USM, PENANG, 8 September 2016 – The Universiti Sains Malaysia (USM) Centre for Policy Research and International Studies (CENPRIS) will be organising a public forum on the topic of “Violent Extremism: Islam and Nonviolent Policy Alternatives” on 21 September, 2016 at the Equatorial Hotel in Bukit Jambul, Penang.

The programme is realised through a collaborative effort between CENPRIS USM and TODA Institute for Global Peace and Policy Research, Japan.

“The forum is held to encourage debates and discussions on non-violent means to end the threat of extremism,” said the Director of CENPRIS, Associate Professor Dr. Azeem Fazwan Ahmad Farouk.

The forum would be featuring 17 prominent scholars in their respective fields, who would present their views and ideas in relation to the issues to be discussed.

“Additionally, the forum would be part of the internationalisation steps taken by CENPRIS and the university, in promoting greater visibility of the university and in organising an event with a high-profile organisation,” said Emeritus Professor Omar Farouk Sheikh Ahmad, who is also attached to CENPRIS.

He further said that there will be follow-ups to the forum, in terms of publications produced as well as in the possibility of future formulation of policies.

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Text: Mazlan Hanafi Basharudin / Foto: Ahmad Zulman Mohd Zain