Jointly organised by the Australian National University’s (ANU) Malaysia Institute and the Institute for Democracy and Economic Affairs (IDEAS), this conference explores the study of Malaysia with comparative perspectives, positioning Malaysia in a broader regional context beyond national framework. Featuring Malaysians studies scholars in Malaysia and Australia, the interdisciplinary conference delves into pressing issues within politics, media, law, culture and society. Through critical analysis and collaborative dialogue, we will examine the rich narratives that define Malaysia and its interconnectedness with the Malay world, Southeast Asia and the Asia-Pacific.
PROGRAM
9.00am Arrival and Refreshments
9.30am Introductions from Director, ANU Malaysia Institute and Acting CEO, IDEAS Malaysia.
9.40am PANEL 1: Politics and Policy Panel
- Alissa Marianne Rode (IDEAS), Fiscal Responsibility During Political Transitions
- Ross Tapsell (ANU) Elections in the age of influencers
- Calvin Cheng (ISIS Malaysia) Tech, AI and the future of jobs
- Moderator/Discussant: Aira Azhari (IDEAS)
11.10am Morning Tea
11.30am PANEL 2: Law, Judiciary and Policy
- Amalina Mohd Sokri (ANU), Communicating Judicial Legitimacy in Malaysia
- Commentator: Tun Zaki Azmi (Former Chief Justice of Malaysia)
- Mu'iz Abdul Razak (ANU), Future of Arbitration in Malaysia
- Commentator: Assoc Prof Nur Ezan Rahmat (UiTM)
- Moderator/Discussant: Bjoern Dressel (ANU)
12.45pm Lunch
1.45pm PANEL 3: Culture and Society
- Jarrah Sastrawan (ANU), The Malay Concordance Project as a Tool for Cultural History Research
- Show Ying Xin (ANU), Migrant Women’s Writing across East and Southeast Asia (ANU)
- Mala Rajo Sathian (UM), Malaysia-Southern Thailand Relations in the context of a Pan-Malay Cultural WorldTan Zi Hao (UM), Translingual Practices in Sino-Malay Word Lists
- Moderator: Show Ying Xin (ANU)
3.15pm Concluding Remarks from Tunku Zain Al-'Abidin ibni Tuanku Muhriz (IDEAS)
3.30pm Closing Remarks from ANU and IDEAS.
Afternoon tea/networking
4.00pm Ends