Nilai, Negeri Sembilan, Malaysia – On December 8, 2023, Universiti Sains Islam Malaysia (USIM) hosted a delegation from the International Islamic Academy of Uzbekistan (IIAU) to discuss future collaboration on an Islamic Tourism Chair.
USIM was one of four Malaysian universities selected to be visited by the IIAU delegation. The relationship between USIM and IIAU began in May 2023 with an online meeting to propose the establishment of an Islamic Tourism Chair at USIM. Further discussions took place during a networking visit to IIAU by USIM Deputy Vice Chancellor Prof. Dr. Mohd Radhi Ibrahim and Dean of the Faculty of Leadership and Management Prof. Dr. Mohd Yahya Mohamed Ariffin.
During the meeting at USIM, the two parties discussed the establishment of an Islamic Tourism Chair through a research agreement. The Chair would focus on research activities, visiting lecturers, student exchange programs, and other activities related to Islamic tourism.
USIM also presented on its academic programs, including the Bachelor of Management with Tourism program. The university also highlighted its Malaysian Journal of Syariah and Law (MJSL) Journal, which has been indexed in Scopus. The discussion also opened up the possibility of a double degree program with IIAU in Tourism.
The Vice Chancellor of USIM, Prof Dato’ Ts Dr Sharifudin Md Shaarani said that the collaboration between USIM and IIAU is a significant development for the field of Islamic tourism. The two universities have a wealth of expertise and experience in this area, and their collaboration will help to promote research and education in Islamic tourism.
