INTRO FROM THE ORGANISER

We invited practitioners, academics, and postgraduate students exploring topics directly related to, or encompass­ing: Muslims, Muslim studies, Critical Muslim studies, Islamophobia, Muslim identity, and Muslimness. This event is designed to be inclusive, welcoming a broad range of submissions including conceptual papers, empirical studies, reports, and compelling case studies.

 

We’ve been incredibly inspired by the dedication of the individuals work­ing tirelessly to bring this conference to fruition. The passion of leaders and the shared commitment to betterment for all our communities resonate deeply with the messages we’re hearing across the board.

 

VOICES FROM THE COMMUNITY: WHAT I’M LEARNING FROM PASSIONATE LEADERS

The journey to organising the Mus­lims in Asia Pacific (MAP) Conference has been truly inspiring. What’s become abundantly clear to me is the shared sentiment among community leaders: a profound desire to empower and sup­port their people. I’ve seen first-hand their dedication to overcoming chal­lenges and celebrating successes, all while consistently striving for the best. This collective commitment to progress is a powerful testament to the intergen­erational resilience I’ve observed within Muslim communities. It’s a message that resonates deeply with my own work.

 

ON THE GROUND: WHAT I’M SEEING AND HEARING

As an engagement lead, I’m con­stantly observing key themes emerging across Muslim communities in the lead-up to the MAP Conference. There’s a clear demand for more platforms that facilitate knowledge sharing and col­laboration. People are actively seeking support in addressing issues like Islam­ophobia and ensuring their identities are understood and respected. It’s truly heartening to also see an emergence of informal networks and dedicated leaders doing exceptional work to foster com­munity well-being and understanding. These are the unsung heroes who are making a real difference on the ground.

 

CULTURAL CONNECTOR TIPS: 3 THINGS I’VE LEARNED WHEN ENGAGING WITH MUSLIM COMMUNITIES

From my experience, when collabo­rating with Muslim community groups, keeping these points in mind is crucial for effective and respectful engagement:

 

Understand Diversity: It’s so important to remember that Muslim communities are incredibly diverse, encompassing various ethnicities, cultures, and inter­pretations of Islam. I always try to avoid generalisations and strive to understand the specific nuances of the group I’m en­gaging with. What works for one com­munity might not work for another, and that’s something I continually learn.

 

Respect Religious Practices: Being mindful of prayer times, dietary restric­tions (Halal), and dress codes, especial­ly during events or meetings, is a sign of respect. I’ve found that simply asking about these considerations beforehand can build immense trust and show that you value their beliefs.

 

Value Community Leadership: Many Muslim communities have established leadership structures, including imams, elders, and community organisation leaders. Engaging with these figures can truly facilitate trust and lead to more ef­fective collaboration. I’ve seen how vital their leadership is in bringing communi­ties together and guiding initiatives.

 

FIRST-PERSON PERSPECTIVE: REFLECTIONS FROM THE FIELD

Being an ethnic liaison in the NFP space is a journey of continuous learn­ing and profound connection. For me, it’s about bridging cultural divides and ensuring that the voices of diverse communities are not just heard, but truly understood and acted upon. My identity as a Chinese-New Zealander profoundly shapes my approach; it al­lows me to navigate conversations with a unique lens of understanding, often anticipating cultural nuances that might otherwise be missed.

 

There are certainly challenges – from navigating different communi­cation styles to addressing historical grievances – but the breakthroughs are incredibly rewarding. Witnessing a community feel truly empowered, or seeing a cross-cultural collaboration flourish, makes every effort worthwhile. It’s a privilege to contribute to building a more inclusive and equitable society, one connection at a time. Every interac­tion, every conversation, every success story reinforces why I do what I do.

Written by Eva Chen (Ethnic Community Engagement Lead).