USM PENANG, 8 June 2026 – Universiti Sains Malaysia (USM) proudly welcomes distinguished economist and renowned researcher Dr. Mun Sing Ho from Harvard University to its Penang campus under the prestigious Fulbright Specialist Program.

Co-funded by the U.S. Department of State and USM, the Fulbright Specialist Program is a highly competitive and globally recognised initiative that connects leading U.S. academics and professionals with host institutions around the world.

The programme provides a strategic platform for universities to implement high-priority, short-term collaborative projects that strengthen institutional capacity, advance knowledge exchange, and cultivate meaningful international partnerships.

Hosted by the School of Distance Education (PPPJJ), USM, from 1 to 15 June 2026, this high-impact initiative reflects USM’s strong commitment to advancing global academic collaboration, evidence-based policy discourse, and research excellence.

The programme is led by PPPJJ Deputy Dean (Research, Innovation and Industry-Community Engagement), Associate Professor Dr. See Kok Fong and his office with a strategic focus on national economic data, productivity, and development policy.

"This programme is expected to generate valuable data-driven insights, practical analytical frameworks, and fresh perspectives on national development," said PPPJJ Dean, Associate Professor Dr. Zulnaidi Yaacob during his welcoming remarks. 

"The presence of an internationally respected scholar such as Dr. Ho provides an exceptional opportunity to bridge advanced economic theories with real-world policy applications, particularly in areas that are highly relevant to Malaysia’s development agenda," he added.  

He further noted that hosting the Fulbright Specialist Program strengthens USM’s position as a globally connected research university.

“It also demonstrates PPPJJ’s commitment to creating intellectual platforms that bring together academia, government agencies, and public sector stakeholders in addressing complex national challenges through knowledge, evidence, and strategic collaboration,” said Zulnaidi.

The event brought together faculty members, students, and key public sector representatives, marking an important milestone in international academic and policy collaboration.

This initiative was made possible through the strong strategic support secured by PPPJJ from a coalition of national stakeholders, including the Department of Statistics Malaysia (DOSM), the Malaysia Productivity Corporation (MPC), and the Ministry of Health Malaysia (MOH). 

Throughout the 15-day programme, Dr. Ho will conduct two specialised workshops and deliver a public lecture curated for the USM community.

In addition, he will also deliver a motivational talk for students at SMK Bukit Jambul, extending the programme’s impact beyond the university and inspiring young minds through global academic exposure.

More than an academic visit, this programme represents a strategic investment in knowledge, capacity building, and long-term collaboration.

It is expected to foster deeper engagement between USM, Harvard University, and Malaysia’s public sector agencies, particularly in advancing data-informed policy, national productivity, and evidence-based development planning.

Moving forward, the Fulbright Specialist Program at USM is set to become a catalyst for impactful discourse, high-level institutional collaboration, and sustainable international partnerships.

It not only reinforces USM’s global academic presence but also reflects the university’s aspiration to contribute meaningfully to national development through scholarship, innovation, and strategic public engagement.

Text: Nazira Zainal Abidin & Nor Rafizah Haji Md. Zain, School of Distance Education (PPPJJ), USM/Editing: Tan Ewe Hoe/Photo: PPPJJ USM