The University of Muhammadiyah Malang (UMM) in Malang, East Java Province, will, in the near future, send mosque leaders called "imams" to Taiwan to support Muslims on Formosa Island.

UMM Rector Fauzan stated here on Saturday that the Muslim community in Taiwan has requested UMM to send its best people to serve as imams in several mosques on the island.

"The plan to send imams is a follow-up to our visit to Taiwan some time ago," Fauzan said.

He explained that the Muslim community in Taiwan was optimistic that 10 imams would be sent by 2018. Hence, at the start of the holy month of Ramadhan 2018 UMM, a selection will be conducted with some requirements, including memorizing Al-Quran, possessing morality, and having a sound knowledge of Islam.

He noted that participants clearing the selection process will be imparted knowledge on Taiwanese cultures, including Mandarin, and how to reside on the island.

"Surely, we will provide such materials for the imams we send to Taiwan," he said.

Apart from sending imams to Taiwan, the UMM is also collaborating with donor agencies in Taiwan to conduct joint research for lecturers in various fields, especially agriculture, fisheries, and health.

Fauzan said the UMM has also explored the student community service program (KKN) on the island. This year, 17 students from the UMM International Relations program will be part of the KKN in Taiwan.

"We are now also preparing a work internship program for our students in several companies in Taiwan," he said.

The UMM student service program abroad has been implemented since quite some time in Thailand, Myanmar, and other countries in the ASEAN region, the rector added

Source: ANTARA