Islamic Universities in Asia Strengthen Ties at AIUA Meeting in Maldives

The 14th Annual General Meeting of the Asian Islamic Universities Association (AIUA) took place on May 25, 2024, at the Islamic University of Maldives in Male. This event brought together leaders from Islamic universities across Asia to discuss and enhance cooperation in higher education.

Strengthening ties between universities can lead to a more collaborative and innovative approach to cooperation, benefiting students and the broader society in the long run. This cooperation can also promote cultural exchange, research advancements, and economic growth.

UIN Syarif Hidayatullah Jakarta was elected President of AIUA for the 2024-2026 period. Din Wahid, Ph.D., Vice-Rector for Cooperation, represented the Rector of UIN Jakarta at the meeting. The gathering saw participation from dozens of leaders from Islamic universities in Indonesia, Malaysia, Brunei Darussalam, Cambodia, the Philippines, and Thailand.

Founded in 2015, AIUA now comprises 83 Islamic universities from various Asian countries. The association has been actively involved in organizing workshops, seminars, conferences, and accreditation programs. At the recent meeting, AIUA unveiled plans to develop a journal and strengthen international cooperation among Islamic higher education institutions.

Prof. Asep Saepudin Jahar, M.A., Ph.D., Rector of UIN Syarif Hidayatullah Jakarta, expressed optimism about the future of AIUA. He stated, "I hope that AIUA will strengthen the internationalization programs of Islamic higher education institutions through various initiatives, including student exchanges, faculty exchanges, research collaborations, and publications."

The meeting also featured the International Seminar of Asian Islamic Universities, which addressed the themes of leadership for inclusion in higher education and adapting curriculum, pedagogy, and assessment for inclusion. Experts from Indonesia, Malaysia, and Thailand presented eight papers on these topics.

The event concluded with the signing of a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) between several AIUA member universities, solidifying their commitment to cooperation and mutual support in advancing higher education.

As AIUA continues to grow and expand its initiatives, the association aims to play a key role in enhancing the quality and international reach of Islamic higher education institutions across Asia.

Key Takeaways

• AIUA's 14th Annual General Meeting took place on May 25, 2024, in Maldives.
• UIN Syarif Hidayatullah Jakarta was elected President of AIUA for 2024-2026.
• AIUA plans to develop a journal and strengthen international cooperation.
• The meeting featured a seminar on leadership and inclusive education.
• A Memorandum of Understanding was signed among AIUA member universities.