About us
The Chair of Malaysian Studies is a centre that promotes the study of Malaysia, the Malay world and Southeast Asia.
The Chair of Malaysian Studies at Te Herenga Waka—Victoria University of Wellington is one of the longest-standing academic collaborations between Malaysia and Aotearoa New Zealand. Established to strengthen knowledge, scholarship and bilateral relations, the Chair has developed into an important centre for the study of Malaysia, the Malay world and Southeast Asia.
The idea for the Chair emerged between 1990 and 1995, during a period of growing diplomatic engagement between Malaysia and New Zealand. It was formally inaugurated on 27 March 1996 through a collaborative funding model involving contributions from Malaysia, New Zealand and corporations from both countries. From the beginning, its mandate was to promote Malaysian Studies in New Zealand, support academic cooperation and build a centre of excellence for research and teaching.
Between 1997 and 2005, the Chair laid strong academic foundations through the introduction of courses on Malay civilisation and Bahasa Malaysia, as well as the enrolment of its first undergraduate students in 1998. Visiting scholars from Malaysia contributed to teaching, seminars and academic exchange, while the Chair expanded research in Malaysian politics, culture and development. It also strengthened postgraduate supervision and collaboration with Malaysian universities and government agencies.
From 2009 onwards, the Chair broadened its regional and intellectual relevance through public lectures, conferences, policy dialogues and interdisciplinary collaboration. Its engagement with Māori and Pacific Studies highlighted shared Austronesian connections, while research expanded into governance, ethnicity, civil society, development and regional geopolitics. Between 2016 and 2024, the Chair modernised its focus by addressing contemporary issues such as urbanisation, youth politics, public policy reform and ASEAN dynamics.
From 2025 to 2027, the Chair continues to advance Malaysian Studies under contemporary academic leadership, with emphasis on comparative politics, ethnicity, affirmative action, coalition government, public policy and governance. Through teaching, research, seminars, public lectures, media engagement and institutional partnerships, it remains committed to meaningful knowledge exchange between Malaysia and New Zealand. Its work supports high-quality education, inclusive development and international cooperation, aligning closely with Sustainable Development Goals SDG 4, SDG 8 and SDG 17.
Objectives of the Chair
- To introduce ideas and perspectives relating to Malaysian Studies.
- To develop and strengthen networks and collaborative partnerships.
- To promote and expand Malaysian Studies through research, publications, teaching and scholarly activities.