Interfaith Dialogue
Full Title : Interfaith Dialogue and Diversity in Higher Education Institutions in Brunei Darussalam
Status : Unfunded
Start Date : August 2016
Completion Date : June 2017
Principal Investigator : Kathrina bte DP Haji Mohd Daud
Co-investigators : Siti Mazidah Hj Mohamad, Azmi Mohamad (SOASCIS) and Khairunnisa Haji IbrahimBrief Outline
In HEIs worldwide, interfaith dialogue is considered a crucial component in developing and maintaining a respectful, harmonious and tolerant environment for students. This study will contribute to understanding the religious diversity of students in HEIs in Brunei, the relationship between religious diversity and interfaith dialogue in Brunei, and the effect of interfaith dialogue and religious diversity on the religious practice and development of students in HEIs in Brunei. Students are increasingly exposed to other faiths through a growing international student population, increased internationalization (through Discovery Year), and indeed the religious diversity of local students themselves. It is important to understand the effect this exposure is having on students so that the university can offer appropriate support and understand how best to create an inclusive and nurturing environment for all students.
Objectives
- To assess the extent to which Muslim students in Brunei engage with interfaith dialogue in higher education institutions (HEIs) in Brunei
- To assess the relationship between religious diversity and interfaith dialogue in HEIs in Brunei
- To assess how interfaith dialogue and religious diversity affects the religious practice and development of students in HEIs in Brunei.
Significance of the research
The resulting research will be of benefit to UBD in developing curriculum, policies and activities to enrich students’ experience and develop critical, engaged citizens with awareness of different faiths and strong understanding of their own.