【FILA】FILA/CMS FD Research Seminar Held

Reimagining the University as a Humanizing Force for Sustainable Futures

On May 20, 2026, the Faculty of International Liberal Arts (FILA), Soka University, in collaboration with the Center for Malaysian Studies, hosted a FILA/CMS FD Research Seminar featuring Professor Zainal Abidin Sanusi from the International Islamic University Malaysia (IIUM).

Professor Zainal Abidin Sanusi is Professor at the Department of Political Science and Madani Studies at IIUM and former Director of the Sejahtera Centre for Sustainability and Humanity. He has been widely engaged in research and institutional initiatives related to sustainability, human development, ethics, and the social role of higher education.

The seminar, titled “Sejahtera and Communiversity: Reimagining the University as a Humanizing Force for Sustainable Futures,” examined the fundamental purpose of universities in an increasingly fragmented and uncertain world.

In his presentation, Professor Zainal highlighted the limitations of contemporary higher education systems that prioritize rankings, publications, and visibility while often overlooking wisdom, human responsibility, and social wellbeing. Drawing upon the IIUM concept of Sejahtera, he emphasized the importance of holistic education that integrates intellectual development with ethics, spirituality, compassion, ecological consciousness, and social responsibility.

The seminar also introduced the concept of Communiversity, which repositions the university as a living ecosystem of reciprocal learning with society. Rather than treating communities merely as beneficiaries of outreach activities, this approach recognizes them as active partners, knowledge sources, and co-creators of learning. The discussion offered valuable insights into how universities can reconnect education with human flourishing and sustainable futures.

Reflecting on experiences across multiple universities, Professor Zainal further explored how teaching, research, innovation, and community engagement can be integrated into a coherent institutional mission. Participants engaged in an active discussion on the future of higher education and the role universities should play in addressing global challenges while nurturing responsible global citizens.

The seminar attracted faculty members, researchers, and students from across the university and provided a meaningful opportunity to reconsider the broader mission of higher education in the 21st century.

FILA and the Center for Malaysian Studies will continue to promote international academic collaboration and interdisciplinary dialogue with partner institutions in Malaysia and beyond, further strengthening educational and research initiatives related to global citizenship, sustainability, and human-centered learning.

Soka University Faculty of International Liberal Arts SNS【Instagram / X】