In a significant move towards fostering greater understanding and collaboration across faiths in Southeast Asia, the Al-Qalam Institute for Islamic Identities and Dialogue has been at the forefront of promoting Islamic studies within a diverse, multi-religious context. On Friday, August 15th, 2025, the Institute’s Deputy Executive Director, Mr. Kenny Lloyd Angon, shared insights into the institution’s ongoing initiatives and its role in the region’s academic and cultural landscape.
A graduate of the CMC (network university), Kenny Lloyd’s current work encompasses training faculty and students, with a particular focus on developing international programs. Alongside his colleague Datu Mussolini Sinsuat Lidasan, who serves as the Funding Executive Director, Kenny has been instrumental in orchestrating joint workshops between the Al-Qalam Institute and Ateneo de Davao University’s Catholic University. This partnership is a testament to the Institute’s commitment to building bridges between Muslim and Christian communities, ensuring mutual understanding, and fostering dialogue through shared academic initiatives.
The Al-Qalam Institute’s core mission is grounded in its motto: Formation, Research, Instruction, and Engagement. This framework underpins its approach to education and outreach, emphasizing holistic development that integrates academic rigor with real-world engagement. Situated in Mindanao where Muslims form the majority, particularly in Davao, the region’s capital Al-Qalam’s work is crucial in a context where interfaith dialogue is not just a theoretical ideal but a practical necessity.
Mindanao itself is a hub of investment, attracting interest from global stakeholders, including Indonesia, Malaysia, China, and Japan. As such, the Al-Qalam Institute’s programs have been particularly vital, as they provide the region’s youth with the tools to navigate the complexities of modern global challenges. During each semester, 2-3 batches of students are enrolled in programs, focusing on Islamic studies within the broader context of Southeast Asia’s socio-political and cultural realities.
Looking ahead, the Al-Qalam Institute is preparing to formalize its commitment to these partnerships with the signing of a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU). This agreement will further solidify the institute’s role in advancing both interfaith understanding and educational excellence in the region.
Through these collaborations, Al-Qalam Institute remains a beacon of hope and progress in Southeast Asia, where faith, education, and global cooperation intersect.
You’re reading: