JOHOR BAHRU, May 27 – The Faculty of Management, Universiti Teknologi Malaysia (UTM), had the honour of hosting Professor Dr. Yanto Chandra, a globally recognized scholar in Public Strategy and Governance research from the City University of Hong Kong, on 20 and 21 May 2025. His two-day visit was part of Faculty of Management’s ongoing initiative to foster international collaboration and strengthen qualitative research capabilities among UTM researchers and students.

“Professor Yanto’s visit not only enriched our research ecosystem but also opened new avenues for international collaboration. His expertise in qualitative research and public strategy aligns perfectly with our goal of advancing innovation and scholarly excellence,” remarked Professor Dr. Ahmad Jusoh, Dean of the Faculty of Management.

 

Kicking off on May 20, Professor Chandra was welcomed by the Deputy Dean of Research, Innovation and Development, and researchers during a courtesy meeting that laid the groundwork for strategic discussions on joint research initiatives and collaborative grants. This was followed by an open webinar on “Emerging Trends in AI Governance Research”, where he shared thought-provoking insights into the convergence of technology and governance, attracting an engaged audience of staff and postgraduate students.

Later in the day, Professor Chandra conducted one-on-one consultations with Faculty of Management researchers, offering critical advice on ongoing projects, grant proposals, and publication strategies. These tailored sessions were well-received and underscored the faculty’s commitment to fostering research excellence.

On May 21, Professor Chandra led the Faculty of Management Research Spark Series titled “Crafting Qualitative Impact: From Methods to High-Impact Journals”. The two-part workshop was specially designed to upskill PhD students and early-career researchers. The first session focused on advanced qualitative research techniques, particularly suited for investigating complex and emerging societal issues. The second session provided practical guidance on publishing in high-impact journals, covering reviewer engagement strategies, methodological rigour, and journal targeting.

A special interactive segment titled “Comics Activity in Social Entrepreneurship Class”, co-organized with Dr. Umar Hayat Abdul Kohar from the Department of Marketing and Entrepreneurship, who is currently teaching Social Entrepreneurship, added a creative twist to the visit. Students explored storytelling and reflection in entrepreneurial contexts through comics, creating a vibrant learning experience that blended qualitative insight with creativity.

The visit concluded with an appreciation ceremony, commemorating Professor Chandra’s contributions and collaborative spirit. Discussions are underway for broader academic engagements and research collaborations between UTM and City University of Hong Kong.

By: Assoc. Prof. Dr. Mahadi Bahari, Deputy Dean (Research, Innovation & Development), Faculty of Management

Source: UTM NewsHub