Role of Universities & Sustainable Development

IIUM Efforts in Line with Education for Sustainable Development

IIUM has embarked on a journey to showcase a Malaysian model of university that addresses sustainable development issues using Maqasid Syariah as its foundation. The model hopes to change the ivory tower of the university ecosystem by pushing the agenda of the university towards becoming an institution that works together with all other stakeholders of the quadruple helix model; industry, government, and the community. For this purposes IIUM specifically reorientate its vision to humanise education by pioneering and exploring instructional leadership (khalifah) that is most appropriate in embedding trust (amanah) to deliver higher purpose of education‎ (through teaching-learning, responsible research and community engagement) built on sejahtera ‎framework. 

In the aspect of student development, IIUM’s mission is to nurture students who are balanced and harmonious (insan sejahtera) as stipulated in the Falsafah Pendidikan Kebangsaan crafted on values-based holistic and integrated education ‎for sustainable development (Education 2030) through the teaching and Learning that provide conducive shared learning (culture of iqra) ecosystem geared towards  the convergence of knowledge founded on the Tawhid in realising “comprehensive excellence”. Together with these functions, the IIUM research agenda is to engage in research and innovation that are relevant to the maqasid al-shariah and in meeting the global goals‎ of sustainable development (SDGs) aimed at mercy for all (rahmatan lil alamin).

From certain aspects, we can see how IIUM intend to change their mode of teaching/learning:-

REQUIREMENT FOR RESEARCH FOR SUSTAINABILITY

1. Approriateness - especially with regard to cultural sensitivity and local values whereby the content of research, as well as the approach utilized, do not run contrary to moral values, ethics, and communal norms.
2. Affordability - to ensure that the research output offered can be attained by all members from all levels of society, specifically those at the bottom billion.
3. Accessibility - to ensure that the research outputs are devised are not exclusive and take into account the needs of the public without excluding certain groups.
4. Availability - to make certain that every program offered is always at the disposal of those who need them.

COMMUNITY ENGAGEMENT FOR SUSTAINABILITY

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Flagship Project In IIUM

Click IIUM-Flagship Projects Website.

This website contains information about all flagship projects undertaken by lecturers and staff of the International Islamic University Malaysia as part of its effort to promote sustainable development goals and contribute to the well-being of society.

IIUM Flagship Initiatives include:

• FP01 Mosque in the Post-Materialistic Era
• FP02 Lingua Revolution & Human Civilisation Education
• FP03 Falsafah Pendidikan Kebangsaan for the 21st Century
• FP04 School for Sustainable Marine Livelihood
• FP05 Patin Buah as Sustainable Food Production Sources
• FP06 Malay Medical Manuscripts as Sources of Health Information
• FP07 The MUARA: A Living River Lab in Muar
• FP08 Indigenous Heritage & Cultural Living Lab in Gombak
• FP09 The 3E (Empowering, Enriching &  Enabling) Youth Programme
• FP10 Peace & Justice in the Community
• FP11 Peace Building & Civilisation for Humanity
• FP12 Maqasid Shariah Compliant & Productive Work Culture
• FP13 Sustainable Endowment & Redistribution System
• FP14 Accounting & Analytics for Ummah
• FP15 Islamic Social Finance for B40
• FP16 Indigenous & Traditional Co-Learning Initiative
• FP17 Peduli Asli
• FP18 Jungle School
• FP19 River of Life
• FP20 IIUM Innovative Electric Coaster
• FP21 e-Scroll: Comprehensive Academic Assurance System
• FP22 Siber Sejahtera Synergy
• FP23 MASA-Chain
• FP24 Healthcare for Sejahtera Community
• FP25 Gender Dysphoria
• FP26 I-DO-CARE
• FP27 Sustainable Smoke-free Campus Community
• FP28 Snoezelen Room for Special Kids
• FP29 Baby-Friendly Hospital Initiative

Towards achieving this mission, IIUM has outlined several transdisciplinary flagships projects to address the three aspects of sustainable development issues – environment, economics, and social. Among the flagships program to drive the agenda is Gombak Heritage and Cultural Living Lab, IIUM Low Carbon Campus, River of Life and Jungle School Gombak. All these programs are now being implemented as a platform to translate the above agenda and transform the conventional way of running a university. It is hoped that at the end of the year 2020, the outcome and impact can be observed and serve as a model to other universities in addressing sustainable development issues using local and internal strength.

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IIUM & Sustainable Development

IIUM Insan Sejahtera encapsulates four elements (IIICE, FPK, MAS, SDG) with the overall aim of humanizing education and developing intellectuals, professionals, and scholars of distinction by integrating quality of faith (iman), knowledge (‘ilm) and good character (akhlaq) to serve as agents of comprehensive and balanced progress for sustainable development of Malaysia, the Muslim Ummah and the global population.

IIICE or "TRIPLE ICE"

This abbreviation is summarized from:

1. Integration
2. Islamization
3. Internationalization
4. Comprehensive Excellence

All of these represent our Code of Ethics.

FPK or Falsafah Pendidikan Kebangsaan (National Education Philosophy)

Education in Malaysia is a continuous effort towards further developing the potential of the individual as a whole and integrated to create a balanced and harmonious human being in terms of intellectual, spiritual, emotional, and physical based on faith and obedience to God. This effort is to produce Malaysians who are knowledgeable, skilled, virtuous, responsible, and able to achieve personal well-being, as well as contribute to the harmony and prosperity of the family, community, and country.

MAS or Maqasid Al-Shari'ah

Shaykh Muhammad Al-Tahir Ibn Ashur, a great Islamic Scholar, defined Maqasid of the Islamic law as the objectives or purposes behind the Islamic rulings. He explained the knowledge of Maqasid al-Shari'ah is important for mujtahids to not only understand or interpret the texts of Shariah but also to derive solutions to contemporary problems faced by Muslims. The concept of Maqasid Shariah provides clear guidance and framework to the process of ijtihad in solving the issues conforming to the human interest while complying with the will of God.

SDG or Sustainable Development Goal

The Sustainable Development Goals or Global Goals are a collection of 17 interlinked goals designed to be a "blueprint to achieve a better and more sustainable future for all". The SDGs were set in 2015 by the United Nations General Assembly and are intended to be achieved by the year 2030.

IIICE + FPK + MAS + sDG = IIUM INSAN SEJAHTERA

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Sejahtera Concept

Sejahtera's definition:

1.  Aman Sentosa Dan Makmur; Selamat (Terlepas Dari Segala Macam Gangguan) 
2.  Keadaan Yang Baik, Kondisi Manusia Di Mana Orang-orangnya Dalam Keadaan Makmur, Dalam Keadaan Sehat Dan Damai 
3. Aman Dan Makmur, Senang Dan Tenteram, Terpelihara Daripada Bencana (Kesusahan, Gangguan, Dll.); Selamat…. (translated as peace, harmony and prosperity)

peace, tranquility, ease

A case in point is the word Sejahtera in the Malay language, which carries a positive connotation referring to abundance, happiness, prosperity, peace, and tranquillity. 

Sejahtera is more associated with the practice of having a balanced well being or even co-existing with common shared values and prosperity. It is implied that the achievement of quality of life that is both sustainable as well as balanced is embodies in Sejahtera as a way of life.

Mainstreaming SEJAHTERA like another concept of living and life

Many of us strive to be our most productive and fulfilled selves. We seek out new self-improvement books and podcasts. We scour the internet for the latest schools of thoughts on how to live a better life. Some even go as far as attending impassioned weekend retreats with a life coach.

We do this in the humble pursuit of living a purposeful and intentional life. There couldn’t be a better time than right now for this type of exploration. From the Japanese philosophy of Ikigai, the Danish tradition of hygge to a lesser-known African concept of ubuntu; these lifestyle concepts are permeating around the globe.

The goal is definitely not a futile one. In this day and age of constant distractions at work, and the pressure to always “be on” even during “off” work hours — we need a break from it all.

What is ikigai?

Ikigai can be considered as the antithesis of hygge. Instead of prompting us to slow down, it’s about striving to find purpose and balance in life.

The work ikigai comes from “iki,” meaning life, and “kai,” meaning the result or effect of a particular action.

This balance is found at the intersection of four key elements in your life.

1. Passion – What do you love? 
2. Vocation – What you are good at?
3. Profession – What can you get paid to do?
4. Mission – What does the world need?

How to incorporate ikigai into your work life

The way we search for work has changed. Most are not searching for a paycheck, but for a mission, they can stand behind.

Sixty-six percent of Millennials surveyed by Deloitte, say they intend to leave their current organization by 2020. This can be a huge challenge for companies. However, ikigai can help individuals find their real passion, and in turn, find a job that matches their interest in the long term.

What is lagom?

Lagom is all about letting go of a self-indulgent, consumerist lifestyle and finding balance. It is often described as the Goldilocks principle of “not too little, not too much, just right.” With that being said, everyone’s perfect medium varies.  It’s a personal journey to find what works for you.

How to incorporate lagom into your work life

Lagom has various meanings depending on the situation and context. It could imply “less is more” in interior design or “sustainability” in lifestyle choices.

In the workplace, lagom is a way of making “optimal” decisions when faced with a new challenge or task. It’s all about reaching that happy medium. How can you keep your investors satisfied, while considering your employee’s needs and maintaining a healthy bottom line? It can feel like a juggling act at times, making lagom, or a “balanced mindset” all the more impactful.

What is Ubuntu?

Ubuntu is the “belief in a universal bond of sharing that connects all humanity”. The concept has its roots in humanist African philosophy. In particular, the South African Zulu culture where the concept of community is the pillar of its society. Without this sense of “togetherness,” there can be no community.

How to incorporate ubuntu into your work life

Business leaders can practice ubuntu by considering the key ingredients of a sports team. The only way a team can win is when strategies are aligned and execution is consistent. Think about synchronized swimming? They all have to be in check for the team to win. Ubuntu strives to create interconnectedness among team members in the workplace and overcoming the challenges in communications that might create strife and inefficiency.

All in all, these lifestyle philosophies are entirely customizable to suit your needs. However you go about it, the end goal is the same. We all want to live a better life.  Seek out purpose and meaning in your daily life, while cultivating a sense of belonging and mission at work. Ikagi, lagom, and ubuntu can offer some pearls of wisdom throughout your journey. The same goes for Sejathera in our subject now.

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