Date

11 September 2024

City/Country

Bangkok, Thailand

Southeast Asia is home to the largest Muslim population in the world. While the majority in this region are Muslim, there are significant areas where Muslims are minorities living under non- Muslim governance, leading to potential conflicts and disputes. This complex demographic reality has spurred extensive debates and studies on the role of Islam in Southeast Asia.

Muslims in Southeast Asia possess numerous strengths, serving as models for economic development, modernization, and moderation in Islamic practices. However, they also face unique challenges, such as the diverse nature of their religious practices, the impact of ethnicity on their religiosity, and the lack of consensus among religious leaders on the appropriate form of Islam in a globalized context. These challenges are particularly acute for Muslim minorities in less developed countries, who struggle with modernization, globalization, and state policies that often fail to accommodate their cultural and identity needs.

The International Islamic College Bangkok (IICB), Krirk University, Wasatiyyah Institute for Peace and Development, Sheikul Islam of Thailand and Muslim Studies Center, Institute of Asian Studies, Chulalongkorn University are organizing its 2nd International Conference to explore the dynamics of Muslim minority communities in Southeast Asia. This region is marked by profound cultural and religious diversity, with Muslim minorities in countries like Thailand, Cambodia, Laos, Vietnam, Myanmar, the Philippines, and Singapore contributing significantly to their societies while facing challenges of identity, integration, and acceptance.

In an era of increasing religious and ethnic tensions, this conference aims to foster dialogue, research dissemination, and policy discussions to promote unity, peace, respect, and tolerance. By bringing together academic scholars, instructors, researchers, community leaders, and policymakers, the conference will explore historical perspectives and contemporary challenges, including issues related to religious freedom, discrimination, and socio economic integration. The goal is to identify best practices and develop actionable recommendations to support the peaceful coexistence and thriving of Muslim minorities.

Ultimately, the 2nd International Conference of International Islamic College Bangkok seeks to strengthen networks among stakeholders, enhance knowledge and awareness, and provide practical insights to foster more inclusive and tolerant societies. This conference aims to contribute to a Southeast Asia where unity, peace, respect, and tolerance are lived realities for all communities.

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Proposal of 2nd International Conference IICB