh Fehmi El-Imam Scholarship, designed to help a young Australian continue their studies in finance.
NAB CEO Australia Ahmed Fahour said Imran, who is currently completing a PhD (Islamic Finance) at the University of Melbourne, would receive $25,000 toward further study and a 12 month employment contract with NAB.
"Imran is an outstanding young Australian who has already accomplished a great deal with a Masters in Islamic studies as well as an undergraduate degree in health science," Mr Fahour said.
"NAB is thrilled to be able to provide him with real and tangible support as he now completes a PhD in Islamic Finance."
Mr Lum said he was honoured to be the inaugural recipient of the scholarship and was impressed by NAB's support of young Australians.
"This Scholarship will allow me to conduct overseas interviews, attend academic conferences and facilitate data analysis. I don't have any doubt that it will greatly assist my research," he said.
"NAB's decision to back young people studying Islamic finance is commendable and I thank them for their support."
Imran's PhD (Islamic Finance) at the University of Melbourne includes research into the specific financial requirements of Muslim communities in Australia and the UK.
Mr Fahour said Imran's research would help NAB better understand the financial needs of Australian Muslims.
"Shariah compliant finance is a growing market across the Middle East and Asia and is also growing in Western Europe and North America.
"While NAB does not currently offer Shariah compliant financial products, Imran's research is valuable as it provides an independent assessment of the market that will help us better understand the need in Australia."
Applications are now open for the 2008 NAB Sheikh Fehmi El-Imam Scholarship. For more information visit the sponsorship and ambassadors page at www.nab.com.au.
About Imran Lum
Imran is currently studying a PhD (Islamic Finance) at The University of Melbourne. He also holds an M.A (Islamic Studies) from the University of New England, a Bachelor of Health Science from The University of Adelaide and a South Australian Certificate of Education from Pembroke School.
He is fluent in four languages - English, Arabic, Malay and Indonesian.
Media contact:
Rebekah Miles
National Australia Bank
Ph: 0400 541 139
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