Prof. Dr. Maszlee bin Malik Appointed as the New Chairman for IAIS Malaysia

We are thrilled and honored to announce that Prof. Dr. Maszlee bin Malik has become the new Chairman for International Institute of Advanced Islamic Studies (IAIS) Malaysia effective from May 1, 2023. Prof. Dr. Maszlee is a prominent scholar, politician, and volunteer who has a wealth of experience and expertise in various fields related to education, politics, and volunteer work.

Prof. Dr. Maszlee was born on January 10, 1974, in Johor Bahru, Johor. He received his early education from Sekolah Kebangsaan Taman Pelangi and Sekolah Menengah Kebangsaan Sultan Ismail in Johor Bahru. He pursued his higher education in Jordan and the UK, obtaining his Bachelor's degree in Islamic Jurisprudence from Al-Bayt University, his Master's degree in Islamic Jurisprudence from University of Jordan, and his Doctorate in Good Governance from Durham University.

Prof. Dr. Maszlee has an impressive career in both academic and political arenas. He has worked as a lecturer at the International Islamic University Malaysia from 2000 until 2018, teaching courses on Islamic jurisprudence, Islamic political thought, and Islamic civilization. He has also served as the Minister of Education for Malaysia from May 2018 to January 2020 and was a Member of Parliament (MP) for Simpang Renggam from May 2018 to November 2022. He was also an active volunteer, serving as an advisor for multiple NGOs that help children with special needs.

Prof. Dr. Maszlee's tenure as Minister of Education was marked by his commitment to empowering and inclusive education. He introduced a student-oriented system to primary schools to replace an exam-oriented structure, empowered technical and vocational education at the tertiary level, and amended restrictive laws that had previously suppressed students' freedom of speech in universities and colleges. He also promoted STEM education and the use of AI, big data, and data analysis in education through the formation of a big data committee at the Ministry of Education during his term. He made a bold decision to use Google Classroom (GC) as the sole Learning Management System for all schools throughout the nation, which has proven to be an effective strategy during the COVID-19 pandemic.

Prof. Dr. Maszlee's efforts to improve access and quality of education for marginalized and disadvantaged communities are commendable. He increased access to fully sponsored state boarding schools for nearly 5,000 students from low-income communities and is working towards providing free meals to disadvantaged students nationwide. He introduced the Zero Reject Policy, which ensures that stateless children have access to the national schooling system.

Prof. Dr. Maszlee's expertise in education was widely recognized, and he held numerous other positions of importance, including Chair of the Malaysian Parliament Select Committee on Education from 2021 to 2022, head of the Pakatan Harapan special committee for education from 2021 to 2023, and Deputy Chairman for Perbadanan Perpustakaan Awam Selangor (PPAS)/Selangor Public Library since December 2021. He also authored over 50 books, chapters, and nearly 100 academic journal articles that were published nationally and internationally. Additionally, he held prestigious positions such as President of the Southeast Asia Minister of Education Organization Council (SEAMEO), President of the Malaysia National Commission for UNESCO (MNCU), Head of the Council of Boy Scouts Malaysia, Chairman of the Tunku Abdul Rahman Board of Trustees, and President of the International Islamic University Malaysia.

As the new Chairman for IAIS Malaysia, Prof. Dr. Maszlee will steer the institute towards becoming a leading Islamic think tank that produces cutting-edge research and insights on Islam and Muslim affairs, and contributes to the advancement of knowledge, civilization, and humanity. He will also make sure that the institute accomplishes its mission of providing research-based solutions and recommendations to various stakeholders; offering consultancy and training services to enhance capacity and skills; publishing high-quality works and sharing knowledge; building strategic partnerships and networks with local and international actors; and facilitating dialogue and understanding among different faiths and cultures.

In line with the new mandate of the new Malaysian government, Prof. Dr. Maszlee will also pay more attention to global Muslim affairs and address the challenges and opportunities faced by the Muslim ummah in the 21st century. He will use his extensive experience and network in the international arena to boost IAIS Malaysia's role and impact in advancing Islamic thought and values in the global context.

We are confident that Prof. Dr. Maszlee will bring his vast experience, knowledge, passion, and leadership to IAIS Malaysia and take it to greater heights of excellence and impact. We look forward to working with him and supporting him in his new role. We also extend our gratitude to the previous Chairman for IAIS Malaysia for his valuable contributions and achievements during his tenure.

Please join us in welcoming Prof. Dr. Maszlee bin Malik as the new Chairman for IAIS Malaysia and wishing him all the best in his endeavors.