Academics and Centre honoured with international awards for outstanding research

UTAR proudly celebrates the achievements of Tun Tan Cheng Lock Institute of Social Studies Director Assoc Prof Dr Chin Yee Mun and the ASEAN Research Centre for A Community with Shared Future (ACSF) Chairperson Dr Soon Thean Bee, who were recently recognised with prestigious international awards at the International Academic Network for A Community of Shared Future under the Institute for A Community with Shared Future (ICSF), Communication University of China. 

Themed Protecting and Promoting the Diversity of Cultural Expressions: Practices and Future, the conference aimed to reflect on the progress since UNESCO’s 2005 Convention, address new challenges such as digitalisation, and explore future strategies to safeguard cultural diversity while fostering intercultural dialogue and global cooperation. 

At the awards ceremony held on 23 September 2025, ACSF was conferred the International Research Centre for a Global Community with A Shared Future Award - ACSF, while Dr Chin was honoured with 2025 Outstanding Individual Contribution Award. In addition, both Dr Chin and Dr Soon were also conferred the title of Distinguished Research Fellow by ICSF and the International Academic Network for A Community of Shared Future, in recognition of their significant contributions to advancing global academic discourse on shared futures and cultural diversity. 

Dr Chin and Dr Soon also presented their papers and participated in a panel discussion at the international conference. Their participation highlighted UTAR’s commitment to engaging in meaningful dialogue on cultural diversity and global cooperation. 

Adding to the achievements, Faculty of Creative Industries academic Dr Liong Mei Yin showcased artworks by UTAR staff and students at the art exhibition, further enriching the conference with creative and cultural expressions. Moreover, three papers authored by UTAR academics were accepted for publication in a commemorative book celebrating the 80th anniversary of the United Nations, underscoring the University’s contributions to international scholarly discourse. 

Expressing their gratitude, Dr Chin and Dr Soon said, “We feel honoured to receive these awards. It is a recognition of our hard work. We would like to thank the Institute for A Community with A Shared Future, Communication University of China, for bestowing us with these recognitions.”