In the last 40-50 years, the Islamic economy and Islamic finance have recorded a remarkable performance. In the early years of participation banking and the Islamic economy, it was a utopia for the Islamic economy and Islamic finance to get a great share in the global economic and financial system. In the last 50 years, things changed a lot. There are many Muslim countries that have dual financial systems today. Besides, many Muslim countries, such as Malaysia and Turkey, are trying to improve their share of the Islamic economy and Islamic banking in their financial systems. The positive effect and contribution of interest-free Islamic finance to local economies encouraged the governments to have a higher investment in this financial model in their economies. Particularly new Islamic financial instruments are used not only by Muslims but also, by non-Muslims who believe they are more profitable and more convenient for their business processes. It is also the same for the Muslim community in the Philippines.

To have further promotion in the Islamic economy, Islamic finance, and banking in the Philippines, Bangsamorro Turkish Educational Academy, BTEA decided to organize ISECON Conference. ISECON conference will provide a precious platform for academicians, bureaucrats, and politicians to discuss and debate relevant issues and challenges related to the Islamic economy and ethics. It is also aimed to have more collaboration between Muslim countries. Thus, this inaugural conference is expected to be a significant milestone in enhancing further role of Islamic finance to promote inclusive growth of Muslim countries, accelerate the development of local economies, and improve the relations of Muslim countries.