By Phoon Li Juan @ Roovasini and Nuraderrah Hasnul Hafidzan
Photos by UKM Global
Prof. Dr. Abdul Halim Abdul Gafor, Acting Vice Chancellor of UKM, expressed deep appreciation to the U.S. Embassy in Malaysia for supporting the Global Security Engagement Program 2025 through its Public Diplomacy Annual Grants Program.
Organised jointly by UKM’s Faculty of Social Science and Humanities, International Relations Centre (UKM Global) and the University of North Carolina (UNC) at Chapel Hill, the program provides a platform for student and staff exchange aimed at enhancing understanding of national, regional and global security.
The initiative includes two one-week training sessions at UNC and UKM, covering topics such as cybersecurity, environmental and energy security, ASEAN geopolitics and U.S.-Malaysian relations. Participants engage in interactive talks, collaborative workshops and field trips, including visits to the Malaysian Institute of Defence and Security.
Ms. Grace Choi, Public Affairs Officer of the U.S. Embassy in Malaysia, highlighted the program’s role in building networks among American and Malaysian students and faculty, developing practical skills, cross-cultural awareness and long-lasting international relationships. She encouraged participants to embrace the experience, forge meaningful connections, and consider future opportunities to study abroad.
The program also provides a platform for faculty to explore research collaborations, student exchanges, and Collaborative Online International Learning classes, strengthening ties between UKM and UNC while contributing to global security knowledge and cooperation.
