Prince of Songkla University and its contributions to the growth of Islamic higher education consciousness in Thailand

Abstract

Prince of Songkla University (PSU), established in 1966 Pattani, was the first institution of higher learning in southern Thailand. PSU Pattani Campus houses eight faculties, among which is College of Islamic Studies, founded on December 3, 1989. It is the first Islamic institution of higher learning in southern Thailand. College of Islamic Studies was established to serve as the centre of higher Islamic education, study and research on Islam in Thailand and Southeast Asia. Its aims are to promote Islam-based ethical values and provide academic services to government and private agencies at national and international level. In addition, it is to produce professional graduates well- versed in Islamic knowledge. Presently, the College provides undergraduate and post-graduate programmes in Islamic studies and Islam-and-Muslim-related studies. The findings of this study are as follow: Islamic education system in PSU makes significant contributions to the communities in southern Thailand, especially for the Muslim communities. Among the major contributions it makes are: (i) producing qualified graduates who are committed to moral and ethical values; (ii) serving as a centre of academic services for the government, private agencies and communities; (iii) serving as a centre for studies and research about Islam and Muslims in Thailand; and (iv) building mutual understanding and peace among adherents of different religions in the multi-cultural southern Thailand. In addition, there is a concrete contribution created by the Islamic education of PSU on individuals, academic circles, other institutions, and Thai society in general. In short, Islamic higher education as conducted by PSU has made significant contributions in Southern Thailand in line with the growing Islamic consciousness occurring in Thailand presently.