New global Malaysian studies network at ANU
FollowA new agreement between the ANU and the National University of Malaysia (UKM) will deepen links between Australia and Malaysia, and boost the studies of Malaysia in both Australia and around the globe.
Witnessed by Malaysia Deputy Prime Minister YAB Tan Sri Dato’ Haji Muhyiddin Bin Haji Mohd Yassin, the Memorandum of Understanding was signed by ANU Vice-Chancellor Professor Ian Young AO in a ceremony on Wednesday.
The MOU will increase educational links and collaboration between Australia and Malaysia, as well as pave the way for a new Global Malaysian Studies Network at the University.
While acting as a Malaysian studies base in Australia, the network will also provide a coordination point for other universities across the globe.
“Australia has more long-standing institutional and people-to-people ties with Malaysia than with any other Asian neighbour,” Professor Young said.
“Many of the most highly-regarded academic works on Malaysian history, politics, economics, sociology and law have been written by Australians, or in Australian universities – many at ANU.
“ANU has a strong mandate for Asia and Pacific studies, and one of its founding objectives was to drive Australia’s engagement and understanding of its neighbourhood. The ANU College of Asia and the Pacific is recognised as a global centre of excellence in research, teaching and influence on the Asia-Pacific region.
“I welcome the establishment of the Global Malaysian Studies Network at ANU and thank the Malaysia Government for their generous support – without which none of this would be possible.”
As part of the network, ANU will also work with UKM to establish a senior academic position in Malaysian studies at the ANU College of Asia and the Pacific, to commence in 2015. This represents a co-investment between ANU and the government of Malaysia.
“On the eve of taking a non-permanent seat on the UN Security Council, and the Chair of the Association of Southeast Asian Nations, Malaysia remains one of Australia’s most important regional partners,” said College Dean Professor Veronica Taylor.
“It is essential that both countries continue to forge strong and deep ties, mutual understanding and respect. It is essential that Australia truly knows Malaysia – something which is done only through rigorous study and engagement.
“The Global Malaysian Studies Network at ANU, a truly cooperative and global venture, will help ensure this happens.”