UIN Bukittinggi and KIAS Malaysia Partner to Revive Malay-Nusantara Scholarly Ties

Kamis, September 03, 2026

A shared push to revive Malay-Nusantara Islamic scholarship swept through the Asian Islamic Universities Association Annual Meeting in Jakarta. Amid the rapid tide of globalisation and the drive for global academic recognition, Universitas Islam Negeri (UIN) Sjech M. Djamil Djambek Bukittinggi has officially partnered with Kolej Universiti Islam Antarabangsa Sultan Ismail Petra (KIAS) Malaysia.

JAKARTA — Universitas Islam Negeri (UIN) Sjech M. Djamil Djambek Bukittinggi continues to strengthen its commitment to expanding its international academic network. The signing of a strategic agreement between UIN Bukittinggi and Kolej Universiti Islam Antarabangsa Sultan Ismail Petra (KIAS) Malaysia was a key highlight of the Asian Islamic Universities Association Annual Meeting held from June 23 to 25, 2026, in Jakarta, taking place on Wednesday (24/6/2026).

KIAS Rector Prof Dr Mazlan Bin Ibrahim (right) exchanges signed partnership documents witnessed by UIN Bukittinggi Vice-Rector for Student Affairs, Alumni, and Cooperation Prof Dr Edi Rosman (second from left) and Head of International Office Dr Irwandi (left) at the Asian Islamic Universities Association Annual Meeting in Jakarta on Wednesday, June 24, 2026.)

During the signing ceremony, the UIN Bukittinggi delegation was represented by Vice-Rector for Student Affairs, Alumni, and Cooperation, Prof Dr Edi Rosman, and Head of the International Office, Dr Irwandi. KIAS was represented directly by its Rector, Prof Dr Mazlan Bin Ibrahim.

The campus of Kolej Universiti Islam Antarabangsa Sultan Ismail Petra (left) and UIN Bukittinggi campus (right).

KIAS is a Private Higher Education Institution (IPTS) operating under Malaysia's Act 555 and managed by KIAS Darul Naim Sdn Bhd (KDSB), a subsidiary of Akademi Yakin Sdn Bhd (AYSB). The establishment of KIAS stems from the Kelantan State Government's vision to position the state as a renowned regional hub for Islamic knowledge. Since its inception, KIAS has grown rapidly, attracting international students from various countries, including Indonesia, China, Thailand, Cambodia, Singapore, Nigeria, and Palestine.

Meanwhile, UIN Bukittinggi is an Islamic university with roots dating back to an Islamic education initiative in 1957. The university has steadily elevated its standing—transforming from STAIN to IAIN, before achieving full status as a State Islamic University in 2022. This progressive track record highlights the institution's commitment to integrating Islamic values, modern science, and Minangkabau local wisdom to nurture future leaders capable of serving on the global stage.

UIN Bukittinggi Rector, Prof Dr Silfia Hanani, expressed deep appreciation for the strategic partnership, noting that it serves as a promising start given that both institutions belong to the Asian Islamic Universities Association. She added that the collaboration opens broader avenues for synergy in advancing Islamic-based education and research.

  Prof Dr Silfia Hanani, Rector of UIN Bukittinggi

 Strategic Imperatives of the UIN Bukittinggi - KIAS Alliance

According to Prof Dr Edi Rosman, a strategic analysis indicates that the partnership offers critical benefits for both institutions:

Strengthening Historical and Cultural Ties (Minangkabau - Kelantan): Geoculturally, West Sumatra's Minangkabau region and Kelantan share deep Islamic and Malay heritage. This alliance re-anchors the traditions of Malay-Nusantara Islamic scholarship, helping both institutions navigate globalisation without compromising their Islamic identity.

Curriculum Internationalisation and Accreditation: In the era of World Class Universities (WCU), global recognition is paramount. Through the Asian Islamic Universities Association platform, this collaboration enables joint research projects, peer-reviewed publications, visiting professorships, and student exchange programmes.

Multicultural Exposure via the KIAS Network: With KIAS drawing students from countries such as Palestine, Nigeria, China, and Southeast Asia, UIN Bukittinggi students and faculty gain direct access to a diverse international environment, promoting moderate Islamic values (wasathiyah) worldwide.

Institutional Autonomy and Governance: KIAS’s governance model—operating under corporate entities (KDSB/AYSB) backed by the Kelantan State Government—offers valuable insights for UIN Bukittinggi regarding operational efficiency, financial independence, and commercialising Islamic higher education grounded in local values.

Prof Edi Rosman expressed hope that this synergy will foster a stronger and globally competitive Islamic higher education framework across the region. The strategic alliance signals a new chapter for higher education across the region, with both parties pledging to begin implementing the agreements in the coming months. [IRWANDI]

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Dr. Irwandi

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• NameDr. Irwandi
• AddressInternational Office of UIN Bukittinggi
• Emailio@uinbukittinggi.ac.id