The Centre for the Study of Islamic Culture of the Chinese University of Hong Kong (CUHK) emphasizes the need in understanding Islamic culture in light of the government’s plan on building up a Muslim-friendly city as it celebrated the 10th anniversary on Tuesday.
Speaking at the celebration forum, James Frankel, the director of the center and professor at the Department of Cultural and Religious Studies, said that there is a pressing need for greater community engagement and education with the government committed to promoting Hong Kong as a welcoming destination for Muslim visitors and advancing Islamic finance.
“To realize this aspiration, we must prepare to receive Muslim visitors, which means we must have a sound background in Islamic culture,” he said.
Frankel stressed the Centre’s role in bridging cultural divides and fostering dialogue between the local community and Muslim populations, including introducing Islamic Civilization to the history curriculum in local secondary schools during the COVID-19 pandemic.
He called for greater unity and cooperation as the Muslim community in Hong Kong is dispersed and scattered, urging collaboration among various sectors to pool resources and showcase the vibrant contributions of Muslims to society.
As the Centre embarks on its next decade, Frankel believed that it would continue to play a vital role in disseminating knowledge to educate the next generations.
Meanwhile, Joseph Chan Ho-lim, Under Secretary for Financial Services and the Treasury, said the government has been actively promoting Islamic finance, including the listing of Asia's first investment-grade sukuk Exchange Traded Fund (ETF) in May, which facilitates capital flow between the city and Saudi Arabian markets.
In February, the government also updated the Talent List to include financial professionals with expertise in Islamic markets, fostering the development of Shariah-compliant financial products, he cited.
“We will continue to work hand-in-hand with institutions like the Centre to promote Islamic finance and strengthen ties with Muslim-majority regions,” he said.
Set up in 2015, the Centre is the only academic unit at local universities to specialize in Islam, including Islamic religion, culture and history, and contemporary Muslim countries and communities.
