By, Maizatul Akhmar
GOMBAK, 24 October 2025: The Office of the Deputy Rector (Student Development and Community Engagement) organised the “ASEAN Cross-Cultural Religious Literacy” Forum today at the IIUM Cultural Centre (ICC), IIUM Gombak Campus.
The event was officiated by the Minister of Higher Education Malaysia, Dato’ Seri DiRaja Dr. Zambry Abd. Kadir, and gathered eight panelists from ASEAN countries to discuss various understandings and cooperation in the region.
In his officiating speech, Zambry emphasised the importance of promoting cross-cultural and religious literacy in strengthening unity among ASEAN communities. He said that the initiative aligns with Malaysia’s role as the host of the upcoming 47th ASEAN Summit, expressing hope that it would “give something for the safety of the world.”
Zambry also highlighted that “in Islam, these values of shared attitude and transformation are beautifully reflected in the Qur’an,” referring to the principles of justice, shura (mutual consultation), rahmah (compassion), and amanah (trust).
“Cross-cultural religious literacy is not simply knowing the others. It is about seeing through the eyes of the others,” he said, encouraging the audience to recognise the shared humanity that connects people of all faiths.
The forum aimed to foster respect for religious diversity within ASEAN’s inclusive and cohesive communities.***
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