USM PENANG, 23 March 2016 – The International Conference on Local Knowledge (ICLK) 2016 Secretariat extends an invitation to experts, scholars and practitioners in the field to attend the conference from 27 – 28 July 2016 in Penang, Malaysia with the theme ‘Universal Heritage’.

As indicated by the Chairperson of ICLK 2016, Dr. A.S. Hardy Shafii, the Regional Committee on Local Knowledge (RCLK) has initiated the effort to expand the intellectual discourse on Local Knowledge through a Regional Conference since 2011, and then proceeding onto the international scene in 2015 and now with the International Conference on Local Knowledge (ICLK).

The main focus of this conference is on the local epistemology and the compatibility of the knowledge for social transformation with the presentation of new research findings, views and experiences of various parties in the research on Local Knowledge (LK) from different parts of the world.

“Local Knowledge relates to the discipline of knowledge and expertise which materialised from the local, indigenous cultures, which have been passed down since bygone times and have been in practice in their daily social life, and on how research could facilitate the social transformation process through shifts in paradigm managed via local epistemology,” he said.

The objective of the conference is to study local knowledge and to position it as a new form of knowledge, to encourage the preservation and conservation of Local Knowledge, to facilitate discourse for knowledge-sharing on Local Knowledge, to document new issues and studies on Local Knowledge and to synergise the findings on Local Knowledge with other forms of knowledge.

The sub-theme for this conference is on Anthropology, Languages and Literature, Local Knowledge and Technology, Local Knowledge and Science, Local Knowledge and Administration, Sustainability, Contemporary Local Knowledge, Knowledge Transfer, Conservation/Preservation, Education, Knowledge Management, Performances and Cultures, Traditional Healing, History, Knowledge Systems, Epistemology and Modelling and any topic and theme of relevance. 

Abstracts should not exceed 250 words in Malay or English language, using Times New Roman, font size 12, spacing at 1.5, left and right indentations at 2.5 cm, and in MS Office Word file format with the fully completed paper should be between 15-20 pages. Please attach the biodata of the writer in 50-100 words.

Important dates are as follows: submission of abstract (30 March 2016), notification of receipt of abstract (29 April 2016), submission of the fully completed paper (30 June 2016), final registration and payment of fee (30 June 2016).

Conference fee for Malaysian participants is RM 800 (presenting participant), RM 600 (non-presenting participant and/or student) while international participants USD 350 (presenting participant), USD 250 (non-presenting participant and/or student) and the fee would include conference materials, lunch, morning and evening tea throughout the conference.

Payment can be made via online banking, by referring to the ICLK website or through the cash deposit machine, to CIMB Bank Berhad account no: 98986100300003 (Swift Code CIBBMYKL), while the Q Form (internal transactions) for USM participants would be provided. Kindly email the proof of payment to This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it. or send by fax to the secretariat before 30 June 2016.

Translation: Mazlan Hanafi Basharudin

Text: Hafiz Meah Ghouse Meah