The formal signatures dried on the Letter of Intent as cameras flashed in USIM’s main hall, capturing a moment that would reshape Malaysia’s position in the global publishing landscape. We witnessed history unfold as the first public university stepped into an unprecedented role on the international stage.
# USIM Perkukuh Peranan Global dalam International Publishers Congress 2026
Universiti Sains Islam Malaysia (USIM) has etched its name in history by becoming the first public university appointed as a strategic partner for the International Publishers Congress (IPC) 2026. This groundbreaking collaboration with the Malaysian Book Publishers Association (MABOPA) positions Malaysia at the forefront of global publishing discourse.
## Catalyst
The journey began when MABOPA recognized the need for a strategic partner capable of elevating Malaysia’s hosting of the prestigious International Publishers Congress 2026. Rather than seeking conventional venues, they turned to USIM—a decision that would prove transformative for both institutions.
As strategic partner, USIM will shoulder critical responsibilities including managing the official streaming of IPC 2026 and providing comprehensive facilities and management for international speakers throughout the congress. This appointment signals a new era where universities actively shape global industry conversations.
## Rising Action
The magnitude of this undertaking becomes clear when considering the scope: IPC 2026 is expected to gather more than 500 participants from over 60 countries. Suddenly, USIM found itself at the center of facilitating knowledge sharing, professional networking, and collaboration opportunities in the publishing field on an unprecedented scale.
Professor Dato’ Dr. Muhammad Tauffik, USIM’s Deputy Vice-Chancellor for Research and Innovation, emphasized that USIM’s involvement transcends mere reputation building. Instead, it represents a strategic opportunity to showcase the university’s strength in integrating Naqli (religious) and Aqli (rational) knowledge systems.
“This congress is an important platform to enhance the visibility of Malaysian scientific publishing, particularly USIM Press at the global level. It also opens space for industry networking, academic work exhibitions, and opportunities to discuss current issues such as digital publishing, open access and the role of AI in the sustainability of the book industry,” he explained.
## Turning Point
The formal appointment was sealed through the signing ceremony between MABOPA and USIM at the Faculty of Major Language Studies main hall.
Meanwhile, USIM Press Director Puan Hariza Mohd Yusof reinforced that this appointment represents tremendous recognition for USIM’s expertise in ensuring IPC 2026’s success. The ceremony saw MABOPA President Sheikh Faisal Sheikh Mansor and Hariza exchange signatures, witnessed by key stakeholders including Deputy Director of the National Book Council Malaysia, Puan Siti Amiza Abdul Aziz.
As Hariza noted, “We are committed to providing the best facilities including technical support and management of foreign speakers, so that this congress runs smoothly and has a significant impact on the publishing world.”
## Resolution
This appointment validates USIM’s recognized expertise in managing international-standard events while demonstrating MABOPA’s support for universities’ roles in developing the nation’s publishing industry. Through this unique approach to academic publishing integration, USIM can now present its distinctive Naqli-Aqli integration approach to the global publishing community.
More significantly, this success strengthens Malaysia’s position as host of IPC 2026, following the last congress held in Guadalajara, Mexico in 2024. The collaboration positions Malaysia not merely as a venue, but as an active contributor to shaping the future of global publishing discourse.
Looking ahead, this partnership sets a powerful precedent for how Malaysian universities can leverage their unique strengths to influence international conversations while building bridges between traditional Islamic scholarship and contemporary global challenges in the digital publishing era.
