PUBLIC LECTURE: The Islamisation Phenomenon in Malaysia

The Islamisation phenomenon that has been occurring around the world in recent decades has had a significant impact on Muslim communities, whether they are in Muslim-majority countries, or as immigrant communities in host countries such as Europe, the US and Australia. It has also had an indirect impact on the non-Muslim communities of the above- mentioned countries. Both types of impact have at times been negative.

Malaysia has also been affected by this phenomenon, and over the last forty years or so has seen some significant changes as a consequence. The question arises if the generally modern professional Muslim classes of Malaysia are comfortable with this phenomenon, or not? The lecture sets out the context for exploring their reactions by discussing the extent and nature of the Islamisation phenomenon in Malaysia.

Bob Olivier is a doctoral candidate at the Centre for Muslim States and Societies, and Political Science and International Relations at the University of Western Australia. He is undertaking research into the nature and extent of the Islamisation phenomenon in Malaysia, why and how it occurred, and probes with a selection of the “professional classes” their response to what is happening. Bob founded an executive search company, ASPAC, in Kuala Lumpur. ASPAC grew very rapidly, at its peak having about 60 employees, mostly in Kuala Lumpar, but about 7 in Singapore. Offered services to all sectors, but particularly strong in Financial Services, and Technology. Bob now divides his time equally between Kuala Lumpur and Perth.