UTAR explores competing civilisational visions in global governance

The Tun Tan Cheng Lock Institute of Social Studies (TCLI) and the ASEAN Research Centre for a Community with Shared Future (ACSF) jointly organised the Scholars’ Roundtable on the Competition of Civilisational Visions in the Context of Global Governance: “Community with a Shared Future for Mankind” and “Make America Great Again” on 11 September 2025 at UTAR Sungai Long Campus.

The event brought together scholars and diplomats to examine how competing civilisational visions are shaping the global order amidst an era of rapid geopolitical transformation. Discussions centred on the contrasting approaches of China’s vision of building a Community with a Shared Future for Mankind, which emphasises multilateralism, inclusivity, and cooperation, and the United States’ Make America Great Again, which underscores nationalism, protectionism, and unilateral dominance.

In his welcome remarks, TCLI Director Assoc Prof Dr Chin Yee Mun stressed the importance of open dialogue in understanding how global governance can accommodate different values and priorities. CEO of the Southeast Asia Research Centre for Humanities (SEARCH) Mr Neo Chee Hua also addressed the forum, highlighting the implications of competing global narratives for Southeast Asia.

Two Counsellors from the Embassy of the People’s Republic of China in Malaysia, Mr Xu Sisheng and Mr Lu Han, were present. Mr Xu delivered a keynote speech, underscoring China’s commitment to cooperation, mutual learning, and the promotion of inclusive global governance. He noted that civilisational dialogue plays an essential role in bridging divides and fostering sustainable peace and development.

The roundtable discussion featured UTAR scholars, including ACSF Chairperson Dr Soon Thean Bee; Faculty of Creative Industries (FCI) academics Dr Tan Sing Pei, Dr Ng Hon Wi, and Dr Tan Wooi Yee; and TCLI Assistant Manager Mr Lee Jenn Yuan. They explored key themes such as civilisational narratives and legitimacy in global governance, the contest between globalisation and economic nationalism, multilateralism versus unilateralism, governance of global public issues such as climate change and digital transformation, as well as the competition for soft power and global leadership.

The session concluded with reflections on the role of Global South economies in navigating between these competing visions, highlighting both challenges and opportunities. The event ended with a souvenir presentation and group photo, closing on a note of academic exchange and strengthened international collaboration.