BANGI, Selangor: Malaysia becoming a hub for Islamic studies and a focus for students and scholars from the Middle East, Europe and Asia is one of the 10 key commitments that underpin the resolution of the 2025 International Higher Education Islamic Studies Convention held today.
The convention, themed ‘Islamic Studies and Civilized Society: Integrating Knowledge and Social Action’, was officiated by Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim at Universiti Kebangsaan Malaysia (UKM) here.
Also present were Higher Education Minister, Datuk Seri Dr Zambry Abdul Kadir, and Minister in the Prime Minister’s Department (Religious Affairs), Datuk Dr Mohd Na’im Mokhtar.
UKM Faculty of Islamic Studies Dean, Prof. Datuk Dr Mohd Izhar Ariff Mohd Kashim, said another priority is to elevate Islamic studies as a strategic component in national knowledge and moral development.
He added that the convention also aims to mainstream Islamic techno-ethics and digital literacy, positioning Malaysia as a regional leader in these fields.
Izhar Ariff said the convention is not merely an academic forum, but a shared commitment to strengthen Islamic studies in higher education as a foundation for a civilized society and progressive nation.
“It aligns with the Malaysia MADANI aspiration inspired by the Prime Minister,” he said in his speech at the convention today.
He described the convention as a strategic platform to reinforce the Islamic education ecosystem nationally and internationally.
“Islamic studies are not confined to lecture halls but also guides discourse in moral, spiritual and technological dimensions in a world facing complex challenges to values and identity,” he said.
Izhar Ariff also appealed to the government to support the RM5-million establishment of the Datuk Dr Haron Din Chair, in honour of the late scholar’s contributions to advancing Islamic studies in Malaysia.
The International Higher Education Islamic Studies Convention 2025 brought together scholars and academic leaders to demonstrate the integration of knowledge, wisdom and unity in strengthening Islamic education in Malaysia. – BERNAMA
