Phar Kim Beng is a Professor of ASEAN Studies at the International Islamic University of Malaysia (IIUM), his alma mater, and a Senior Research Fellow at the Asia Europe Institute (AEI) at the University of Malaya. He has made significant contributions to the field of ASEAN studies, international relations, and Southeast Asian security. In addition to his academic roles, Dr. Phar has an impressive track record of engaging with global policy debates, having served as an Award-Winning Head Teaching Fellow at Harvard University, where he was attached to the prestigious Fletcher School of Law and Diplomacy.

Dr. Phar has distinguished himself as a leading scholar and commentator in ASEAN studies and international relations. His academic expertise spans a wide array of subjects, including regionalism, security cooperation, diplomacy, and the evolving role of ASEAN in the global order. His scholarly work critically examines ASEAN’s institutional development, diplomatic norms, and its challenges in managing relations with major global powers like the United States and China. His research also explores ASEAN’s balancing act in the Indo-Pacific, focusing on the implications of great power rivalry and regional security cooperation.

Beyond academia, Dr. Phar has made significant strides in the business world as the founder and CEO of Strategic Pan Indo-Pacific Arena, a consultancy based in Kuala Lumpur. The consultancy offers expert analysis and strategic advice on Indo-Pacific security, regional diplomacy, and economic development. Since 2022, Dr. Phar has also served as a Senior Advisor to the BlueBridge Education Group, which has strong connections with St Edmund’s and Homerton Colleges at the University of Cambridge, providing him with a platform to shape educational partnerships and engage with thought leaders in global education.

Dr. Phar’s contributions extend beyond the classroom and consultancy work to a wide range of media outlets. He is a prolific writer, having contributed extensively to reputable publications across Asia. His opinion pieces, analyses, and commentaries are regularly featured in leading regional outlets, reflecting his expertise in geopolitics, security, and economic issues:

South China Morning Post (SCMP): Dr. Phar has written numerous opinion pieces for SCMP, tackling issues such as the EU-China investment deal, China’s role in globalization, and the political dynamics within Malaysia.

The Jakarta Post: As a columnist since 2019, Dr. Phar has provided insightful analyses of regional issues, particularly focusing on Sino-Malaysian relations in the South China Sea and Malaysia’s strategic positioning within ASEAN.

Nikkei Asia: In his contributions to Nikkei Asia, Dr. Phar has explored topics such as the geopolitical tensions in the South China Sea and Malaysia’s evolving foreign policy strategies within the region.

The Japan Times: Dr. Phar has written on a range of topics, including political Islam, the economic influence of overseas Chinese, and Japan’s leadership role in Asia.

Additionally, his insights have appeared in other influential publications, such as the Australian Institute of International Affairs (AIIA), New Straits Times, The Star (Malaysia), The Diplomat Magazine, Malaysiakini, and Taiwan News, further establishing him as a prominent voice in the global conversation on contemporary geopolitical and economic issues.

Dr. Phar is also the author of the forthcoming book ASEAN Peace Axioms Redefined, which is nearing completion and set for publication, alongside his other notable work ASEAN and OSCE Re-Examined: The Case for Confidence Building, which is under review for publication. His academic writings critically examine ASEAN’s role in the broader Indo-Pacific security framework, as well as the evolving dynamics of regionalism and security cooperation.

Throughout his career, Dr. Phar has contributed not only to the academic and policy landscapes but also to real-world applications of ASEAN’s principles in a rapidly changing geopolitical environment. His thought leadership continues to shape debates on regional security, ASEAN’s role in global affairs, and the impact of great power competition on Southeast Asia.