MUHAMMADIYAH.OR.ID, THAILAND – The Special Branch of Muhammadiyah (PCIM) Thailand had the opportunity to visit the Halal Science Center (HSC), Chulalongkorn University, in Bangkok. The visit served as a platform for knowledge exchange and to explore potential collaborations between PCIM Thailand and HSC in education, halal research and innovation, as well as community-based capacity building in Thailand and the wider ASEAN region.
During the discussion, Andi Subhan Husain, Chairperson of PCIM Thailand, emphasized the organization’s strategic role as a diaspora institution that bridges academic, cultural, and humanitarian collaborations between Thailand and Indonesia. This role, he noted, reflects Muhammadiyah’s global commitment to progressive Islam.
“I truly appreciate this opportunity to engage directly with one of Thailand’s leading halal institutions. We are ready to facilitate educational visits, student mobility programs, and academic partnerships between Indonesian universities, particularly those under Muhammadiyah, and academic institutions in Thailand,” Andi stated during the meeting held in Bangkok on Wednesday (29/9).
The delegation was warmly welcomed by Dr. Winai Dahlan, founder and advisor to the director of HSC. He reflected on the longstanding friendship and academic relations between Indonesia and Thailand.
“Although Muhammadiyah in Indonesia and the Muhammadiyah Foundation in Thailand are not structurally linked, they have long shared warm emotional and historical ties grounded in a shared vision to advance education, social services, and Islamic enlightenment,” he said.
This shared spirit has contributed to the growth of Muhammadiyah in Thailand. Dr. Winai Dahlan, who is a direct descendant of K.H. Ahmad Dahlan, the founder of Muhammadiyah, also reaffirmed HSC’s commitment to continuing communication and exploring the establishment of a future collaborative framework.
“We hope this partnership will continue to contribute to the strengthening of halal science, ethical innovation, and the empowerment of Muslim communities across ASEAN,” Winai added.
The meeting was also attended by Dedi Cahyadi Irianto, Research Attaché of the Indonesian Embassy in Bangkok, who also serves as an adviser to PCIM Thailand. His presence added a strong diplomatic dimension to the effort, further strengthening cooperation between governments, academia, and Muslim communities in both countries.
The collaboration between PCIM Thailand and the Halal Science Center is expected to serve as a catalyst for the development of halal knowledge, grounded in scientific excellence and social responsibility, benefiting both Indonesia and Thailand as well as the wider Muslim communities of Southeast Asia.
