National University of Singapore

Study Programme on Inter-Civilizational Dialogue 2008 – Singapore, Kuala Lumpur & Istanbul

Dialogue among civilizations can be defined as the conversation or discussion between representatives of two or more groups that may differ along the lines of religion, ethnicity or other markers of distinction. The purpose of the dialogue is to create tolerance, mutual understanding, interest, and concern among such groups. However, the consideration of such dialogue should not be confined to its literal sense.  Dialogue among civilizations is also a metaphor for the process of the implantation and cultivation of an orientation and attitude that is founded on the attributes of tolerance, mutual understanding, interest, and compassion. This amounts to no less than the inculcation of the spirit of multiculturalism, that is, the celebration of cultural variety and diversity. A very effective way of bringing about such dialogue or creating the conditions for successful dialogue is to expose young minds to a variety of culture and religions. USP will do just this, by bringing a group of students to Singapore, Kuala Lumpur & Istanbul this May/June, to be immersed in various academic and cultural activities that involve in an intensive manner, the religions of Christianity, Hinduism, Buddhism, Islam and Judaism.

In Kuala Lumpur, USP will be co-operating with the Centre for Civilizational Dialogue at the University of Malaya. The programme will involve lectures, visits to cultural sites, and meetings with religious leaders of various faiths. In Istanbul, Fatih University will be our host once more. Students can look forward to lectures/seminars on inter-faith dialogues and the relationship between Muslims, Christian and Jews, fieldtrips and visits to cultural sites as well as visits & meetings with the local Muslim, Christian & Jewish communities.

Throughout the program, students will interact with interfaith community groups and leaders, participate in university seminars and discussions with the various host/partner institutions’ faculty and students and visit churches, mosques, synagogues, temples, or other organizations committed to interfaith dialogue and collaboration in the three cities.

Objective of the Programme

1. To benefit from an exchange of ideas, foster interaction between various inter-religious cooperation groups, promote mutual understanding, gain exposure to diverse community and at the same time understand the need to transmute interfaith dialogue into interfaith community activity.
2. To understand inter-religious relations and dialogue, including attitudes and ethical values and the implication of relations between people of differing faiths
3. To realize the ambiguous relationship between identity and religion in today’s context and the increasing role of religion in public life and in conflicts situation

Key Deliverables

1. A 3-page double spaced paper on a subject related to interfaith dialogue, agreed upon by the individual student and Prof. Alatas. The paper should combine insights from the seminars, discussions and lectures held during the trip along with personal reflections by the students.
   
   
2. A PowerPoint group presentation on a subject determined by Prof. Alatas. This is to be presented during the Forum at the end of the programme.
   
   
3. A website for this Programme, upon its conclusion.  The website should include the following:
   • the itinerary;
   • descriptive reports on the various activities/events;
   • personal reflections on lessons learnt during the activities/events, observations made from interactions, outcomes of the exchange program, etc.;
   • lots of pictures (or video clips).
     
     
4. A display board (as seen on Level 5 of BLK ADM) for this Programme, upon its conclusion.  The display board should include the following:
   • the itinerary;
   • descriptive reports on the various activities/events;
   • personal reflections on lessons learnt during the activities/events, observations made  from interactions, outcomes of the exchange program, etc.;
   • lots of pictures

Partner Organizations Involved

1. Center for Civilizational Dialogue at the University of Malaya
2. Fatih University
3. Harmony Centre
4. Arab Association
5. Turkish Cultural Centre

Duration

15 students will be selected for this programme. Please apply at this link.

Please feel free to contact Vindy ( / 6516 4628) if you have further queries.