The Malaysian High Commissioner, His Excellency Dato’ Abd Aziz Mohammed was in Dundee today (Fri) as part of a two day fact finding trip to Scotland aimed at developing trade and educational links.
Accompanied by a six strong delegation representing trade, tourism and student interests the High Commissioner was welcomed to Al-Maktoum Institute for Arabic and Islamic Studies in Blackness Road where he toured the campus.
He was met by the Principal, Professor Abd al-Fattah El-Awaisi and introduced to a group of Malaysian students currently studying in the city.
Al-Maktoum Institute has strong links with Malaysia and Professor El-Awaisi and Professor Malory Nye, the Depute Principal for Academic Affairs were in South East Asia at the beginning of this month.
They were the only UK representatives at a major conference examining a new agenda for the development of Islamic studies organised by the University of Malaya.
Al-Maktoum Institute signed a memorandum of understanding with the University last September, their first in that part of the world.
Professor El-Awaisi said: “We’re delighted to welcome the High Commissioner to the Institute and to Dundee. At present we have ten students from his country studying with us but one of the reasons for his visit is to discuss training opportunities for academics and civil servants employed by the Malaysian government. “They will come to Dundee to learn about our agenda for a multicultural, open and inclusive approach to the study of Islam and Muslims that faces the challenges and opportunities we all face in the twent-first century. In doing so we hope to contribute to the Malaysian government’s commitment to the religious and cultural toleration and dialogue and Islam Hadari. “While in Malaysia I had the opportunity for talks with their Minister for Higher Education, Dato’ Dr Shafie Sallah and also met with an adviser from the Prime Minister’s office. “I have previously visited the High Commissioner in London and as a result he has come to Scotland and Dundee to see for himself what is happening at the Institute and to talk to his fellow countrymen who are studying here.”
In addition to developing educational links Mr Mohammed is also keen to explore opportunities for bi-lateral trade and tourism.
He said: “I had preliminary discussions with Professor El-Awaisi last year about the curriculum taught at the Institute. There are many similarities between what they are doing and what we are trying to do in Malaysia in regard to the teaching of Islam Hadari. “Of course I also want to explore trade and tourism links and my mission is to explain to interested parties why they should consider Malaysia as an opportunity for investment.”
As part of the visit to the Institute the High Commissioner and his party then had a working lunch with local politicians and leading figures from business, commerce and education and met with Lord Provost John Letford. Issued by Whitton PR Ltd on behalf of Al-Maktoum Institute for Arabic and Islamic Studies. For further information call David Whitton on 07771 941170
