About the Chair of Malaysian Studies

The Chair of Malaysian Studies at Te Herenga Waka—Victoria University of Wellington represents one of the most enduring academic collaborations between Malaysia and New Zealand. Established through a shared commitment to advancing knowledge and strengthening bilateral relations, the Chair has evolved from a diplomatic initiative into an important centre for the study of Malaysia, the Malay world and Southeast Asia.

The idea of establishing the Chair emerged between 1990 and 1995, during a period of growing diplomatic engagement between Malaysia and New Zealand. Both governments recognised the importance of developing deeper expertise in Southeast Asian affairs within New Zealand. Early discussions focused particularly on Malay civilisation, language and regional studies, laying the intellectual and institutional foundations for a dedicated academic position.

The Chair was formally inaugurated on 27 March 1996. Its establishment was supported through a collaborative funding model, with Malaysia contributing 40 per cent, New Zealand contributing 30 per cent and the remaining support provided by Malaysian and New Zealand corporations. From the outset, the Chair was entrusted with a clear mandate to promote Malaysian studies in New Zealand, strengthen academic cooperation between the two countries and develop a centre of excellence for research and teaching on Malaysia and the wider Malay world.

The academic foundations of the Chair were consolidated between 1997 and 1998. During this period, the course Asia 202: Malay World and Civilisation was introduced, together with a Bahasa Malaysia language course. In 1998, the first cohort of 15 undergraduate students enrolled in the programme. Visiting scholars from Malaysia also began contributing to short-term teaching, seminars and other academic activities, thereby strengthening the exchange of knowledge between the two countries.

Between 1999 and 2005, the Chair expanded its research activities in areas such as Malaysian politics, culture and development. It also strengthened postgraduate education through the supervision of Honours, Master’s and doctoral students. Collaboration with Malaysian universities and government agencies increased during this period, enabling the Chair to become an important reference point for New Zealand’s academic and policy engagement with Southeast Asia.

From 2009 to 2015, the Chair further enhanced its regional relevance through public lectures, conferences and policy dialogues. Its academic networks expanded to include Māori and Pacific Studies, particularly through scholarly engagement with the shared Austronesian heritage of the Malay and Pacific worlds. Research conducted under the Chair also broadened to encompass governance, ethnicity, civil society, development and regional geopolitics.

Between 2016 and 2024, the Chair entered a period of modernisation and closer alignment with the University’s wider Asia research strategy. Greater emphasis was placed on contemporary developments in Malaysia, including urbanisation, youth politics, public policy reform and ASEAN regional dynamics. The Chair also strengthened its engagement with think tanks, non-governmental organisations, policymakers and local communities in Wellington, thereby connecting academic research with wider public and policy discussions.

From 2025 to 2027, the Chair continues this tradition under contemporary academic leadership. Its current direction places particular emphasis on comparative politics, ethnicity, affirmative action, coalition government, public policy and governance. Through seminars, academic courses, public lectures and collaborative research, the Chair remains committed to sustaining meaningful knowledge exchange between Malaysia and New Zealand. Its work also includes media commentary, student engagement and the development of new institutional partnerships involving universities, researchers, policymakers and civil society organisations.

These activities reflect the Chair’s broader commitment to high-quality education, inclusive and sustainable development and international academic cooperation. They are closely aligned with the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals, particularly SDG 4 on Quality Education, SDG 8 on Decent Work and Economic Growth and SDG 17 on Partnerships for the Goals.

Objectives of the Chair

(a) To introduce ideas and perspectives relating to Malaysian Studies.

(b) To develop and strengthen networks and collaborative partnerships.

(c) To promote and expand Malaysian Studies through research, publications, teaching and scholarly activities.