In an effort to enhance academic cooperation and international networking, a seminar titled “Ideas of Strengthening International Cooperation and Academic Network for Indonesian Diaspora” was held virtually on Sunday, January 19, 2025. The event brought together academics and experts from various countries to discuss strategies for strengthening intellectual networks among the Indonesian diaspora.
The seminar was initiated by the Islamic World Development Network (IWDN) in collaboration with the University of Toronto and the International Islamic University Malaysia. This initiative aims to provide a platform for Indonesian diaspora scholars to expand cross-border collaboration and contribute to global knowledge development.
The event opened with remarks from *Prof. JM. Muslimin, who served as an **Advisor, emphasizing the importance of academic cooperation in addressing global challenges. Meanwhile, **Fakih Fadilah Muttaqin, the *President of the organizing body, highlighted the significant potential of the Indonesian diaspora in strengthening academic relations and fostering an inclusive knowledge ecosystem.
The main discussion featured prominent speakers, including:
- Chubachi Natsuki, a PhD student at Kyoto University, Japan, who shared insights on building international academic collaborations.
- N. Syakirah B. M. Adnan from Malaysia International Islamic University, who discussed the role of educational institutions in supporting diaspora academics.
- Michael Cassidy, Director of International Cooperation at the University of Toronto, Canada, who outlined strategies for strengthening global academic networks.
The speakers addressed key challenges faced by diaspora academics, including limited access to academic resources and the need for a more sustainable collaborative platform. During an interactive discussion, participants also exchanged experiences and ideas on building a more robust and productive academic network.
This seminar is expected to inspire more Indonesian diaspora scholars to actively engage in international cooperation, bringing fresh perspectives to the advancement of knowledge both in Indonesia and globally.