Academic Exchange Agreement with ISTAC-IIUM, Malaysia

 

A Letter of Cooperation signing ceremony between the Institute of Oriental Philosophy (IOP) and the International Institute of Islamic Thought and Civilization (ISTAC) at the International Islamic University Malaysia was held on May 31, 2025, at Soka University. The ceremony was attended by Prof. Dr. Abdelaziz Berghout, Dean of ISTAC, Assistant Prof. Dr. Nurul Ain Norman, Head of Research at ISTAC, and Mr. Ryohei Tanaka, Director of the IOP, among others.

 

The International Institute of Islamic Thought and Civilization was established as an institute of the International Islamic University Malaysia and is a globally renowned research institution in the study of Islamic thought and civilization. ISTAC and the IOP have been advancing research activities, including the hosting of "The Lotus Sutra — A Message of Peace and Harmonious Coexistence" exhibition at ISTAC in September 2024, which was planned and produced by the IOP. Furthermore, at the IOP's 39th Annual Academic Conference, both institutes conducted a joint symposium themed "Dialogue between Islam and Buddhism: Faith and the Essence of Human Beings," engaging in academic exchange aimed at contributing to world peace through interreligious dialogue.

 

This Letter of Cooperation encompasses the collaborative implementation of academic activities including international symposia and lectures, exchange and mutual utilization of publications and research materials, and exchange programs for scholars and researchers, all based on the principles of mutual benefit, equality, and reciprocity in research and educational activities. With this agreement, ISTAC becomes the 13th institution with which the Institute of Oriental Philosophy has concluded academic exchange agreements.