Sarawak hosts inaugural Regional Islamic Higher Education Symposium

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KUCHING: Sarawak is hosting the inaugural Regional Islamic Higher Education Symposium (SIPTIS), which began today (Oct 17) at the Sarawak State Library Auditorium here.

With more than 290 participants registered, the director-general of the Department of Islamic Development Malaysia (JAKIM), Datuk Dr Sirajuddin Suhaimee, revealed that all participants are members from the Ministers of Religious Affairs of Brunei Darussalam, the Republic of Indonesia, Malaysia, and the Republic of Singapore (MABIMS).

“There are 290 registered participants, but more may attend since there are no restrictions and no registration fees, allowing anyone interested to join.

“They can gain insights from the paper presenters invited not only from Malaysia but also from Indonesia and Brunei, who are contributing papers this time,” he said during a press conference at the opening ceremony.

He added that the programme, organised by the Islamic Skills Institute of Malaysia Sarawak (IKMAS), serves as a platform for all activists and leaders to share their views and experiences to enhance the potential progress that can be achieved by regional Islamic higher education institutions.

He stressed that one of the topics discussed was the integration of technology in Islamic higher education institutions.

“We are not far behind in technological advancements. Therefore, Islamic higher education institutions must also take advantage of the technology available today for the benefit of students.

“We must move forward and not remain stagnant.

“We need to strengthen the capabilities of Islamic higher education institutions and improve the achievements of students, ensuring that they are part of the national and global education mainstream, which is technology-driven,” he said.

In the same development, Sirajuddin stated that the outcomes of this programme would be brought to the MABIMS meeting to be held in Brunei Darussalam this November.

He expressed hope that such programmes could continue as an annual event, with support from the Sarawak Islamic Council (MIS) and the Sarawak government, as seen with this inaugural edition.