Professor Dr Cheah Phaik Kin appointed to the Advisory Board at University of Virginia’s Center for Public Safety and Justice

Prof Dr Cheah Phaik Kin of the Faculty of Arts and Social Science has been appointed to the Center for Public Safety and Justice’s Board of Advisors at the School of Continuing and Professional Studies, University of Virginia, United States, on 12 December 2024. This prestigious appointment, lasting until 31 December 2026, recognises Prof Cheah as an authority in public safety and volunteer policing, as well as for her extensive research and dedicated service in enhancing public safety both locally and globally.

The appointment was made by Melissa Lubin, Dean of the School of Continuing and Professional Studies at the University of Virginia. Dr Lubin highlighted Prof Cheah’s achievements, stating, “Prof Cheah’s inclusion in our distinguished Board of Advisors is a recognition of her commitment and groundbreaking work in volunteer policing. Her global perspective and practical experience are invaluable assets that will greatly enhance our centre’s initiatives and strategic direction.”

Prof Cheah brings a wealth of knowledge and experience to the Center for Public Safety and Justice. Her extensive research in public safety, crime prevention, and volunteer policing has been widely published in both academic journals and non-academic media outlets, making her a prominent voice in advocating for effective and sustainable public safety measures. Since 2014, she has also volunteered with the Royal Malaysia Police Volunteer Reserve, applying her research insights to real-world scenarios and developing strategies that enhance community safety and resilience.

In addition to her research and volunteer work, Prof Cheah has spoken at numerous international conferences and public forums. Her ability to communicate complex public safety issues to diverse audiences has not only advanced academic discourse but has also informed policy development and community practices. Her publications and presentations have been instrumental in bridging the gap between theory and practice, ensuring that academic insights translate into tangible improvements in public safety.

Assistant Professor Marvin “Ben” Haiman, Executive Director of the Center for Public Safety and Justice, remarked, “We are delighted to welcome Prof Cheah to our advisory board. Her global insights into public safety and her hands-on experience with the Royal Malaysia Police Volunteer Reserve bring a unique and essential perspective to our work. Her ability to connect research with real-world applications will significantly bolster our efforts to foster resilient and safe communities.”

Prof Cheah expressed her gratitude for the appointment, saying, “I am honoured to join the advisory board of the University of Virginia’s Center for Public Safety and Justice. This role provides a unique opportunity to collaborate with esteemed colleagues and leverage our collective expertise to develop innovative strategies that enhance public safety and build resilient communities worldwide. I am committed to contributing my experience and research to advance our shared goals of creating safer and more sustainable environments for all.”

The University of Virginia, founded in 1819 by Thomas Jefferson, continues to uphold its legacy of academic excellence and leadership. The Center for Public Safety and Justice, established in 2024, serves as a hub for advancing public safety and community resilience. The centre bridges the gap between academic research and practical leadership, addressing complex public safety challenges through comprehensive education, innovative research, and strategic collaboration. Building on the University of Virginia’s historical partnerships and successful programmes, the centre aims to inspire innovation, strengthen public trust and shape the future of public safety leadership.

Prof Cheah’s role includes providing strategic guidance, contributing to research initiatives, mentoring the centre’s students and faculty, representing the centre at international conferences and professional events, and advising on the development of innovative public safety programmes. Her leadership and dedication are expected to play a crucial role in shaping the centre’s impact on future generations of public safety professionals.

Looking ahead, Prof Cheah anticipates that this new collaboration will lead to numerous projects and initiatives that will accelerate research growth and foster stronger partnerships between academia and public safety practitioners. “I am excited about the opportunities this appointment presents to work alongside esteemed experts. Together, we can develop strategies that not only address current public safety challenges but also anticipate and mitigate future threats, ensuring safer and more resilient communities globally,” she added.