In UBD’s constant efforts in reaching out to international institutions, the Sultan Omar Ali Saifuddin Centre for Islamic Studies (SOASCIS) welcomed a delegate from the Islamic University of Gaza on 16^thOctober to explore future collaborations.

Dr Wesam Ahmad al-Madhoun was received by SOASCIS’ staff, with its director Professor Dr Datuk Osman Bakar giving a welcoming speech where he expressed the importance of this visit for the university. 

“We planned this meeting [a year ago], but due to the security situation in Gaza it was made possible for us only now,” said Prof Osman, adding that “academic collaboration between the two universities will be very beneficial for all of us and opens up opportunities for students to continue their education overseas.”

As a first step in deepening the academic collaboration, both sides agreed on conducting a joint seminar between UBD and the Islamic University of Gaza. The Islamic University of Gaza is particularly interested in building up closer ties with the Malay world, as Dr Wesam Ahmad al-Madhoun, who himself is fluent in Malay, explained. 

In his speech, he expressed his gratitude and happiness to finally have the chance to visit UBD and explore future partnership in terms of research collaboration and exchange opportunities for scholars. “SOASCIS’ significance lies in its unique focus on contemporary issues, which can give a major contribution to [solve] many problems in the modern world,” he pointed out, adding that this is of particular importance for the Middle East.

Prof Dr Datuk Osman Bakar’s constant efforts in connecting with other institutes overseas is motivated by his conviction that we need “a scholarly way in dealing with issues in the contemporary world”, especially when it comes to interfaith dialogue, as he points out in his speech. In achieving this goal, UBD has signed a number of MOUs in order to connect researchers from all over the world whereas. 

Prof Osman is convinced that the collaboration with the Islamic University of Gaza will be of mutual benefit , especially in those fields of research focusing on Islam and present-day issues as well as the interface between Islam and science.