The Malaysian Islamic International University (IIUM) bestowed an Honorary Doctorate in Islamic Leadership and Madani Development upon President Dr Mohamed Muizzu, after which he presented a keynote speech.

The event, attended by Her Royal Highness the Tengku Ampuan of Pahang, Tunku Azizah Aminah Maimunah Iskandariah, along with university dignitaries and esteemed educational leaders from across Malaysia, marked a pivotal moment in the discourse on Islamic leadership and scientific advancement.

In his address, titled “Intellectual Renaissance: Unveiling the Scientific and Modern Development of Islamic Civilisation,” President Dr Muizzu advocated for the revitalisation of the Muslim world’s scientific and intellectual heritage. He paid tribute to the profound achievements of the Islamic Golden Age and emphasised the necessity of a unified, forward-looking vision to advance science, technology, and ethical leadership across the Islamic world.

A cornerstone of his speech was the pivotal role of youth in this renewal. He outlined strategic priorities to empower younger generations, including substantial investment in world-class universities, cutting-edge research institutions, and digital innovation platforms. Addressing the commonly perceived divide between science and faith, President Dr Muizzu firmly reaffirmed their compatibility, positioning their integration as a cornerstone of meaningful progress.

Highlighting emerging fields with transformative potential such as medicine, clean energy, and quantum computing, he underscored the importance of ambition, resilience, and visionary thinking in continuing the legacy of Islamic civilisation’s contribution to global knowledge.

Promoting collaboration among Muslim-majority nations, President Dr Muizzu proposed the creation of cross-border research centres, innovation incubators, and shared scientific networks. He urged the Organisation of Islamic Cooperation (OIC) to assume a leading role in shaping international conversations on science, sustainability, and ethics.

In addressing humanitarian issues, he expressed solidarity with the suffering of the Ummah, strongly condemning Israeli aggression. He reaffirmed Islam’s timeless principles of peace, compassion, justice, and the pursuit of knowledge. He envisioned a future in which every Muslim child is empowered to learn, flourish, and lead with dignity.

Reflecting on the Islamic Golden Age spanning from the 8th to the 14th centuries. President Dr Muizzu recalled an era when the pursuit of knowledge was regarded as a sacred duty, nurtured by a thriving ecosystem of mosques, libraries, hospitals, and universities. He called for a return to these foundational values to effectively confront the challenges of the contemporary world.

President Dr Muizzu expressed deep appreciation to the university’s leadership, faculty, and student body for their warm reception. He noted that the honorary doctorate was not merely a personal accolade but a shared affirmation of collective commitment to excellence, innovation, and progress within the global Islamic community.