Humanistic Buddhism Research Centre

Humanistic Buddhism Research Centre, University of Malaya (HBRCUM) has been established in 2021 in the Faculty of Art and Social Science (FASS), University of Malaya (UM) with the collaboration of Fo Guang Shan Education Centre Malaysia. HBRCUM is the first Humanistic Buddhism Research Centre that has been set up in Higher Education Institutions in Malaysia & Southeast Asia to carry out research regarding the humanities, social sciences, the teachings of Buddha and Humanistic Buddhism.
HBRC aims to provide local and international students and the full-time staff of UM, including academic staff, contractual staff, researchers and research assistants, post-Doctorate, Master and Doctorate research students, Master and Doctorate course students and undergraduate students to carry out the above research.

Objective

1. Interaction with foreign research institutions
   • In contrast to different institutions, this center established by the University of Malaya not only focuses on Buddhism as an important field of study but also serves as a starting point to establish an exchange of Buddhist studies with the outside world. In this way, the study of Buddhism in Southeast Asia and Humanistic Buddhism can physically open the boundaries of Malaysia and expand the field of study through intersectional and comparative studies. 
2. Establishment of shared academic resources at home and abroad
   • By inviting researchers, involving local graduate students from different institutions, publishing academic journals and books in collaboration with overseas research centers, and organizing certain seminars or conferences. 
3. Attracting foreign graduate students and scholars to the University of Malaya
   • To promote the interest of overseas graduate students and scholars to study and research Southeast Asian Buddhism and Humanistic Buddhism, and to further their studies or academic visits in Malaya.
4. Enhance the Buddhism research at UM
   • To promote and enhance the researches to be carried out at UM in regards to the humanities, social sciences, the teachings of Buddha, and Humanistic Buddhism.

Vision

To promote research in Humanistic Buddhism based on the original intent of the Buddha, to disseminate research outputs that promote good deeds, and to strengthen inter-faith dialogue for the betterment of societies.

Mission

1. To conduct, promote, and support research in line with advancing the knowledge frontier through publications. 
2. To develop research talents in related disciplines through research, exchange, seminars, forums, study visits, and other academic endeavours. 
3. To conduct activities that promote interfaith dialogues and religious harmony.
4. To conduct activities that engage the wider society for promoting a healthy society based on the principles of Humanistic Buddhism.

Committee Members

Advisory Board