Press Statement

One-day International Conference on Palestine: Exploring Asian Perspectives

Kuala Lumpur, 4 November 2024 – The Asia Middle East Center for Research and Dialogue (AMEC), in collaboration with the Hashim Sani Centre for Palestine Studies at the University of Malaya, is convening an International Conference on Palestine titled Exploring Asian Perspectives. This one-day conference assembles a distinguished lineup of experts, scholars, and advocates to examine Asia’s response to the ongoing Gaza crisis and reflect on the region’s role in Palestinian advocacy.

Dr. Nur Al Deen, Senior Research Fellow at AMEC and Conference Director, will open the conference, followed by remarks from Puan Sri Norma Hashim, Founder of the Hashim Sani Centre for Palestine Studies. YBhg Tan Sri Datuk Seri Syed Hamid bin Syed Jaafar Albar, Honorary Advisor of AMEC, will then deliver a keynote address that underscores Asia’s potential to advance the Palestinian cause.

In the first session, titled “Malaysian Response to the Gaza Genocide,” Dr. Ferooze Ali of AMEC will moderate a panel featuring key Malaysian voices. Mr. Chua Tian Chang will provide insights into Malaysia’s political stance on the issue, while Mrs. Nurul Izzah Anwar will speak from her experience as an advocate. Dr. Noraishah Hanifa will discuss key ideas from her latest book, which explores the Palestinian struggle. Additionally, Mr. Jismi Johari will share his unique perspective as both an activist and academic, emphasizing the importance of scholarship in Palestinian rights advocacy.

The second session, “Asian Responses to the Gaza Genocide,” moderated by Mr. Khalid Jimat from the Hashim Sani Centre, will offer insights from a broader regional perspective. Speakers in this session include Prof. Dr. Mohd Nazari Ismail, who will discuss the Boycott, Divestment, Sanctions (BDS) movement across Asia, Mr. Saul Takahashi on Japan’s stance, Dr. Aina Thaipratan on Thailand’s engagement, Ms. Nabila Osman on Singapore’s involvement, and Bapak Tengku Zulkifli Usman on Indonesia’s perspective.

The conference will conclude with closing remarks from Mr. Muslim Imran, Director of AMEC. A second keynote address will be delivered by YB Tuan Syed Ibrahim Syed Noh, Head of the Malaysian Parliament Caucus for Palestine. The day will end with the launch of Dr. Noraishah Hanifa’s new book, Baitulmaqdis Jerusalem dalam Cengkaman Israel.

This conference offers a crucial platform for Asian decision-makers, policymakers, and scholars to discuss Asia’s expanding role in supporting Palestinian rights. By connecting academic perspectives with actionable policy insights, participants will work toward strategies to advance justice for Palestine, address humanitarian challenges, and strengthen regional solidarity. Through expert panels and collaborative dialogues, the conference seeks to equip policymakers with impactful guidance that aligns with Asia’s commitment to human rights, support for Palestine, and a vision for lasting peace.