FOR the fourth time, Distinguished Prof Dr Kuik Cheng-Chwee (pic), who marks his 30th anniversary at Universiti Kebangsaan Malaysia (UKM) this year, has been named among the world’s top 2% of scientists.
The principal fellow of the Institute of Malaysian and International Studies at UKM was included in Stanford University’s World’s Top 2% Scientists 2026 list.
The global ranking database, developed by Stanford University scholars in collaboration with Elsevier, also ranked Prof Kuik first in Asia for single-year impact.
Congratulating Prof Kuik on the achievement, Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim said the recognition not only reflects his excellence and contributions to science, but also brings honour to Malaysia on the international stage.
“May this success continue to foster a culture of knowledge, strengthen research traditions, and inspire the next generation of scientists to contribute to the country’s progress,” he said in a social media post on Oct 21.
Prof Kuik described the recognition as a reminder to remain humble and continue dedicating himself to research.
He said through research, writing and exchanges with academic peers and fellow researchers, he has continuously striven to bring Malaysian perspectives and South-East Asian voices to the international community.
These efforts, he added, have enabled him to contribute to global debates while highlighting the nuanced, diverse and sometimes competing perspectives within Asia.
He expressed gratitude to his former superior, Prof Datuk Dr Zakaria Ahmad, who introduced him to the academic world in 1996, as well as to the teachers and mentors who had guided and nurtured him throughout his journey.
Collectively, he said, they had helped transform an introverted boy from Muar, Johor, into a researcher with an insatiable curiosity and thirst for knowledge in international relations.
