THE recent Industry Advisory Panel for the philosophy, politics and economics (PPE) programme at Taylor’s University, which featured renowned persons including Khairy Jamaluddin, Tony Pua, Tricia Yeoh and Nick Khaw, established significant progress in the widespread adoption of philosophy as an academic discipline in the country’s institutions of higher learning.

Dr Ong Kian Ming, PPE programme director at Taylor’s University, and his distinguished panel of advisers were present for the submission of documents to the Malaysian Qualifications Agency to seek accreditation of the PPE course. The brand new course, available at Taylor’s University in 2024, took inspiration from the notable Oxford University programme, and will be the first of its kind offered by a Malaysian university – no doubt a milestone worthy of praise, destined to be of great success under Ong’s leadership.

The field of philosophy, in gradually garnering traction, is set to be of tremendous national importance in the coming years. This seismic shift in Malaysia’s academic space through the popularisation of philosophy has also been complemented by increased efforts to make philosophy more accessible to the Malaysian people.

Prominent research institutions dedicated towards the philosophical cause have drawn attention and achieved great engagement. The International Institute of Islamic Thought and Civilization (ISTAC-IIUM) has strived to promote interest in philosophy through a variety of events, exploring fields pertaining to both Eastern and Western traditions.

The institute has inspired Malaysians of all backgrounds to ignite scholarly interest in philosophy and promote critical discussion. Philosopher Prof Emer Osman Bakar’s dedication towards philosophy is evident in his consistent advocacy for the field through his work at ISTAC-IIUM and University Malaya, which has profoundly empowered scholars around the world.

Other such institutions, including the Centre of Advanced Irfan Studies (Tradisi) and Persatuan Pendidikan Falsafah dan Pemikiran Malaysia, have been critical in disseminating interest in the intricacies of Islamic philosophy, as well as to encourage young Malaysians to participate in the International Philosophy Olympiad, making way for Malaysian representation at the international philosophical scene – enhancing the country’s global image.

Tradisi programme manager Muhammad Shuib Rosli was quoted to have said in Utusan Malaysia that “philosophy is central to nation-building and is responsible for conceiving ethical leadership and governance”, reinforcing the notion that philosophical education is central in the development of a country’s leadership, signifying its national importance.

The Malaysian Philosophy Society has explored efforts to bring philosophy to national attention. Headed by co-founders Dr Tee Chen Giap and Chew Zhun Yee, the civil society group has consistently created opportunities for young Malaysians to learn about all areas of philosophy. The society aspires to improve philosophical literacy in the country through the promotion of critical discourse and by making philosophy practical and accessible for all.

When taken into consideration as a collective, the growing desire for the institutionalisation of philosophy in the country calls for governmental support. This could very well be achieved through the formal establishment and consecration of a “National Philosophy Institute” – designed to carry out a wide array of distinctive functions to both accelerate and catalyse the development of philosophy in Malaysia.

It is important to note there has long since been a tradition of such institutions, in essence, government research facilities, dedicated towards research and development towards crucial areas of academia in needs of empowerment and further study, receiving great governmental support.

I would like to propose to the government of Malaysia that the creation of such an institute be potentially explored. The establishment of such an institute, which would stand as a physical demonstration of the country’s commitment towards philosophy, could be of immense benefit to both Malaysia and the world at large.

The institute in question could streamline a series of vital functions to facilitate the process of philosophising more efficiently. It could first study the introduction of philosophy in both the Malaysian universities and schools at primary and secondary levels and how it could be smoothly expedited.

The sophistication philosophy requires would drastically enrich the quality of education as it would necessitate improved methods of teaching to be conducted by educators – one that incorporates critical engagement, philosophical deconstruction, and active curiosity – thereby elevating the schooling and tertiary experience.

These steps could be an avenue by which the country revamps its curriculum, advancing its intensity and diversity of subjects taught in campuses. The various philosophical traditions, both in the Eastern and Western world, could act to instil the values of openness and literacy in Malaysian students – birthing a generation of Malaysian public intellectuals who proudly serve the nation.

Transforming Malaysia’s education landscape in this manner has the power not only to develop unique Malaysian talent, but also attract foreign scholars to conduct research, allowing the country to be a prestigious hub of higher learning – elevating demand for Malaysian education.

The institute could also act as a bridge between the numerous philosophical organisations in Malaysia. This streamlining would facilitate cooperation across the board, the support from such civil society groups allows for improved outreach to the Malaysian public.

This would help bring about enhanced accessibility to philosophical events, such as dialogues and sharing sessions, to spread across the nation, further planting interest in philosophy in the Malaysian people. This also means the institute would be a great community-building centre, designed to unite interested Malaysians around a shared love for philosophy.

Galvanising an emerging field as a means to bring Malaysians together would set a unique precedent in Malaysian history – one that demonstrates the country’s passion in exploring new ways to foster togetherness and harmony. This precedent would substantially mould the approaches the Malaysian leadership adopts in leveraging philosophy as a means of empowerment, which conceives generations of communities deeply bonded through a shared interest in ancient and contemporary traditions, practices, worldviews, and ideas.

The proposed national philosophy institute could be leveraged as a global centre for cultural exchange, discourse, and scholarship. Throughout the ages, ancient institutions such as the House of Wisdom in Iraq, the Library of Alexandria in Egypt, Nalanda University in India, and the Lyceum in Greece served as important intellectual hubs of tourism and education, which attracted scholars and persons of interest belonging to different faiths, beliefs, and practices worldwide.

A modern-day equivalent in Malaysia would improve the country’s visibility, establishing it at the fore of philosophical education and global scholarship, positioning it as a forward-thinking, thought-leader nation.

It is my hope the Malaysian government considers the establishment of such an institute as it would set the stage for the country’s evolution at the highest stage. Through this, Malaysia could potentially create an august institution that would transform society and create a legacy that thrives for many years to come – a powerful monument of intellectualism for all to behold and admire. – November 28, 2023.

* Pravin Periasamy is content curator of the Malaysian Philosophy Society.