KUALA LUMPUR: Kuwait’s contributions to promoting Arabic language education in Southeast Asia have been widely praised by regional educators and academics, highlighting the positive impact of Kuwaiti charitable initiatives in strengthening Arabic learning across the region. President of the Indonesian Arabic Language Teachers Union (IATUI), Prof. Dr. Oriel Baharuddin, commended Kuwait’s support, particularly through organizations such as the Joud Charity Society, which operates an Arabic teaching center and institute in Bogor, West Java.
Speaking to Kuwait News Agency (KUNA) on the sidelines of the International Conference on Arabic Language and Literature at Sultan Azlan Shah University in Malaysia, Baharuddin noted that Kuwait’s initiatives have significantly enhanced the quality and presence of Arabic education in Indonesia. Baharuddin, also a professor at Maulana Malik Ibrahim State Islamic University, emphasized that Kuwait’s support extends across multiple organizations, contributing to the promotion of both Arabic and Islamic studies. He expressed appreciation for Kuwait’s sustained efforts, noting their regional and international impact.
Presenting his research paper during the conference’s third session, titled “Teaching Arabic to Non-Native Speakers on the Basis of Love: Creativity, Innovation, Communication, Technology and Adaptation”, Baharuddin highlighted the opportunities offered by Indonesia’s vast educational infrastructure, despite challenges such as limited interest in some areas and scarce job prospects for Arabic graduates. He underscored the need for a vision that links Arabic education with social and professional realities, while promoting creativity, innovation and technological integration. He also stressed the role of digital platforms and social media in expanding Arabic learning and embedding it into daily life.
Over two days, the conference examined key pillars of Arabic language teaching in Southeast Asia, presenting local experiences, challenges and successful models from the region. The Indonesian Arabic Language Teachers Union, a national professional body, represents Arabic educators across all educational levels and plays a pivotal role in advocating for the language within Indonesian society.
President of the Cambodian University of Management and Technology, Dr Mohamed Hussein
Meanwhile, Dr. Mohamed Hussein, President of the Cambodian University of Management and Technology (CUMT), praised Kuwait’s longstanding support for education and orphan care in Cambodia. Speaking to KUNA during the same conference, he highlighted Kuwaiti initiatives that have established over 30 orphanages and Islamic education centers, providing scholarships and financial aid to students. Dr. Hussein singled out the Islamic Heritage Revival Society, affiliated with the Kuwaiti Ministry of Social Affairs and Labor, as a key supporter of these projects. He also noted contributions from other Islamic countries, including Saudi Arabia, Malaysia and Indonesia, emphasizing the broader spirit of Islamic cooperation in advancing education in Cambodia.
Presenting his research paper, “The Reality of the Muslim Minority in Cambodia and Arabic Education”, Dr. Hussein stressed the need for Arabic programs aligned with national policies to safeguard religious freedoms while promoting integration. He advocated for cultural and linguistic immersion approaches to strengthen the religious and cultural identity of Cambodia’s Muslim youth. Parallel sessions at the conference addressed curriculum development, teaching Arabic to non-native speakers, applications of artificial intelligence in education, specialized Arabic programs, and the production of digital Arabic content, showcasing innovative models and best practices from across Southeast Asia. — KUNA
