College of Asian and Islamic Studies

14/02/2026

14/02/2026

Last February 11 and 12 2026, the Department of Agriculture main office in Manila visited the College of Asian and Islamic Studies of western Mindanao State University for possible partnership and collaboration. The Department was represented by Mrs. Jogee Garcia and Mr. Ezrael Manzano of DA-Agricultural Credit Policy Council.

During the first day of their visit, they visited the Office of the University President and paid a courtesy call on our dynamic president Dr. Ma. Carla A. Ochotorena. Afterwards, they proceeded to CAIS and held an initial and brief meeting with the Dean and the faculty members. They were accompanied by Dr. Elderico P. Tabal, Dean of the College of Agriculture, Western Mindanao State University.

On the second day of their visit, they presented to us the rationale of the program they intend to implement in partnership with CAIS including the project that both parties agreed to design and work on collaboratively. The CAIS workforce was receptive of this activity which can add to its community extension services, thereby benefiting the College as well as the University.

Once everything is finalized, a Memorandum of Agreement between WMSU and Department of Agriculture will be soon inked to formalize the partnership. The technical working group will be created within the College to materialize the project. The target beneficiaries of this engagement will be the Muslim farmers and fisherfolks in Mindanao.

04/09/2025

An inspiration to CAIS alumini. Sir Muktar Jamud

02/09/2025

The College of Asian and Islamic Studies congratulates our president, Dr. Ma. Carla A. Ochotorena, on her 5th year of visionary leadership. Wishing you more accomplishments and success, Madam President.

31/08/2025

Last August 27 and 29 2025, the College of Asian and Islamic Studies underwent AACCUP Accreditation level 3 phase 2 and ISO External Audit simultaneously. Three (3) program areas from each of its academic programs the Bachelor of Arts in Islamic Studies and the Bachelor of Arts in Asian Studies were succesfully submitted for accreditation.

Meanwhile, the ISO external Audit has closed the previous 2 NCARS the college had, with only 1 minor NCAR remaning, which the college will work on so that by the next visit of the ISO auditor, the remaning minor NCAR will eventually be closed.

The College of Asian and Islamic Studies extends its deepest gratitude to men and women in the college who tirelessly worked hard to surpass these two challenging endeavors that coincided on the same dates.

16/07/2025

On July 15, 2025, the State University of Jakarta conducted a one-day seminar at Astoria Hotel, Zamboanga City, which was attended by educators from the local madrasah sector. This activity was part of the university's international community outreach, with Zambaoanga chosen as the host cty of its noble cause.

They have partnered with the College of Asian and Islamic Studies of Western Mindanao State University to carry out the noble initiative. The seminar focused on teaching pedagogy by introducing innovative and cutting-edge teaching strategies. The resource persons were faculty members of the Department of the Education of the Jakarta State University who delivered their presentations online.

During the planning stage, they wanted to come over and personally hold the seminar. However, due to some issues and concerns they opted to do it in a hybrid format. Although their lectures were not face-to-face, the participants who were largely Asatidz (Madrasah Educators) were receptive, interactive and participative. They asked questions and at the same time answered questions asked of them during the open forum.

“Here in our area, the ALIVE teachers (Asatidz affiliated to DepEd) would usually undergo training and orientation by the educational institution. But those madrasah that are sectarian and traditional would encounter difficulties since they lack institutional support that eventually affect the pupils learning outcome." says one participant.

Similar concern was echoed by another participant saying “In our Madrasah, we lack learning facilities and sometimes use other space when the rooms are full".

It was also found out that traditional Madrasah is deprived of the modern teaching tools, which poses a big challenge to both the Asatidz and Murids as well. This is given considering that traditional madrasah are thriving through the initiative of private individuals with limited resources.

The State University of Jakarta has committed to continue this community engagement and sustain what it started here. Both the organizer and the participants were hopeful that similar activity can replicate in the future Insha’Allah.

The seminar was made possible through the coordination of the College of Asian and Islamic Studies, which facilitated the onsite session.

30/06/2025

Enroll Now at the College of Asian and Islamic Studies, Western Mindanao State University.

First Semester, School year 2025-2026.

We offer two dynamic and relevant academic programs designed to prepare you for a wide range of meaningful careers:

🎓 Bachelor of Arts in Islamic Studies, Major in Political Economy
🎓 Bachelor of Arts in Asian Studies, Major in ASEAN Community
🌙 Career Opportunities for AB in Islamic Studies Majoring in Political Economy
Academic and Research Fields

Madaris Educator – Teach in Islamic schools and institutions.

Researcher – Specialize in Islamic history, law, philosophy, or politics.

Manuscript Specialist – Work with historical texts in museums, libraries, or universities.

Sharia Advisory Roles

Sharia Advisor – Provide Islamic guidance in financial institutions, especially Islamic banks.

Ensure that services and products comply with Islamic legal and ethical principles.

Community Engagement

Islamic Counselor / Chaplain – Offer faith-based counseling in hospitals, prisons, schools, or universities.

NGO Worker – Join Islamic charities or humanitarian organizations locally or internationally.

Interfaith Program Coordinator – Promote dialogue and understanding between diverse religious communities.

🌏 Career Opportunities for AB in Asian Studies Majoring in ASEAN Community
Government and International Relations

Foreign Service / Diplomatic Corps – Serve in embassies, consulates, or governmental foreign affairs departments.

Education and Academia

Educator / Professor – Teach in schools, colleges, or universities with a focus on Asian culture, politics, or regional studies.

NGO and Development Sector

Program Officer – Design and manage development or cultural projects.

Humanitarian Aid Worker – Work with NGOs in disaster response, refugee assistance, or sustainable development.

Cultural and Heritage Institutions

Heritage Consultant – Advise on preservation and promotion of Asian arts, traditions, and cultural identity in museums and cultural centers.

07/06/2025

College of Asian and Islamic Studies hosted a Post-Eid Celebration that brought together faculty, staff, students, and alumni. Eidul Adha, known as the Festival of Sacrifice, holds significant importance in the Muslim community, commemorating the Prophet Ibrahim's willingness to sacrifice his son in obedience to Allah's command.

The event commenced with a recitation of the Qur’an by the esteemed Top 1 CAIS Magna Cum Laude, Mohammad Balamo, followed by a series of preliminary activities. Subsequently, the OIC Dean of CAIS Prof. Abdel-Azeem Moh. Siddique delivered his opening remarks, emphasizing the profound significance of Eidil Adha.

At the onset of the Eid festivities, CAIS alumnus Norina Usman, Director of the Sitki and Mehtap Bagdatli-Turkiye Family Foundation Inc., represented by her officers, Raffy Usman and Prof. Nurkisa Baddai made a remarkable announcement that delighted attendees. They generously presented the CAIS Latin Honors recipients with Hadiya (substantial gifts)—each Magna Cum Laude awardee was honored with a cash gift of 15,000 and the opportunity for a scholarship if they choose to pursue a Master of Arts in Islamic Studies. Additionally, each Cum Laude recipient received a 6,000 cash gift along with scholarship grants, benefiting both Asian and Islamic Latin awardees.

The audience was taken aback by this unprecedented generosity, marking a historic occasion as it was the first time CAIS Latin Honors recipients received both cash gifts and scholarship grants to support their further academic pursuits.

Furthermore, this celebration was especially significant as CAIS proudly recognized its inaugural Magna Cum Laude and a total of 17 students achieving Latin Honors.

Finally, College of Asian and Islamic studies would like to thank Sitki and Mehtap Bagdatli-Turkiye Family Foundation Inc. for the generosity and sponsorship for today's activity. May Allah reward you immensely and give you more ridzk, Insha Allah.

28/05/2025

Congratulations CAIS Graduates class of 2025

28/05/2025

Let's take a moment to acknowledge the remarkable leadership and service of our awardees from the College of Asian and Islamic Studies across the University. We truly appreciate and hold dear the contributions of our non-academic awardees. Your dedication and commitment to the college have made a meaningful impact, and we are genuinely grateful for all that you do. Thank you for your unwavering service and support.

27/05/2025

CAIS proudly presents its 17 Latin Honors for the class of 2025: 4 Magna Cum Laude and 13 Cum Laude.

Your hard work, sacrifices, and perseverance have truly paid off, earning you the distinguished titles of Magna Cum Laude and Cum Laude. You will always be the the pride of cais who bring academic excellence. Continue to dedicate yourselves and show resilience in pursuing your dreams.

Padayon CAIS Latin Honors 2025!