Lecturer in the Development Studies Program, Faculty of Social and Political Sciences, Universitas Sumatera Utara (FISIP USU), Dr. Warjio, received an official invitation from the Islamic Tourism Centre (ITC)—an institution under Malaysia's Ministry of Tourism, Arts and Culture—to serve as a keynote speaker at the Muslim-Friendly Assurance Symposium & Knowledge (MF-ASK) 2026. This prestigious event, themed "From Standards to Trust, From Assurance to Experience", is organized in collaboration with ITC, the Centre for Islamic Development Management Studies (ISDEV), and UCYP University, and will take place at the Zenith Hotel Kuantan, Pahang Darul Makmur, Malaysia.

At the symposium, which is part of the academic series of the 5th World Islamic Tourism Conference (WITC) 2026, Dr. Warjio is scheduled to deliver a presentation entitled "The Politics of Sharia-Compliant Hotel Development: Origins, Concepts, and Challenges—Insights from the Indonesian Experience". The presentation will focus on the political dynamics of sharia-compliant hotel development, its concepts, and the challenges involved, based on case studies and experiences in Indonesia. In addition to serving as a keynote speaker, he has also been invited to actively participate in discussion sessions with academics, researchers, policymakers, and practitioners from the international sharia tourism industry.

The involvement of the FISIP USU academic community in this international forum serves as tangible evidence of the recognition of USU academics' expertise in Muslim-Friendly Tourism and Hospitality. The symposium is expected to generate recommendations and strategic insights for the development of Islamic tourism on a global scale. At the same time, this occasion strengthens international research collaboration networks and the academic reputation of FISIP USU at both regional and international levels.

Medan, November 9, 2026

FISIP USU PUBLIC RELATIONS TEAM