The Prime Minister of Malaysia, Y.A.B Datuk Seri Mohd Najib Tun Abdul Razak, today officiated the opening of Sasana Kijang. Sasana Kijang is the realization of Bank Negara Malaysia's aspiration to establish a centre of excellence in knowledge and learning in central banking and finance.

Sasana Kijang is also home to the international Islamic Financial Services Board (IFSB), an international organisation for the setting of prudential standards for the Islamic Finance and its global development, The SEACEN Centre, a regional learning and research Centre for Central Banks in Asia is also located in Sasana Kijang. The SEACEN Centre, represents the nation's commitment to training in areas including central banking, banking supervision, Islamic finance, executive learning as well as research and development.

Designed to be a nexus for thought leadership and collaboration in central banking, Sasana Kijang hosts a learning centre with state-of-the-art training facilities for assisting structured programmes and high level seminars for local and foreign participants and provides opportunities for the exchange of views and experience towards promoting capacity building in central banking to be better positioned in meeting future challenges.

In addition to training facilities, offices and conference halls, Sasana Kijang also houses the Bank Negara Malaysia Knowledge Management Centre and the Bank Negara Malaysia's Museum and Art Gallery which is open to the public. The total built-up area of Sasana Kijang is 1.09 million sq.ft.

The word 'Sasana' is derived from Sanskrit and describes a site, centre, building or arena where communities gather for meetings, while the Kijang is Bank Negara Malaysia's logo. The Sasana Kijang's architectural concept is inspired from the shape of the Cowrie shell, a popular form of money in the Malay Peninsula during the 3rd century with its building façade derived from the geometric patterns of traditional Malaysian songket motifs, reflecting the hand woven fabric designs.