Thursday 19 January 2017

08 December, 2016: International Conference on Islamic Advertising organised by Department of Communication, IIUM. Bro. Shayaa Othman, Senior Academic Fellow IIIT, presented a keynote address.


22 – 24 November, 2016: International Conference on ICT for the Muslim World organized by UIN Syarif Hidayatullah, Jakarta. IIIT was represented by Dato’ Wira Dr. Jamil Osman, Prof. Dr. Fauzan Nordin and Prof. Dr. Roslina Othman.


17 November, 2016: Visit and Dinner by a delegation from UNIDA, Gontor led by the Rector at Dato’ Wira Dr. Jamil Osman residence.


11 November, 2016: Visit by a delegation from Diniyah Puteri, Padang Panjang, Sumatera led by Director for Sekolah Tinggi Ilmu Islam.


08 November, 2016: Special Recognition Dinner in honouring Dr. Ahmad Totonji, Prof. Emeritus Dato’ Wira Dr. Jamil Osman and Prof. Emiritus Dato Dr. Tahir Azhar for receiving their honorary degree and awards.

IIIT East and South East Asia Office organized a Special Recognition Dinner to congratulate Dr. Ahmad Totonji for the conferment of Honorary Degree Doctor of Philosophy in Social Science from University Selangor. IIIT also congratulated Prof. Emeritus Dato’ Wira Dr. Jamil Osman and Prof. Emeritus Dato’ Dr. Md. Tahir Md. Azhar, both were conferred Professor Emeritus by the International Islamic University Malaysia. The Dinner was organized on November 8, 2016 at the Banquet Hall, International Islamic University and was attended by more than 100 professors, students and friends.





Associate Prof. Dr. Mustafa Omar, Prof. Dr. Md. Aslam Md. Haneef and Brother Shamsul Azhar were invited to present brief experiences they had with the main guests. They shared their memorable moments in interacting with them and related few anecdotes to inform the audience on the contributions and personal attributes of the main guests. All three were indebted directly to the three main guests for helping and encouraging them to succeed in their careers and private lives.

Prof. Emeritus Dato’ Dr. Md. Tahir Md. Azhar in his speech thanked IIIT for organizing the Dinner. He felt humbled with the recognition given and gave his commitment to be associated with IIIT programs and activities in the near future. Dr. Ahmad Totonji called for brothers and sisters in the Muslim world to work together despite of their differences. He said through out of his experience, we differed only 10% and agreed 90% on most of the issues that we are facing. Therefore, Dr. Ahmad stressed that we should work on the 90% that we agreed rather than focusing on the small portion that we disagreed. He also stressed the need for working in a cohesive team and having a positive view of the future. Prof. Emeritus Dato’ Wira Dr. Jamil Osman thanked everyone for their continuous support to IIIT programs and activities. He said that currently IIIT East and South East Asia office is embarking on an ambitious textbook project and he invited all scholars and IIIT friends to contribute in the project.

The brothers and sisters were delighted with the Dinner and having the opportunity to congratulate all three invited guests in person. Everyone is looking forward for future events and activities organized by the IIIT office.


 


08 November, 2016: Meeting Top Management of UNISEL with Dr. Ahmad Totonji on future collaboration between UNISEL and IIIT.



06 November, 2016: Special Dinner in conjunction with UNISEL 11th Convocation and honouring Dr. Ahmad Totonji as Honorary Doctoral Degree Recipient.


05 November, 2016: UNISEL 11th Convocation Ceremony and Honorary Doctoral Degree conferred to Dr. Ahmad Totonji.

In conjunction with University Selangor’s 11th Convocation, the University conferred Honorary Doctoral Degree — the University’s highest accolade — to Dr. Ahmad Totonji, in recognition of his outstanding contributions to education and community development. This is the first time in the University history an Honorary Degree was bestowed. The degree was conferred during the Main Commencement Ceremony on Saturday, November 5, 2015 at the University Main Campus in Bestari Jaya, Selangor.

 

Universiti Selangor (UNISEL), formerly known as Universiti Industri Selangor was established on 23rd August 1999. Currently the University is operating at two campuses; the sprawling 1000-acre Main Campus in Bestari Jaya and the City Campus in Shah Alam. The establishment is in line with the State Government's intention to make Selangor the leading regional education hub. Selangor plays an active role in the delivery of higher education programmes in order to enhance the development of human capital excellence. As one of the earliest private institutions of higher learning (IPTS) in Malaysia, UNISEL is unique as it is Malaysia's first state-owned university.

Dr. Ahmad Totonji in his acceptance speech thanked the University and leadership of State of Selangor for honouring him with the prestigious award.  He affirmed that the future of Malaysia is bright because of the dedicated leaders, scholars and graduating students of UNISEL. He urged the graduates to work towards excellence ‘itqan’ and should not settle for anything else. Dr. Ahmad added that the struggle for excellence must also be accompanied with patience, perseverance and optimism. Dr. Ahmad defined optimism as always looking at the glass half full instead of half empty. He also stressed for the graduates to carefully choose a group of friends and work in a cohesive team. Dr. Ahmad attributed his success in his endeavours to a team of friends who have struggled with him for the past 50 years. He said, “Without a team, I will not be able to achieve even 50% of what I have achieved.”

During his stay at the University, Dr. Ahmad Totonji also delivered a Premier Lecture to University Top Management, senior scholars and lecturers. A special dinner was organized to honour Dr. Ahmad Totonji and was attended by the Chief Minister of Selangor and other dignitaries. Dr. Ahmad also attended a working meeting with Senior Management of the University to discuss on future cooperation between IIIT and the University. Dr. Ahmad affirmed that he will try his best to work together with the University and will provide all necessary assistance and expertise as required from his side.

04 November, 2016: Dr. Ahmad Totonji Premier Lecture delivered to University Top Management, Lecturers and Post Graduate students.


04 – 06 November, 2016: International Conference on Child Psychology jointly organized by IAMP (International Association of Muslim Psychologists), API (Assosiasi Psikologi Islam), Fak Psikologi UGM, UII, UIN Yogyakarta and UAD (Universitas Ahmad Dahlan)

04 – 06 November, 2016: International Conference on Child Psychology jointly organized by IAMP (International Association of Muslim Psychologists), API (Assosiasi Psikologi Islam), Fak Psikologi UGM, UII, UIN Yogyakarta and UAD (Universitas Ahmad Dahlan), held at the University Club, Universitas Gajah Masa. IIIT was represented by Prof. Dr. Malik Badri and Prof. Dr. Rahmatullah Khan.


29 October, 2016: Seminar on the Future of Islamic Revivalism organized by Muslim Youth Movement. IIIT was represented by Dr. Ermin Sinanovic.


28 October, 2016: Rakornas Pondok Pesantren Muhammadiyah organized by Central Muhammadiyah at UNISMUH Makassar. IIIT was represented by Prof. Dr. Zaid Ahmad and Hj. Shayaa Othman as main guest speakers.


27 October, 2016: Discussion with Dr. Ermin SInanovic and textbook writers KUIS.


27 October, 2016: Talk on Islamic Epistemology and Integration of Knowledge organized by KIRKHS-IIUM by Dr. Ermin Sinanovic.


27 October, 2016: Discussion with Dr. Ermin Sinanovic and textbook writers IIUM.


24 October, 2016: International Seminar on Islamic Economics organized by IAIN Salatiga, Central Java. IIIT was represented by Dr. Noorihsan as a main guest speaker.







21 October, 2016: Discussion on textbook writing project with Prof. Dr. Omar H. Kasule, Prof. Dato’ Sri Dr. Zaleha Kamaruddin (Rector IIUM), Prof. Dr. Torla Hassan (Deputy Rector Academic Affairs) and Prof Dr. AbdulAziz Berghout (Deputy Rector Internationalization).


20 October, 2016: Discussion textbook writing project with Prof. Omar H. Kasule and Prof. Dr. Rahmah A. Osman, Dean IRKHS-IIUM.

 

16 October, 2016: The First International Conference on 'Belt and Road' Countries En route to Harmonious and Peaceful Co-existence of Nationalities and Religions co-organized by School of Ethnic and Religious Studies, Northwest University of Politics and Law (NWUPL) and IIIT.

The First International Conference on ‘Belt and Road’ Countries En Route to Harmonious and Peaceful Co-Existence of Nationalities and Religions was held on October 16, 2017 in Xi’an, China. The Conference was co-organized by School of Ethnic and Religious Studies, Northwest University of Politics and Law (NWUPL) and International Institute of Islamic Thought (IIIT). The Conference is part of the activities agreed by both institutions in an MOU signed on May 15, 2015.





Northwest University of Politics and Law is a university in Xi'an, one of the old law institutions in China. The university serves as the educational center of law in the northwest part of China and as one of the key bases of law institutions of higher learning in China.  Located in the time-honored city of Xi'an, Northwest University of Politics & Law is a multidisciplinary institution of higher education characterized of law education together with a broad array of disciplines such as philosophy, economics, management, and literature. It is a base of great importance for training nationwide law talents, the centre of law studies in northwest China, and also a significant base for studies of humanities and social sciences in Shaanxi province.

Among the objectives of the Conference include to respond positively the construction of “ Belt and Road” strategy, to research current situation of nationalities and religions along with the Land and Maritime Silk Road Countries, to study prospects, opportunities and challenges of which are facing, and to promote co-operations and exchanges between China and related countries. The one day Conference was attended by more than 40 scholars and post graduate students. There were 16 paper presenters which were divided into four sessions. IIIT was presented by 6 paper presenters covering main issues of the Conference.

The Conference was officiated by Prof. Mu Xingtian, Dean of School of Ethnic and Religious Studies, NWUPL where he welcomed all the participants and looked forward for productive discussions and interactions. Dr. Ahmad Tontonji was invited to present a Keynote Address where he congratulated the efforts taken by the University. Dr. Ahmad stated that IIIT will be very happy to facilitate and cooperate with the University in all possible projects and activities. Dr. Ahmad envisioned that with the cooperation, the University will become the best University in the world. Dr. Ahmad also inspired the Chinese Muslims to play important roles in the development of China where he stated that Muslims in China have the same rights and responsibilities with other citizen of China.


The Conference ended with a resolution to continue working together in all fields. IIIT would like to congratulate and thank Prof. Dr. Wang Yongbao (Dr. Ahmad Musa) as the Chairman of the Conference and his committee members for the successful Conference. Prof. Wang Yongbao is also the IIIT Country Representative and he has been actively contributing to the development of Islam in China. 

06 – 07 October, 2016: Prof. Emeritus Dr. AbdulHamid AbuSulayman visit and meeting on Islamic Epistemology and Integration of Knowledge organized by University 11 Maret, Solo.



Wednesday 18 January 2017

03 October, 2016: Courtesy Call by Prof. Emeritus Dr. AbdulHamid AbuSulayman to Hon. Jusoff Kalla, Deputy President, Deputy President Republic of Indonesia

Prof. Emeritus Dato’ Dr. AbdulHamid Abu Sulayman paid a courtesy call to Honorable Dr. Yusuf Kalla, Deputy President Republic of Indonesia and the Deputy President Palace, Central Jakarta on Monday, October 3, 2016. The main agenda for the meeting was to exchange ideas on the future establishment of International Islamic University Indonesia (IIUI).

Honorable Dr. Yusuf Kalla expressed his thank to Prof. Emeritus Dato’ Dr. Abdul Hamid for coming to Indonesia and contributing ideas for the establishment of IIUI. In his welcoming remarks, Hon. Yusuf Kalla explained that there are more than 7,000 Islamic educational Islamic institutions in Indonesia at various levels. The Deputy President hoped that the establishment of International Islamic University Indonesia will be able to attract the best students from these institutions to pursue their post graduate degrees. He also wished the University to promote a more dynamic and creative ways in finding solutions to the contemporary problems of the Ummah.

Prof. Emeritus Dato’ Dr. AbdulHamid in his response said that he agreed with the Deputy President assertion that the Ummah needs fresh ideas in solving our contemporary challenges. Dr. AbdulHamid gave an example of the pressing issue of limited number of pilgrimage who can perform Hajj at one time compared to an increasing number of Muslims who requested to perform Hajj every year. According to Dr. AbdulHamid, Muslim scholars must come out with creative solutions to resolve this issue in the best possible ways. On behalf of IIIT, Dr. AbdulHamid assured the Deputy President that the Institute will provide all necessary expertise and assistance in setting up the University. Dr. AbdulHamid invited the steering committee for the establishment of the University to visit the International Islamic University of Malaysia (IIUM) to exchange ideas and expertise. He hoped both IIUI and IIUM would be able to work together to provide the best education for the Muslim Ummah and beyond.

The one hour visit was also attended by Prof. Dr. Kamaruddin Amin, Director General of Islamic Education, representing the Minister of Religious Affairs; Prof. Dr. Komaruddin Hidayat, Team leader of International Islamic University, Indonesia (IIUI): Dr. Mohammad Umar, Secretary for the Vice President; Dr. Bambang Widiyanto, Deputy Human Development Affairs Vice President office and staffs. The IIIT delegates include Brother Muhammad Siddek, Habib Chirzin and Shahran Kasim. 


27 September, 2016: Dialogue between Prof. Emeritus Dr. AbdulHamid AbuSulayman and IIIT scholarship holders in IIUM

More than 25 students participated in the dialogue where they shared their common concerned. The dialogue was as also attended by Dato’ Wira Dr. Jamil Osman and Prof. Dr. Rahmah Osman.


27 September, 2016: Establishment of AbuSulayman Centre for Collaborative Research, KIRKHS-IIUM

The Kuliyyah of Islamic Revealed Knowledge and Human Sciences establishes a new centre called AbdulHamid A. AbuSulayman Centre for Collaborative Research on Tuesday, 27 September, 2016. The Centre is named after the University Second Rector, Professor Emeritus Dato’ Dr. AbdulHamid A. AbuSulyaman as an appreciation for his vision and commitment for the betterment and upliftment of the Muslims Ummah. The Soft Launching Ceremony was attended by Honorable Rector, Deputy Rectors, Deans, Head of Departments and invited scholars.

The Kulliyyah was established in 1990. It is now the largest faculty in the University, with over 4,000 students and more than 250 full-time academic staff. Its formation represents a drive to integrate Islamic Revealed Knowledge and Human Sciences disciplines as part of a comprehensive educational reform for the betterment of mankind.  Presently, the Kuliyyah has eleven departments divided into Islamic Revealed Knowledge Division and Human Sciences Division.

The Honorable Rector, Dato’ Sri Prof. Dr. Zaleha Kamaruddin in her speech applauded the establishment of the Centre and hoped that the Centre would be able to assist faculty members and postgraduate students in their academic research. The Honorable Rector wished to see significant increase in the number of academic publications as well as academic activities organized directly and indirectly by the Centre.

Prof. Emeritus Dato’ Dr. AbdulHamid A. AbuSulayman expressed his sincere thanks to the University for naming the Centre after his name. He felt humbled as well as proud with the appreciation given by the University. He hoped both faculty members and postgraduate students will work together to focus on their academic research on issues faced by the Ummah. He stressed that research topics and areas of research must relate to the current problems of the Ummah and to find creative ways on solving these problems.

The Centre is a joint project between the Kuliyyah and IIIT East and South East Asia office. IIIT would like to thank the Dean of the Kuliyyah, Prof. Dr. Rahmah A. H. Osman for taking the initiative and providing leadership roles. We look forward for an exciting and productive cooperation between the two institutions. 


26 – 27 September, 2016: 4th Workshop on Textbook Writing organized by Kuliyyah of Islamic Knowledge and Human Sciences, IIUM attended by Prof. Emeritus Dr. Abdul Hamid Abu Sulayman


23 – 25 September, 2016: Muslim Women International Summit & Expo (WISE 2016) organised by International Islamic University Malaysia.

Emeritus Professor Dr. AbdulHamid AbuSulayman presented a keynote address and participated in selected forums and discussions. 






08 September, 2016: Meeting with Prof. Dr. Rahmah AH Osman, Dean, IRKHS-IIUM


06 September, 2016: Meeting with Vice Chancellor and Registrar of Univesity Selangor (UNISEL)


30 August, 2016: The Third Annual International Conference in Islamic Economics organized by Universitas Sebelas Maret.

The Third Annual International Conference in Islamic Economics with the theme “Contemporary Issues in Islamic Banking, Economics, Finance, and Halal Industry” was jointly organized by Pusat Studi Ekonomi Islam Universitas Sebelas Maret (PSEI UNS) and Graduate Business School Universiti Sains Malaysia, at UNS, August 30, 2016.

After the keynote speech by Brother Kunrat Wirasubrata, the acting Director of IDB Asia Pacific, KL; Brother Prof. Shaya'a Othman has presented a paper on Strengthening Islamic Economics through Muslaim Economic Community". He was also in a panel with Prof. Bambang Setiaji Rector, Universitas Muhammadiyah Surakarta; Dr. Adil Syahputra, Dir BUKOPIN Syariah; Dr. Ascarya from Bank Indonesia, the National Reserved Bank. Prof. Shaya'a proposed the need for establishing the Muslim Economic Community (MEC). 


22 August, 2016: Meeting on Setting-up Royal Foundation, UIM Cyberjaya


15 – 25 August, 2016: Summer School and Leadership Training for Islamic Economics at UMY (Universitas Muhammadiyah Yogyakarta).

The Summer School and Leadership Training for Islamic Economics at UMY (Universitas
Muhammadiyah Yogyakarta) was held from 15th to 25th August 2016. The Summer School and Leadership Training was officiated by the Rector of UMY Prof. Dr. Bambang Cipto. He was happy with the initiative and the creativity to hold the Summer School and Leadership Training.

In the last session we have invited Brother Prof. Shaya'a Othman the Founder and Chairman of the Mapixct for Center of Excellent, KL, August 25, 2016. He appreciated the Summer School program of UMY, which is in line with the IIIT's program. He would like to help in the futture Summer Shools. He suggested that the participants should be expanded 'to Malaysia, Brunei and also Turkey. Prof. Shayaa proposed to establish the Muslim Economic Community, which can be initiated from the campus. He also gave a closing speech in the Gala Dinner, emphasized the follow up program. 





09 August, 2016: Meeting on Royal Educational Foundation, UIM Cyberjaya


25 July – 1 August, 2016: Leadership Study Tour Program in Malaysia for Young Leaders from Cambodia

International Institute of Islamic Thought (IIIT), the office of East and Southeast Asia hosted a Leadership Study Tour program in Malaysia for 28 young leaders from Cambodia, a mix of university students and young professionals. The tour commenced from 25 July until 01 August 2016.

This leadership study is initiated to enhance the capacity and skill of young Muslims and prepare them for future leader in their respective communities and nation. Series of talks, discussions and visits to established institutions were made during one week study tour. The first objective of this program is to gain a first-hand knowledge of Malaysian experience in developing the nation and to study the Malaysian model of peaceful co-existence within the multi-religious and multi-racial diversity. The delegates visited and had discussions with Department of Religious Affairs (JAKIM), Buddhist Mahavihara, Institute Darul Ehsan (IDE), Future Global Network (FGN), Asean Youth Council (AYC) and Malaysian Youth Council (MBM). The second objective is to expose to Malaysian higher educational institution which include visit to International Islamic University Malaysia (IIUM), College University Islam Selangor (KUIS) and University Selangor (Unisel). The final objective is to provide leadership skills to the delegates in terms of strategic planning and teambuilding where several talks and group exercises were conducted. The delegates were tasked to develop ‘Vision 2050 for Cambodia’ and made a 7-minute presentation during the farewell dinner. In summary, the delegates visited twelve different institutions and listened to thirteen talks and discussions on different topics, to imbed knowledge and experiences to participants.

On the final day, Dato’ Wira Dr. Jamil Osman organized a farewell dinner and presented certificate of participation to the delegates at his residence. Before the closing ceremony, the delegates were given a task to present their discussion’s input of UMYC VISION 2050. The presentation was observed and commented by selected IIIT Senior Academic Fellow including Prof. Aslam Haneef, Prof. Norma Saad, Prof. Hj. Shayaa and Prof Fauzan.

Alhamdulillah, the Leadership Study Tour was a success and went smoothly as planned with the support from IIIT and other co-hosts in Malaysia. We hope that this kind of program will continue in the next coming year, Insha Allah.







 

18 July, 2016: Visit by Dr. Hussin Muhammad, IIIT Kurdistan


13 July, 2016: Visit and Discussion with Prof. Dato’ Dr. Osman Bakar, Cyberjaya


28 June, 2016: Discussion on Textbook Project with Prof. Dr. Fauzan Nordin and Prof. Dr. Nor Faridah Abdul Manaf, IIUM.


22 June, 2016: IIIT Iftar Gathering held at Dato’ Wira Dr. Jamil’s residence and was attended by more than 100 IIIT friends and families.

International Institute of Islamic Thought ( IIIT), the office of East and Southeast Asia organized an Iftar gathering on June 22, 2016 ( 17 Ramadan 1437) at the residence of Prof. Dato’ Wira Dr. Jamil Osman, Regional Representative and Director of IIIT East and Southeast Asia. The event was attended by approximately 90 brothers and sisters including Prof. Dr. Torla Hassan, Deputy Rector IIUM, Prof. Dr. Wan Sulaiman, Deputy Rector MEDIU, IIIT senior academic fellows and friends from different local universities and from various countries such as Iran, Indonesia, Cambodia, Thailand, Bangladesh, Korea and others.

In his welcoming remark, Dato’ Wira Dr. Jamil Osman appreciated the presence of distinguish guests and friends. He hoped that the event will strengthen the bond of friendship, brotherhood and showed that we are one family.  Prof. Shayaa Othman, a senior academic fellow delivered a talk on Maqasid Shariah in the context of Islamisation of Knowledge where he encouraged everyone to be more creative in finding solutions to the Ummah’s issues and challenges. Prof. Dr. Malik Badri gave a short tazkirah after the Taraweh prayers where he explained three categories of fasting according to Imam Al Ghazali which are 1) Ordinary fasting means abstaining from food, drink and sexual satisfaction, 2) Special fasting means keeping one's ears, eyes, tongue, hands and feet-and all other organs-free from sin and 3) Extra-special fasting means fasting of the heart from unworthy concerns and worldly thoughts, in total disregard of everything but Allah.

The Iftar program ended with joyful and friendliness environment and everyone looked forward for a similar gathering in the near future.