Malaysia calls for Islamic world to drive global technology development
The Ministry of Higher Education (MOHE) said this was conveyed by its Minister Datuk Seri Dr Zambry Abdul Kadir, in a national statement at the Second Ministerial Meeting of the Organisation of Islamic Cooperation (OIC-15) Dialogue Platform held in Tehran, Iran, from May 18 to 19.
Zambry said that science and technology had long been the foundation of Islamic civilisation and it was now the shared responsibility of the OIC-15 member states to restore this leadership through a holistic, ethical, and Islamic value-based approach.
Therefore, the MOHE said that Malaysia had proposed seven main pillars for joint consideration within the OIC-15 framework of action.
The proposed pillars include developing a common curriculum covering AI, data ethics and digital humanities; establishing cross-country research and innovation hubs; launching a widespread AI literacy movement among member states; as well as setting up the OIC-15 Digital Solidarity Fund and the OIC Digital Readiness Index.
The other pillars proposed are the formation of the OIC Cybersecurity Consortium; the setting up of the OIC-15 Foresight Unit to shape the future of Islamic technology; and the introduction of a Crisis Innovation Fund to assist communities affected, including Gaza.
According to the MOHE, Zambry also shared Malaysia's progress in formulating the Malaysian Higher Education Plan (PPTM) 2025-2035, which focuses on AI-based education, lifelong learning and digital talent development.
'The Malaysia MADANI concept, which is based on balanced, comprehensive and humane development, is highlighted as a model for the country's digital transformation.
'Malaysia also offers cooperation in the form of scholarships, mobility programmes and AI Fellowships to support talent development with OIC-15 member states,' according to the statement.
The MOHE added that Zambry paid a courtesy call on Iranian President Masoud Pezeshkian, alongside ministers and representatives of other OIC member states.
'In addition, a bilateral meeting was held between Zambry and Iranian Minister of Science, Research and Technology Hossein Simayi Saraf to discuss potential cooperation in skilled manpower, science and technology between Malaysia and Iran,' said the ministry.
The meeting, themed 'Innovation in Science and Technology through Harnessing Artificial Intelligence: A Strategy for a Brighter Future in the Islamic World', brought together more than 20 representatives from OIC member states to explore AI technology's potential as a driver of shared progress.
The Third Ministerial Meeting of the OIC-15 Dialogue Platform is scheduled to be held in Saudi Arabia as a continuation of collective efforts to empower the ummah in the era of the Fourth Industrial Revolution.
Hashtags
Try Our AI Features
Explore what Daily8 AI can do for you:
Comments
No comments yet...
Related Articles
The Sun
15 minutes ago
- The Sun
Russia intensifies drone attacks on Ukraine despite Trump peace warning
KYIV: Russia escalated its military offensive against Ukraine, launching hundreds of drones and a ballistic missile in a series of overnight attacks. The strikes resulted in at least one fatality and left more than two dozen wounded, with critical infrastructure damaged in multiple regions. Ukrainian officials reported that over 400 drones were deployed, alongside an Iskander ballistic missile fired from Crimea. The attacks targeted cities including Vinnytsia, Kharkiv, and Kryvyi Rig, where power and water supplies were disrupted. The bombardment follows US President Donald Trump's ultimatum for Russia to agree to a peace deal within 50 days or face severe sanctions. Despite the warning, Moscow has shown no signs of de-escalation, with no new peace talks scheduled since last month. In Kryvyi Rig, President Zelensky's hometown, at least 15 people were injured, including a 17-year-old boy in critical condition. Mayor Oleksandr Vilkul described the attack as unprecedented, citing simultaneous strikes by a ballistic missile and Iranian-designed Shahed drones. Russia's intensified campaign comes amid stalled ceasefire negotiations, with its forces continuing battlefield advances while bombarding Ukrainian cities. Trump recently announced additional US military support for Ukraine, expressing frustration over Russia's refusal to halt hostilities. – AFP
The Sun
2 hours ago
- The Sun
Al-Falah MADANI forum expands nationwide to strengthen community ties
PUTRAJAYA: The al-Falah MADANI Forum will be expanded nationwide as a strategic engagement platform between religious agencies and the community, announced Minister in the Prime Minister's Department (Religious Affairs) Datuk Dr Mohd Na'im Mokhtar. He said the forum serves as a unified platform for religious leaders to present strategic views on the future of the ummah while strengthening ties between religious institutions and the public. 'In view of the forum's significant and encouraging impact, I propose that the al-Falah MADANI Forum be made a regular programme to be held in strategic locations nationwide,' he said during his speech at the Religious Affairs Agencies Assembly. Mohd Na'im added that the forum enhances public understanding of current issues, clarifies misconceptions, and fosters closer relationships between the people and religious agency leaders. In support of the government's national agenda to ease public burdens amid socio-economic challenges, he proposed a joint initiative called 'Santuni al-Falah MADANI: Agenda Kesejahteraan Sosial Ummah'. The programme, led by the Islamic Economic Development Foundation of Malaysia (YaPEIM), aims to streamline welfare efforts. 'We already have programmes such as visits to asnaf groups and aid distribution, but coordination has been somewhat lacking. With the Santuni al-Falah MADANI programme, it will be more structured and better aligned,' he explained. The initiative aligns with the second thrust of the al-Falah Transformation Plan, focusing on human wellbeing, particularly Islamic economic sustainability and social welfare. - Bernama
New Straits Times
2 hours ago
- New Straits Times
King awards prestigious BYDPA scholarships to 13 postgraduate students
KUALA LUMPUR: Yang di-Pertuan Agong Sultan Ibrahim today awarded the Yang di-Pertuan Agong Scholarship (BYDPA) 2025 to 13 postgraduate students at a ceremony held at Istana Negara. Also present were Public Service Department (PSD) director-general Tan Sri Wan Ahmad Dahlan Ab Aziz and PSD Human Capital Development Division director Datuk Jamalulail Abu Bakar. In a Facebook post, Istana Negara said His Majesty consented to award scholarships for Doctor of Philosophy (PhD) studies to 10 recipients and for Master's (Research) studies to three recipients. Among the PhD recipients are Mohamad Fariz Haiqal Mohd Ruslan, who will pursue Pharmacology and Pharmacy at King's College London, and Karen Low Ka Ling, who will undertake the same field at UKM. Also on the list are Muhammad Hamizan Zawawi from USM, who will study Biology, and Muhamad Aiman Hakim Nor Khalid from UKM, in the field of Mathematics and Statistics. Other recipients at the PhD level include Sarah Dania Mohd Kahar (Universiti Malaya, Commercial Law), Teoh Shu Jou (Universiti Malaya, Data Management), Ahmad Firdaus Ahmad Sukri (USM, Biotechnology), Nurul Angelyn Zulhairy Liong (Universiti Malaya, Genetics and Heredity), Nur Zakirah Jasni (University of Melbourne, Veterinary Science), and Nurfatima Azzahra Fadli (UKM, Biochemistry). Meanwhile, the three Master's students are Fatini Nadiah Mohammad Zamzami (UKM, Biochemistry), Tiew Siew Jin (Universiti Putra Malaysia, Biotechnology), and Yugashini P. Muhilan (UKM, Biomedical Materials). The BYDPA is regarded as the most prestigious scholarship offered by the Public Service Department. Introduced in 2006, it is aimed at supporting outstanding Malaysian citizens who excel not only in academics, but also in co-curricular activities, community engagement, and the production of creative or innovative work. As of 2025, a total of 20 scholarship cycles have been completed, with 225 Malaysians having received the BYDPA. The scholarship supports studies in various fields including Science, Technology, Engineering and Mathematics (STEM); economics, law, Islamic finance, and artificial intelligence.
