Background

The venue and the host university

Kuala Lumpur is a multicultural city, where multiple faiths peacefully coexist. Various organisations have been set up to try to promote religious understanding among the different faith groups, with religious harmony seen as a priority by the Malaysian government.

Heriot-Watt University Malaysia campus brings high quality British education to students in the South East Asia region and beyond. They have a long tradition of excellence and a proven track-record in educating, inspiring and challenging the professionals of tomorrow.

Heriot-Watt University Malaysia’s purpose-built campus opened to students in 2014.The campus sits on a stunning lakeside location providing exceptional educational facilities in an excellent environment, close to the Putrajaya marina and its modern leisure and sports facilities. This is a fantastic green area, part of Putrajaya Lake’s ‘green continuum’, and the building design is a conscious reference.

The theme 

The ACU has more than 500 member institutions in over 40 countries across the Commonwealth – representing staff and students from a broad mix of religions, beliefs, and cultural backgrounds. The ACU is therefore well-placed to gather and share knowledge, insights and intelligence on issues relating to intercultural integration, to globalisation and solving global challenges.

The ACU has launched a campaign this year on the role of universities in promoting mutual respect and understanding between people of different faiths, beliefs and cultures. The campaign asks staff and students at Commonwealth universities to sign up to a Statement of shared values, and share case studies of initiatives at their institutions which foster a sense of respect and understanding – on campus, in the curriculum, and in the community.