Meet our speaker

Mohammed Amin has been listed as one of the hundred most influential Muslims in the UK. In this talk he shares his personal journey—from humble beginnings to becoming the first Muslim partner at Price Waterhouse Coopers, PwC’s head of Islamic finance in the UK, and a distinguished advisor to the British Government.

Reflecting on his career, Amin will discuss the challenges of social mobility, identity, and belonging, offering insights into what it takes for young Muslims to succeed in Britain today; what barriers they face, and how they can overcome them. This event is co-organised by the Policy Research Institute for South Asia (PRISA) and the Brunel South Asia Studies Research Group as part of an ongoing PRISA Talk Series which spotlights South Asian Success stories in the UK and Theis event is part of a broader collaboration between PRISA and the Brunel South Asia Studies Research Group, which aims to spark a constructive dialogue on the social, political, and economic issues affecting South Asian communities both in the UK and across the globe. 

Guest Speaker: Mohammed Amin
Mohammed Amin is a finance expert, social commentator, and advocate for diversity and inclusion. Former Chair of the Conservative Muslim Forum, he has dedicated his career to fostering interfaith dialogue and social mobility.

Chair: Dr Luke Heslop
Dr Luke Heslop is an anthropologist at Brunel University, Co-founder of the Brunel South Asia Studies Research Group and co-host of The Migration Menu.

📅 Date & Time: 2:00 PM, 10 April, 2025 (Thursday)
📍 Location: Lecture room No. 208, Lecture Centre, Brunel University London

Event Description:
This event addressed the question, Can South Asian Muslims succeed in the UK? through the lens of personal experience, social challenges, and cultural barriers. Featuring Mohammed Amin, MBE, a highly respected leader and first Muslim partner at Price Waterhouse UK, the event explored the realities of success for Muslims in the UK, drawing on both personal anecdotes and data to shed light on the factors that contribute to or hinder success in British society.

The discussion ranged from educational attainment to overcoming social exclusion and the importance of speaking proper English, touching on personal strategies for success and the cultural dynamics that shape opportunities in the workplace and beyond. Attendees had the chance to engage with insights from one of the most influential voices in the Muslim community and learn about overcoming barriers to achieve success in an often-challenging environment.

Purpose and Objectives:

• To explore the challenges and opportunities for South Asian Muslims in achieving success within the UK context.
• To engage the audience in discussions on cultural integration, social cohesion, and professional development.
• To provide practical advice on navigating cultural and professional barriers, based on personal experiences of success.
• To foster inter-faith dialogue and raise awareness of the diversity of experiences within the Muslim community in the UK.

Keynote Speaker:
The keynote address was delivered by Mohammed Amin, MBE, a prominent figure in British business and community affairs. Born in Pakistan and raised in the UK, Amin has achieved remarkable success, becoming the first Muslim partner at Price Waterhouse UK and later being awarded an MBE for his services to community cohesion and inter-faith relations. His talk provided an invaluable perspective on the journey to success for South Asian Muslims in the UK, offering personal anecdotes and key strategies for overcoming cultural barriers.

Target Audience:
This event was designed for South Asians, students, professionals, and community members interested in exploring the intersection of migration, identity, and success. The event attracted individuals from various backgrounds, particularly those keen to learn about overcoming challenges in a multicultural society.

Event Activities:

• 1:45 PM – 2:00 PM: The event opened with a performance of Shahnameh Khani, featuring the act of Bijan, the son of an Iranian knight. Bijan volunteers to hunt and kill wild boars that are threatening the borderlands between Iran and Turan. His bravery and strength were showcased as he successfully defeats the boars on horseback.
• 2:00 PM – 2:45 PM: Keynote talk by Mohammed Amin on the realities of success for South Asian Muslims in the UK, covering themes of education, cultural integration, and professional challenges.
• 2:45 PM – 3:30 PM: An interactive session following the keynote, allowing attendees to engage directly with the speaker and each other on the issues raised.
• 3:30 PM – 3:45 PM: A Nepali song and instrumental performance was presented, bringing a diverse cultural element to the event, and fostering cross-cultural appreciation.
• 3:45 PM – 5:00 PM: The event concluded with a networking session, offering attendees the chance to connect, reflect on the performances, and discuss the key takeaways in an informal setting.

Outcome and Impact:
The event sparked meaningful conversations on the challenges faced by South Asian Muslims in the UK, offering both inspiration and practical advice for overcoming these barriers. Attendees left with a deeper understanding of the importance of cultural integration, the role of education, and how to navigate professional environments in which they may feel excluded. Many expressed appreciations for the personal insights shared by Mohammed Amin, which helped illuminate the complex realities of success in the UK.

Conclusion:
The event successfully addressed critical questions regarding the success of South Asian Muslims in the UK, providing an engaging platform for discussion and knowledge exchange. The insights shared by Mohammed Amin not only encouraged attendees but also fostered greater awareness of the barriers and opportunities within British society. This event marked a significant step toward promoting inclusivity and dialogue within the South Asian community and beyond.