ICIA 2025 Marks a Decade of Knowledge Exchange at Islamic University of Maldives

The International Conference on Intellectual Advancement (ICIA) 2025 officially opened yesterday at the Islamic University of Maldives (IUM), celebrating a decade of fostering research, innovation, and intellectual dialogue. The 10th edition of the conference was inaugurated by Minister of Economic Development and Trade Mohamed Saeed, underscoring the government’s recognition of IUM’s growing role as a national hub for scholarship and innovation.

Since its inception in 2016, ICIA has grown into a premier regional and international platform, bringing together scholars, researchers, and professionals to share ideas and solutions for pressing global and national challenges. Over the years, IUM has established itself as an institution that has significantly contributed to research, capacity-building, and knowledge production both locally and internationally.

This year’s conference, held on 21–22 September, features the theme “Innovative and Sustainable Solutions for Global and National Challenges,” reflecting the urgent need for forward-thinking research and collaboration. Organized by IUM’s Centre for Research and Publication, ICIA 2025 has attracted 181 submissions, of which 161 were finalized after review, including 95 oral presentations, 14 posters, and 13 workshops. Participants include 52 students, 57 staff members, and 25 international presenters, with contributions in English, Dhivehi, and Arabic, underscoring the multilingual and inclusive spirit of the event.

The two-day conference spans a wide range of disciplines under six main themes: social sciences and humanities; Shariah and law; tourism, environment, and technology; management and finance; Arabic language and literature; and Quranic sciences and Islamic studies. Topics include artificial intelligence, climate change, Islamic finance, human rights, sustainable education, halal tourism, and Quranic perspectives on contemporary issues.

Delivering the keynote addresses are three distinguished speakers: Prof. Vimala Balakrishnan from Universiti Malaya on the role of AI and machine learning in education and healthcare; Dr. Mohamed Kinaanath, Maldives’ Minister of State for Homeland Security and Technology, on higher education in the age of AI; and Dr. Muslim bin Bukhait Al Fazy, an Islamic jurisprudence scholar, on the ethical dimensions of artificial intelligence in academic research.

In her welcome message, Conference Chair Dr. Aminath Shafiya Adam highlighted the milestone achievement, noting that ICIA has become a vital space for academic exchange. “ICIA 2025 is more than an academic conference—it is a testament to shared vision, collaboration, and purposeful growth,” she said, adding that the increasing visibility of young researchers is one of the most promising aspects of the event.

The conference also includes six pre-conference workshops and 13 conference workshops, engaging more than 200 early-career researchers and students, with certificates awarded to participants to strengthen research capacity. International representation has expanded as well, with 20 participants from 19 universities across nine countries attending either physically or virtually.

Supported by 12 sponsors, including Maldives Islamic Bank, MTCC, HDC, Ooredoo, Allied Insurance, and Maldives Ports Limited, ICIA 2025 is further strengthened by partnerships with Universiti Malaya and other collaborators.

As ICIA enters its 10th year, organizers emphasize its role not only as an academic gathering but also as a driving force for innovation, inclusivity, and transformative knowledge. With growing participation and diverse perspectives, ICIA continues to cement its place as a hub for intellectual advancement in the Maldives and beyond.