MSU hosts seminar promoting interfaith social harmony

Management and Science University (MSU) today hosted the Dialog Perpaduan & Seminar ICiMP 2025, bringing together religious leaders, scholars, civil society figures, and students to explore shared values and community-driven responses to social challenges. Anchored around the theme “Satu Komuniti, Satu Hati: Bersama Menangani Isu Sosial” (One Community, One Heart: Tackling Social Issues Together), the half-day event reflected Malaysia’s continuing efforts to promote national unity through intercultural and interfaith dialogue.

Held at the university’s Performing Arts Theatre from 9:00 AM to 12:30 PM, the event was spearheaded by MSU’s Centre for Foundation Studies (CFS) in collaboration with the MAIS Islamic Information Centre (MIIC) and a range of grassroots organisations. The initiative sought to strengthen social cohesion by examining how different faith traditions can contribute collectively to resolving modern societal issues.

Institutional commitment

The seminar was attended by several prominent figures, signifying a strong endorsement from both religious authorities and state leadership. Among the distinguished guests were Y.A.D. Dato’ Setia Dr. Haji Anhar bin Haji Opir, Mufti of Selangor; Y.B. Tuan Dr. Mohammad Fahmi bin Ngah, Selangor EXCO Member for Islamic Affairs and Innovation; Dr. Nik Roskiman Abdul Samad from IKIM; and Dr. Norraini Nordin from the Selangor Islamic Religious Council (MAIS).

Their presence, alongside senior officials from JAIS, Lembaga Zakat Selangor, and Institut Pemberdayaan Ummah Selangor, underscored a shared vision: to position interfaith engagement not merely as symbolic harmony, but as a tangible solution to social fragmentation and youth vulnerability.

The active involvement of community mobilizers, such as Mohd Khairul Ariffin Mohamad from the Orang Asli community, further reflected the event’s inclusive framework, reaching out to often-marginalised voices within the broader Malaysian tapestry.

Faith and social resilience

The keynote lecture by Dr. Nik Roskiman Abdul Samad set the tone for the day’s discourse. Drawing on Qur’anic principles and prophetic traditions, he explored the increasing prevalence of social issues among Malaysian youth, such as mental health challenges, cyberbullying, drug abuse, family breakdowns, and moral disorientation.

Dr. Nik argued that religion, when embraced with compassion and critical reflection, could serve as a moral compass to navigate these complexities. Rather than isolating or judging youth, he called for faith-based guidance rooted in empathy, resilience, and proactive outreach. His lecture resonated with participants seeking to understand how religious teachings can be applied to everyday dilemmas in modern, multicultural societies.

Shared values and civic purpose

The highlight of the seminar was a vibrant panel dialogue featuring interfaith voices from various religious communities. Representing Islam, Christianity, Hinduism, and Buddhism, panellists offered insights into how their respective traditions uphold universal values such as compassion, justice, and mutual respect.

Participants included Bro Shah Kirit Kakulal Govindji (Global UNITY Network), Mr. Thurai Chantheran (MOHKISHA), Rev. Dato’ Jonathan Jesudas (Tamil Methodist Church, Seremban), and Mr. Tan Leng (Soka Gakkai Malaysia), moderated by Bro Hafizi of Global UNITY Network. The discussion spotlighted common ethical principles embedded in different faiths and the need for collective action in times of moral uncertainty.

Audience members, particularly students, engaged enthusiastically, raising questions that sparked deeper reflections on issues like religious stereotyping, youth alienation, and the role of interfaith coalitions in civic initiatives. The session demonstrated how inclusive dialogues could dismantle prejudices and inspire community-based action.

Towards sustained peace

The seminar concluded with a closing reflection by Dr. Norraini Nordin of MAIS, who emphasised the alignment of the event with global sustainability goals, notably those relating to quality education, sustainable communities, and partnerships. She highlighted the urgency of embedding interfaith understanding into Malaysia’s development framework, both nationally and globally.

By linking the seminar to the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), organisers framed the event not merely as an academic or religious gathering, but as part of a broader movement toward sustainable peace and inclusive governance.

Participants and organisers alike expressed optimism that this seminar would serve as a template for future engagements. With growing concern over societal polarisation, the emphasis on empathy, shared humanity, and faith-inspired civic responsibility marked a hopeful path forward for Malaysia’s diverse society.