Vital forum: Chan (centre) at the launch of the conference in UM. With him are (from left) UM Chinese Studies Department senior lecturer Dr Yeoh Yin Yin, committee vice-chairman Dr Tan Miau Ing, Assoc Prof and head of the Chinese Studies Department Dr Fan Pik Wah, Kee, Wong, Pejati chairman Lee Sek Yui, ISSCO committee members Dr Chia Jee Luen and Dr Lai Chin Ting. — Low Lay Phon/The Star
KUALA LUMPUR: Universiti Malaya (UM) will welcome top scholars, researchers and independent thinkers from around the world for the 12th International Conference of the International Society for the Study of Chinese Overseas (ISSCO), which will be a landmark academic gathering on the global Chinese diaspora.
The conference will take place from Nov 4 to 6, themed “Chinese Overseas in a Changing World: Global Networks, Local Realities”.
It is expected to feature between 250 and 300 paper presentations across 13 parallel sessions.
“Initially, we expected around 150 submissions, but I was told that we’ve already received over 200 papers,” said Prof Datuk Dr Danny Wong Tze Ken, chair of the ISSCO 2025 organising committee and dean of the Faculty of Arts and Social Sciences at UM.
He stressed that the event is not just about research delivery; it’s about meaningful exchange.
“This conference will serve as a vital forum where people can come together not just to speak, but to listen, reflect and collaborate.
“The real value lies in these interactions, where networks are formed, friendships are built and long-term academic partnerships take root,” he said at a press conference yesterday.
Wong added that ISSCO 2025 also aims to engage voices from outside traditional university settings.
“There are many researchers who aren’t affiliated with universities but are doing incredible work. We want to draw them into the conversation, too.
“Their perspectives are fresh, their approaches may differ, and that’s where real learning happens,” he said.
To encourage wider participation, particularly among young scholars, ISSCO 2025 will also launch the Global Scholars Support and Talent Development Initiative.
It will support 20 postgraduate students from outside Malaysia by covering four nights of accommodation for those whose papers are accepted.
Keynote speeches will be delivered by internationally recognised scholars Prof Tan Chee Beng and Assoc Prof Dr Rachel Leow, both of whom have made significant contributions to the field.
UM’s Chinese Studies Department adjunct professor Tan Sri Chan Kong Choy also spoke at the launch, describing alumni involvement in the department’s programmes as a point of pride.
“This is the first time the ISSCO conference is being held at UM. We treat these initiatives as our own, making every effort to contribute,” he said.
Chan, a former transport minister, has been a longstanding supporter of the university.
Among his many contributions, Chan donated his extensive Dream of the Red Chamber collection to UM, forming the “Dream of the Red Chamber Research Collection”.
Chan also reflected on his academic journey, crediting his mentor Prof Tan Chee Beng.
The Ikhasas Group has pledged RM100,000 in support of ISSCO 2025, while Pejati, the Chinese Studies alumni association, has contributed RM20,000 towards the conference programme and outreach.
Ikhasas Group chief operating officer Datuk Kee Sock Kheng said the conference’s theme is timely and meaningful.
Academic partners for ISSCO 2025 include Jinan University, Wenzhou University, Universitas Kristen Maranatha, and the Institute of Science Innovation and Culture, Rajamangala University of Technology Krungthep, Thailand.
