Institute of Borneo Studies (IBS) Universiti Malaysia Sarawak (UNIMAS) organises Borneo-Nusantara Talk Series in Pustaka Negeri on 23 June 2025. The talk features prominent scholar and philosopher Professor Emeritus Datuk Osman Bakar who is also the Rector of International Islamic University of Malaysia (IIUM). Also present is the holder of Nusantara Chair in IBS Datu Dr Haji Sanib Haji Said.
In his talk, ‘Borneo and the Future Nusantara Maritime Civilisation’, Professor Osman explores the potential for crafting a new type of civilisation in Nusantara with Borneo stands at the epicentre of the development. He argues that the future civilisation should consider a new thinking which puts cultural renewal at the same par with the material and physical progress. One of the ways for this to be rethought is by advancing an integrated vision of knowledge which values social sciences and humanities in the same par as natural and physical sciences. Another, is by learning the ways of the past in which the diverse traditions of world religions and belief systems making their home in Borneo. In this regards, Professor Osman believes that Borneo should have the confidence in presenting its unique contribution to the world civilisation by rediscovering the spirits of the previously integrative, balanced traditions. He concludes by emphasising the role of dialogue as a main approach in bridging communication and fostering understanding that brings together aspiration, imagination and plan of action in fashioning the future of Borneo civilisation
The talk in Pustaka starts at 2.30pm and was attended by more than 50 members of public. The question-and-answer session was moderated by Mohd Shazani Masri from UNIMAS.
Questions and comments came from several angles, from the issue of the development gap between Borneo and the rest of the islands in Nusantara, to the method for civilisational dialogue and the dichotomous construction of tribal and urban civilisation in Borneo. The talk ended at 4.00pm with a gift exchange ceremony between IBS and IIUM.
