Albukhary International University (AIU) continues to enhance its reputation as a hub of academic excellence, social innovation, and global collaboration following its successful participation at the 14th International Malaysian Studies Conference (MSC14), held at the Waterfront Hotel, Kuching, Sarawak, from 12 to 13 August 2025.
The high-profile conference, themed “Sustainable Development, Vulnerabilities and Resilience: Malaysia and ASEAN”, attracted academics, researchers, policymakers, and practitioners from across Asia and beyond, offering AIU a valuable platform to present research, engage in dialogue, and explore partnerships for the future.
Recognition for Academic Excellence: Best Presentation Award
Representing AIU’s School of Business and Social Sciences (SBSS), the delegation included:
- Assoc. Prof. Dr. Frederik Holst
- Assoc. Prof. Dr. Mikio Oishi
- Madam Noor Jannah Binti Afi
- Mr. Afifi Bin Nordin
A key highlight was the achievement of Mr. Afifi Bin Nordin, who won the Best Presentation Award for his outstanding research paper. His recognition not only affirms his potential as a rising scholar but also highlights AIU’s growing visibility and competitiveness in the international academic arena.
AIU’s Thought Leadership: Migration, Knowledge, and Social Business
AIU’s panel sessions stood out as significant contributions to the conference. Focusing on forced migration and the role of autonomous knowledge in advancing Social Business, the sessions attracted considerable attention and sparked meaningful dialogue.
The panels facilitated academic linkages with globally respected scholars, including:
- Prof. Dr. Yoshimura Mako, HOSEI University, Japan
- Prof. Dr. Iguchi Yufu, Ritsumeikan Asia Pacific University, Japan
- Jonathan Yong Tienxhi, University of Cambridge, UK
These discussions opened opportunities for joint seminars, collaborative research projects, and academic exchange, reinforcing AIU’s mission to be a global player in knowledge creation and social innovation.
Expanding Horizons: Future Joint Conferences and Knowledge Platforms
Building on these collaborations, Prof. Dr. Syed Farid Alatas from the National University of Singapore (who visited AIU earlier this year) proposed an international joint conference on decolonial and autonomous knowledge. The event, potentially co-hosted with Universiti Malaya and Universiti Malaysia Sarawak, would position AIU as a leader in alternative knowledge production and showcase its localized Social Business models as innovative frameworks for sustainable development.
Connecting Academia with Communities: Learning from Sarawak
Beyond academic engagements, the AIU delegation explored how community-based innovation can drive sustainable impact. A field visit to the Sarawak Orchid Society (SARORSO) highlighted a remarkable initiative integrating orchid cultivation with ecological farming, a project that balances biodiversity protection with local income generation.
Led by YM Tengku Dr. Hjh. Auvaroza Binti Tengku Abraham, SARORSO’s model resonated strongly with AIU’s own Social Business ethos. Discussions are underway to adapt similar frameworks to Kedah, particularly in Baling and Sik, where community-driven sustainable projects could significantly uplift rural livelihoods.
A Global Academic Stage: MSC14 Conference Overview
The 14th International Malaysian Studies Conference was jointly organized by:
- Malaysian Social Science Association
- Universiti Malaysia Sarawak (UNIMAS)
- Universiti Kebangsaan Malaysia (UKM)
- All Party Parliamentary Group Malaysia
- Universiti Poly-Tech Malaysia (UPTM)
- Business Events Sarawak
The event gathered leading voices in social sciences, economics, sustainable development, and policy-making, solidifying its role as one of the most influential academic platforms in Southeast Asia.
AIU’s Commitment to Global Engagement and Local Impact
AIU’s participation in MSC14 demonstrates the university’s commitment to bridging local knowledge and global dialogue. By engaging in cutting-edge research, fostering collaborations with world-class institutions, and applying Social Business principles to real-world challenges, AIU continues to position itself as a catalyst for transformative education, sustainable innovation, and community empowerment.
As the university looks ahead, initiatives born out of MSC14 will play a key role in shaping new research collaborations, community partnerships, and global academic visibility for AIU and its students.
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