International Conference on Civilisational Dialogue 2025 (ICONCIDI’25)
Commemorating 30 Years of Civilisational Dialogue at Universiti Malaya
The International Conference on Civilisational Dialogue 2025 (ICONCIDI’25) was successfully held on 15 April 2025 at the Dewan Tunku Canselor, Universiti Malaya, marking a significant milestone in the university’s 30-year journey of promoting intercivilisational understanding. Organised by Universiti Malaya and the UM Centre for Civilisational Dialogue (UMCCD), with CROSS, ICDS, and ABIM as co-organisers, the conference convened more than 1,000 participants in a powerful showcase of dialogue, reflection, and shared commitment to inclusivity and sustainability.
Themed “Intercivilisational Dialogue for Inclusivity and Sustainability,” the conference opened with a Special Address by the Prime Minister of Malaysia, Dato’ Seri Anwar Ibrahim, who underscored the importance of deepening mutual understanding within Malaysia’s rich diversity. He highlighted the relevance of Islam-Confucianism dialogue, particularly in multicultural societies such as Malaysia and across the ASEAN region, while calling for the rejection of stereotypes and the promotion of reason, fairness, and dignity.
ICONCIDI’25 also welcomed the presence of YB Chang Lih Kang, Minister of Science, Technology and Innovation, known for his longstanding support of civilisational engagement, as well as several CROSS leaders including YB Lee Chean Chung, YB Tan Kar Hing, YB Chua Wei Kiat, and Dato’ Dr. Lee Boon Chye.
The keynote sessions, masterfully moderated by Dato’ Dr. Baharudin Ahmad (UMCCD), featured two distinguished thinkers: Prof. Datuk Dr. Osman Bakar, who spoke on “Islam and Confucianism: A Civilisational Dialogue”, and Prof. Dr. Daniel Bell of the University of Hong Kong, who presented “Philosophy, Values and Ethics for Sustainability.” Prof. Bell discussed three paradigms of civilisational dialogue—missionary, mutual understanding, and creative—and how they can generate new insights in an era marked by fragmentation and polarisation.
A major highlight of the conference was the regional forum “Intercivilisational Dialogue: An Imperative for ASEAN,” moderated by Dr. Alwani Ghazali (UMCCD) and featuring respected scholars: Prof. Datuk Dr. Sivamurugan Pandian, Professor, School of Social Sciences, University of Science
Malaysia, Prof. Dr. M. Din Syamsuddin, Chairman of Centre for Dialogue and Cooperation among Civilizations (CDCC), Assoc. Prof. Dr. Leong Chan Hoong Senior Fellow and Head, Social Cohesion Research Programme, S.Rajaratnam School of International Studies, Nanyang Technological University, Singapore and Prof. Dr. Phar Kim Beng, Professor of ASEAN Studies of IIUM. The panel explored ASEAN’s shared future grounded in cooperation, cultural literacy, and regional cohesion.
ICONCIDI’25 concluded with a strong reaffirmation that civilisational dialogue remains essential in navigating today’s complex global landscape. The success of this milestone event was made possible by the dedication of moderators, speakers, partners, and the vibrant participation of all attendees, each contributing to the continued journey of fostering understanding across civilisations.
