Jeffrey Cheah Institute on Southeast Asia

JCI Head Prof Shandre Mugan Thangavelu was recently invited to participate at the recent Regional Academic Workshop on Geo-economic Risks in ASEAN, held in Jakarta.

The workshop, hosted by the UK government as a key component of its ASEAN Resilient Value Chains (ARVC-II) initiative, provided a critical platform.

Prof Shandre contributed his expertise to discussions focused on helping ASEAN effectively respond to global economic shifts and build long-term resilience against emerging geo-economic challenges.

Regional Southeast Asia work remains a key pillar of our research and policy engagement at JCI. Prof Shandre's involvement underscores the importance of academic partnership in reinforcing the economic stability and long-term growth trajectory of the Southeast Asian region.

Happening tomorrow!

Date: Thursday, 18th September 2025
Time: 10 AM to 12 PM
Venue: Lecture Theatre 2, Sunway University

Speaker: Dr Chin Nyean Lee, Emeritus Professor, University of Hawaiʻi at Mānoa

How is education in the United States adapting to a world of rapid change, and what opportunities does it offer international students, especially under the less welcoming Trump Administration?

In this talk, Emeritus Professor Dr Chin Nyean Lee will share insights on the strengths, challenges, and evolving trends in U.S. higher education, drawing from over four decades of academic, industry, and policy experience in the United States.

Dr Lee is Emeritus Professor at the University of Hawai‘i at Mānoa, where he had a distinguished career in teaching, research, and agricultural policy. He has authored more than 100 publications, established international academic and industry linkages, and influenced key agricultural policies in Hawai‘i. His career journey—from UPM to Iowa State, Wisconsin–Madison, and the University of Hawai‘i—reflects a lifelong commitment to research, education, and innovation.

Join us to gain valuable perspectives on navigating U.S. education in changing times. Register here: https://forms.office.com/r/Etk9r4NMwg

Senior Research Analyst Derek Kok recently appeared on AWANI Spotlight Niaga to provide expert commentary on the SARA RM100 initiative.

The discussion focused on whether this digital subsidy rollout is a model for the future of social welfare or a temporary solution. The conversation highlighted critical lessons learned from the rollout, from technical challenges to the broader policy debates surrounding cash transfers and trust.

Derek provided valuable insights into the economic, technological, and social implications of the program. He recommended that the government remove the category restrictions on what can be purchased and instead give an unrestricted cash transfer, delivered via e-wallet or direct bank deposit.

You can watch the full conversation here:

Niaga SPOTLIGHT: RM100 SARA: Subsidy Revolution or StopGap? RM2 billion. 22 million Malaysians. 48 hours.On Merdeka weekend, the government rolled out Bantuan SARA — crediting RM100 directly into MyKad for every adult...

Join us for an exclusive event to present the findings of the Asian Development Policy Report 2025, a new publication from the Asian Development Bank (ADB).

This report explores the dual nature of digital transformation in Asia and the Pacific, highlighting its immense potential to drive inclusive and sustainable development while addressing the critical challenges posed by climate change. The digital revolution offers unparalleled opportunities to promote shared prosperity and enhance resilience to extreme weather events. However, if not managed with care, it can also exacerbate existing inequalities and compromise environmental sustainability.

Speakers will discuss how the report’s policy recommendations can be tailored to the specific context of Malaysia and Southeast Asia, addressing unique challenges and capitalizing on regional opportunities. How can we ensure that the digital future benefits everyone, not just a few? Participate in the conversation and find out.

Register here: https://forms.office.com/r/H8DPDPJ3yN

FELDA’s recent delisting from Bursa Malaysia isn't just a financial restructuring - it marks a pivotal moment in Malaysia's development narrative. Once a beacon of rural empowerment, FELDA's journey now raises critical questions about the nature of state-led initiatives.

In this insightful analysis, Prof. Shakila Yacob explores the dual legacy of FELDA: lifting thousands out of poverty and building Malaysia’s palm oil industry, but evolving into an instrument of elite control, sidelining the very settlers it was meant to empower.

The paper argues that FELDA’s trajectory from a grassroots project to a centralized entity highlights a crucial lesson: development cannot be measured by economic growth alone. It poses a fundamental question: What is the true measure of success - financial metrics or the enduring empowerment of people?

Dive deep into the complexities of state-led development and its impact on smallholder autonomy.

Read the full paper here:

State-Led Development: FELDA Between Promise and Power | Sunway University The Federal Land Development Authority (FELDA) is once again at the centre of Malaysia’s development debate. Its delisting from Bursa Malaysia in August 2025 - framed as financial restructuring- symbolises a deeper shift in the country’s approach to rural development. Once celebrated as Malaysia...

Shakila Yacob, a professor at the Jeffrey Cheah Institute of Sunway University, said Malaysia offers a chance for Nick Adams to learn about Islam in a modern, multicultural society.

Shakila said Adams' appointment could be seen as an opportunity, not just a provocation. If he maintains a respectful and constructive relationship with the Malaysian leadership, she said that it could actually "help move things forward," especially on trade, security or regional issues where quick decisions matter.

Read full article here:

Trump's pick for Malaysia envoy triggers controversy Ex-Australian right-wing commentator Nick Adams has history of Islamophobia