Workshop: Islamic Developments in Southeast Asia
REGIONAL SOCIAL AND CULTURAL STUDIES
ABOUT THE WORKSHOP
Scholars have recently raised concerns over Southeast Asian Muslims becoming more conservative and radicalised, while others have noted the impact of Islamic influence and politics on multicultural societies in the region. While Southeast Asian Muslims have had a history of integrating local traditions with Islamic doctrines, the dakwah movement (referred to as Islamic resurgence) in 1970s, the increased ‘Arabisation’ of Muslim society, as well as visions of a caliphate in the Middle East, have change the complexion of Muslim communities and their relationship with other communities.
The Regional Social and Cultural Studies (RSCS) Programme at ISEAS – Yusof Ishak Institute presents the workshop on Islamic Developments in Southeast Asia. This one-day workshop will focus on Malaysia, Indonesia and Singapore. It brings together scholars who will speak on themes such as civil society, politics and the ulama in Malaysia; law and education in Malaysia; Middle Eastern influence on Islamic institutions in Indonesia; and Middle East influence on Singapore Islamic institutions.
The workshop’s aim is to explore issues such as the contemporary networks and flows of students, teachers, and literature from the Middle East to Southeast Asia, and within the region; understand the evolving nature of Shariah courts, bureaucracies and civil service; and the emergence and presence of Islamic culture/politics in contemporary society as well as the reaction from both Muslim and non-Muslim communities.