Penang: The Penang Islamic Religious Council (MAINPP) has announced the establishment of the “Endowment Chair Professor Al-Azhar” in the field of Syariah. This initiative is aimed at facilitating research collaboration on ‘fiqh’ (jurisprudence) and other Syariah-related issues that significantly impact society and the Muslim community in Penang and Malaysia.
According to BERNAMA News Agency, MAINPP President Datuk Mohamad Abdul Hamid revealed that the “Endowment Chair Professor Al-Azhar” will deliver lectures based on research findings. This will be done in collaboration with MAINPP and the Penang Mufti Department as part of the annual Al-Azhar University – MAINPP event in Penang. The announcement was made during an official working visit to Cairo, Egypt, by Penang Governor Tun Ahmad Fuzi Abdul Razak and a state government delegation. During this visit, they met with Prof Dr Salama Gomaa Daoud, the president and rector of Al-Azhar Al-Sharif.
The discussions in Cairo also highlighted three key initiatives that Penang plans to implement with Al-Azhar University. These include the establishment of the “Endowment Chair Professor Al-Azhar,” the introduction of a hybrid Al-Azhar Bachelor’s Degree programme at Kolej Islam Teknologi Antarabangsa (KITAB) in Penang, and collaboration to strengthen Arabic language education.
Mohamad, who also serves as Deputy Chief Minister I, explained that the degree programme will encompass Islamic Studies, covering Syariah, Usuluddin, and Arabic. It will follow a 2+2 format, with students studying online for two years before completing the remaining two years physically at Al-Azhar University. This initiative is part of Penang’s commitment to digitalising education under the Islamic Religious Development Agenda 2030 (APAI2030), in alignment with the state’s smart policy under the Penang2030 Vision.
Further, the collaboration aims to enhance Arabic language education by establishing Penang as a hub for Arabic studies through a Sub-MoU between Al-Azhar University and Malaysia for Penang. This initiative is expected to improve the Arabic language proficiency of KITAB Penang students and other Penang students who plan to pursue further studies in the Middle East.