A Universiti Malaya (UM) academic has made Malaysia proud after being appointed to a prestigious international academic chair in the Netherlands.
Associate Professor Dr Helena Muhamad Varkkey, from UM’s Faculty of Arts and Social Sciences, has been appointed as the Prince Claus Chair for Equity and Development 2025 to 2027 at the International Institute of Social Studies (ISS), Erasmus University Rotterdam, Netherlands.
First Malaysian scholar to receive the honour
According to Universiti Malaya, Dr Helena is the first Malaysian scholar to receive the appointment, marking a significant milestone not only for the university but also for Malaysia’s higher education sector.
She will officially assume the role on Sept 1, 2025, for a two-year term until Sept 1, 2027.
Despite the appointment, Dr Helena will continue carrying out her academic and research responsibilities at Universiti Malaya during the period.
Recognising scholars from the Global South
The Prince Claus Chair recognises outstanding scholars from low and middle-income countries who have made significant contributions to research and education in equity and international development.
According to China Press, Dr Helena said she was deeply honoured to join the ranks of distinguished researchers from the Global South who have previously held the Prince Claus Chair in Equity and Development.
As a Southeast Asian researcher studying Southeast Asian issues, I am pleased to contribute to the mission of the Chair.
“This appointment provides an important opportunity to deepen discussions in this region and beyond on environmental governance, equity and sustainable development,” she said.
Focus on Southeast Asia haze governance
As part of her work under the appointment, Dr Helena will focus on transboundary haze governance in Southeast Asia.
She will also be involved in the Water, Securitisation Anxieties and Border Imaginaries (WASABI) project, an international research initiative examining how coastal communities experience and perceive securitised water borders.
The project looks at communities in several regions, including Sri Lanka, Central America, the Eastern Mediterranean, the South Caucasus and the Sulu Sea in the Philippines.
Universiti Malaya also congratulated Dr Helena on her appointment, calling it a prestigious achievement for the academic community.
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