History

For the first time in human history, civilisations, cultures, and groups are compelled to relate to one another on a constant and continuous basis. Yet mutual ignorance exacerbated by mutual suspicion and hostility inhibits them from establishing ties that endure and flourish. Sadly, communal violence has become the bane of humankind at the end of the twentieth century and the beginning of the twenty-first. It is the magnitude of violence among different groups in a situation where societies everywhere are becoming multi-cultural that underscores the importance of intercommunity, intercultural, and intercivilisational dialogue. Dialogue and mutual understandings are the prerequisites for building just and equitable relations between cultures and civilisations. Intercultural communication and civilisational dialogue could help strengthen relationship and improve understanding regarding the fundamental principles and practices that distinguish the various communities. It is important to understand these civilisational differences just as it is important to take cognizance of the affinities that exist between civilisations - especially in the context of the globalisation process. It is only when both the similarities and the differences between civilisations are celebrated can a truly just, humane, and compassionate world civilisation evolve. Similarly, as Asia undergoes rapid economic and social transformation, the thinking segments of societies are beginning to realise that growth and prosperity would be meaningless unless founded upon and shaped by universal spiritual and moral values as those being taught by all beliefs that lie at the heart of great civilisations which were all conceived in the womb of Asia. Therefore, if Asia wants to remain true to its multi-religious and multi-cultural civilisational heritage, it should not hesitate to incorporate spiritual and moral values into its development process through inter-civilisational dialogue.

Being a member of the Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN), a regional grouping, Malaysia will seek to establish its own identity and promote its own interests within the larger Asian and world community with the other member nations. It is hoped that the shared values derived through inter-civilisational dialogue will help mould the ASEAN identity of tomorrow. Malaysia is indeed a nation where civilisations come together. Perhaps no other nation exists on earth where substantial numbers of Buddhists, Christians, Confucianists, Hindus, Muslims, Sikhs, and Taoists live together in peace and harmony. Equally remarkable is that these civilisational communities have for decades been exposed to, and have interacted with the Western civilisation. Since such civilisations come together in such a significant manner, they should be encouraged to dialogue with one another. It is through inter-civilisational dialogue and intercultural communication that Malaysia seeks to strengthen the sinews of national unity and national integration. Needless to say, unity among the different communities is fundamental to the nation's survival. That is why Malaysia views inter-civilisational dialogue as crucial to its very existence. It is against this backdrop that the Universiti Malaya (UM) made its pioneering attempt to initiate an inter-civilisational dialogue between Islam and Confucianism in March 1995. Following the success of its first endeavor, the University organized a second inter-civilisational dialogue between Islam, Japan, and the West in September 1996. As one of the nation's major universities, it is altogether appropriate that the University of Malaya should be at the forefront of this exciting enterprise. After these two major international conferences and several other national programs on civilisational dialogue, the University felt that the time was ripe to institutionalise the idea. Towards this end, Emeritus Professor Datuk Dr. Osman Bakar who was the founding father of UMCCD 25 years ago during his tenure as the Deputy Vice-Chancellor (Academic & International), UM, decided to establish the Universiti Malaya Centre for Civilisational Dialogue (UMCCD) which aims to undertake various programs and activities in furtherance of its mission.

On November 13th, 1996, UMCCD celebrated the installation of its first Director, Professor Dr. Chandra Muzaffar.

Currently, Professor Datuk Dr. Azizan Baharuddin was appointed as the 8th Director of UMCCD on 1 November 2021.

FORMER DIRECTORS

FORMER STAFF