CENTRE FOR ASIAN STUDIES (iKAS) – BACKGROUND

Background

The Centre for Asian Studies (iKAS) was first established on April 1, 1995 to provide a focal point for the Institute of Malaysian and International Studies (IKMAS) in the fields of Malaysian, Southeast Asian and East Asian Studies. The Centre has a long history, strong reputation and distinguished profile locally and internationally, especially among peers in the field of Malaysian and Southeast Asian Studies.

The Centre’s two flagship programmes defined its core activities: the Malaysian Studies, and ASEAN Economic Integration. Beyond these, the Centre conducted research on development issues, wealth distribution, international trade, regionalism, governance, trans-national movement and migration. The Centre performs an important role as an inter-disciplinary unit bringing together fellows and research students across the University to encourage group research and publications. Seminars were held regularly to broaden fellows and students’ intellectual horizons through contact with other subjects, methodologies and ideas.