SEOUL, South Korea: The Regional Islamic Da’wah Council of Southeast Asia and the Pacific (RISEAP) will continue to serve as a platform for dialogue and knowledge exchange across religions and cultures to promote mutual understanding and shared progress.
Premier Datuk Patinggi Tan Sri Abang Johari Tun Openg said this approach enables different faiths to complement one another in empowering the ummah and advancing human development.
“RISEAP is not confined to Islamic doctrine alone. It promotes the sharing of knowledge between Muslims and non-Muslims for the good of humanity. That is our way, and it benefits everyone,” he said during a press conference after chairing the 36th RISEAP Executive Committee Meeting here today.
Abang Johari added that this exchange also emphasises collaboration in areas of technology and culture with countries that possess specific expertise.
Citing examples, he said nations such as New Zealand, South Korea, and other strategic partners have significant strengths and advanced skills in technology and innovation that could be mutually beneficial.
“In agriculture, for instance, New Zealand can assist us as Malaysia aims to advance its agricultural sector through the use of artificial intelligence (AI) and modern technology.
“Meanwhile, Korea has strong expertise in engineering, and we can collaborate by sending our students or professionals there to deepen their understanding of their technologies,” he said.
In this context, he said the Sarawak Government is also collaborating with Samsung in the field of green energy.
He added that these efforts align with the approach advocated by renowned Islamic scholar, Ibn Khaldun, which not only seeks to empower Muslims but also to contribute to the universal good.
Meanwhile, the Sarawak Premier also contributed a total of USD25,000 to support the development of the Muslim community in Seoul.
He announced the contribution during his visit to the Korea Muslim Federation (KMF) Halal Department after officiating at the organisation’s new facility.
Of the total, USD15,000 was donated to KMF to equip its new office, while another USD10,000 was contributed to the Prince Sultan bin Abdul Aziz Kindergarten, which the Premier also officiated earlier.
In addition, Abang Johari was accorded the honour of officiating at the upgraded Seoul Central Mosque, the oldest mosque in South Korea.
