Strengthening Southeast Asian Multicultural Insights, the Department of Sociology Education, Faculty of Teacher Training and Education, Lambung Mangkurat University (ULM) Successfully Holds an International Seminar
The Department of Sociology Education, Faculty of Teacher Training and Education, Lambung Mangkurat University (FKIP), successfully held an international seminar on Thursday, September 25, 2025, themed “Building Harmony: Multicultural Insights of Southeast Asia for Students.”
The seminar featured speakers from three countries, including Prof. Dr. H. Mujiburrahman, S.Ag., MA (Antasari State Islamic University, Indonesia); Dr. Nola Fibriyani BTE Salman (Muhammadiyah Islamic College, Singapore); Associate Professor Dr. Samsudin Suhaili (Sultan Idris Education University, Malaysia). Participants in this activity included invited lecturers and students from the Faculty of Teacher Training and Education, ULM (FKIP), students from the University of the Immaculate Conception, Philippines; students from Sultan Idris Education University, Malaysia; and students from Muhammadiyah Islamic College, Singapore.
On this occasion, the speakers presented material on multicultural insights and their current challenges. Prof. Mujiburahman, S.Ag., M.A. highlighted the dynamics and challenges of multiculturalism in our society in Southeast Asia.
In Indonesia, the famous national slogan, Bhinneka Tunggal Ika (Unity in Diversity), which means different but still one, is a fundamental principle of multiculturalism. Differences must be recognized and respected, but at the same time, common ground between these differences must also be found. affirmed.
Dr. Nola explained that today, Singapore continues to strive for religious harmony in various ways, including urban planning policies, religious organizations, and legislation. Meanwhile, Prof. Samsudin Suhaili identified that students in Southeast Asia live in a highly diverse context. Without a deep multicultural awareness, students risk failing to understand the social realities of their own societies.
“This international seminar from the Sociology Education Study Program impressed me and opened my eyes to the fact that building a multicultural society is not just about recognizing diversity, but also managing differences to become a shared strength,” said one of the invited guests, Jumriani, M.Pd., Secretary of the Social Studies Education Department.
For Jumriani, the discussion on the role of various actors in facing globalization and digital dynamics emphasized the immense responsibility of the younger generation. From the international speakers, I gained diverse perspectives on how Southeast Asian countries are addressing multicultural challenges with different approaches. This underscores the importance of cross-cultural collaboration, positive use of digital space, and strengthening multicultural literacy to create a harmonious society.
