KUALA LUMPUR: Scholar and prolific writer Datuk Dr Muthiah Alagappa has been appointed the first holder of the Tun Hussein Onn Chair in International Studies at the Institute of Strategic and International Studies (Isis).
In a statement here yesterday, Isis said the appointment was for a period of two years, effective Jan 1, this year.
Dr Muthiah is an internationally renowned scholar who has held senior positions in leading think-tanks and research institutions in the United States.
Having authored many influential publications, he has also held visiting professorial positions at leading universities such as Columbia, Stanford and Keio.
The chair, which was established to honour the contributions made by Hussein, Malaysia’s third prime minister, in shaping the nation’s foreign policy, aims to build on and continue his visionary initiatives and efforts towards establishing Asean, as the cornerstone of Malaysia’s foreign policy.
According to Isis, the establishment of the chair will also contribute positively to the development of international studies in the country. — Bernama