MAD Stories

Ashraf Shaharudin

MAD Stories: Stories of the Malaysian Academic Diaspora. A podcast that brings to the fore the stories of Malaysian and Malaysia-heritage academics based outside of Malaysia. Through their journeys, this podcast showcases the diverse expertise and experiences of the Malaysian academic diaspora while inspiring early-career academics as they navigate the challenges of building academic careers. Host & Producer: Ashraf Shaharudin. Instagram: @myacademicdiaspora

  1. Jul 11

    Khai Chung Ang - Indigenous Genomics, 3D Microanatomical Atlas, Ecotoxicology

    In this episode, Dr. Khai Chung Ang shares his inspiring journey from Malaysia to the US, exploring his research in genetics, human adaptation, and innovative bioinformatics tools. Listen to his story on how integrative approaches and community engagement drive breakthroughs in biological sciences. Dr. Ang is currently an Assistant Professor at the Department of Pathology and Laboratory Medicine, Penn State College of Medicine, The Pennsylvania State University, USA.

    Khai Chung Ang - Indigenous Genomics, 3D Microanatomical Atlas, Ecotoxicology

  2. May 30

    Aizuddin Anuar - Rural Education, Postcolonialism, and Development

    In this insightful interview, Dr. Aizuddin Muhammed Anuar talks about Malaysia's 60-40 (STEM vs. Arts) policy, rural education, postcolonialism, and development. He also shares his academic journey from chemical engineering to education and his advice for early-career academics. Dr. Aizuddin is currently an Assistant Professor at Academy of Future Education, Xi'an Jiaotong-Liverpool University, China. His book, Postcolonial Education and Development in Peripheral Malaysia: Building Scientific Aspirations, is forthcoming in September 2026.

    Aizuddin Anuar - Rural Education, Postcolonialism, and Development

  3. May 24

    Haizal Hussaini - Oral Cancer, Muslim Chaplain, and Returning to New Zealand

    In this fascinating interview, Prof. Haizal Hussaini talks about returning to his alma mater in New Zealand after almost two decades in Malaysia, his research in oral cancer immunology, his public health engagement initiatives with the Māori and Pacific communities, and his role as a Muslim chaplain. Prof. Haizal is currently a Professor at the Department of Oral Diagnostic and Surgical Sciences, Faculty of Dentistry, University of Otago, New Zealand. He is now one of New Zealand’s only two active academic oral pathology specialists.

    Haizal Hussaini - Oral Cancer, Muslim Chaplain, and Returning to New Zealand

  4. May 17

    Peng Weng Kung - Frugal Engineering, Multidisciplinarity, and Quantum Information

    Professor Peng Weng Kung shares his academic journey that brought him to different continents, his innovative malaria diagnostic tool that led him and his team to be listed in the '100 Global Thinkers' by the Foreign Policy magazine in 2014, and his insights on multidisciplinary research and frugal engineering. Professor Peng is currently a Professor at the Center for Quantum Information and Quantum Biology, University of Osaka, Japan.

    Peng Weng Kung - Frugal Engineering, Multidisciplinarity, and Quantum Information

  5. May 8

    Jasvir Kaur Nachatar Singh - Mentorship, Internationalisation of Higher Education, and Student-Centred Learning

    In this interview, Dr. Jasvir Kaur Nachatar Singh shares her academic journey from Malaysia to Australia, her research on internationalisation of higher education, and her insights on teaching, mentorship, and balancing academic responsibilities. She also highlights the importance of passion and giving back. Dr Singh is currently an Associate Professor in the Department of Management and Marketing at La Trobe Business School, La Trobe University, Australia.

    Jasvir Kaur Nachatar Singh - Mentorship, Internationalisation of Higher Education, and Student-Centred Learning

  6. Apr 29

    Guanie Lim - Political Economy, Research Dissemination, and Life in Japan

    In this interview, Dr. Guanie Lim reflects on his academic journey from engineering to political economy, his experiences working in Singapore and Japan, and his efforts to make research more accessible to a wider audience through opinion pieces. He also offers practical advice for early-career researchers. Dr. Guanie Lim is currently an Associate Professor at the National Graduate Institute for Policy Studies (GRIPS), Japan. His main research interests are comparative political economy, value chain analysis, and the Belt and Road Initiative in Southeast Asia.

    Guanie Lim - Political Economy, Research Dissemination, and Life in Japan

  7. Apr 11

    Firdaus Muhammad Sukki - Solar Photovoltaics, Malaysian Academic Collaborations, Technology Marketability & Policy

    In this in-depth interview, Dr. Firdaus Mohamad Sukki shares his academic journey and research on renewable energy, particularly low-cost photovoltaics, and highlights the importance of studying a technology’s market and policy dimensions alongside its technical aspects. He also discusses his international collaborations with fellow Malaysian academics based both within and outside Malaysia, including through grant-funded projects, illustrating how Malaysian academic networks can be leveraged to conduct research relevant to Malaysia. Dr. Firdaus is currently an Associate Professor at the School of Engineering and Built Environment, Edinburgh Napier University, UK.

    Firdaus Muhammad Sukki - Solar Photovoltaics, Malaysian Academic Collaborations, Technology Marketability & Policy

  8. Apr 2

    Azreen Azlan - Urbanism, Big Questions, and Field Experience

    In this engaging interview, Dr. Azreen Azlan reflects on her academic journey from Malaysia to the UK, sharing insights into her research on urban spaces as well as her perspectives on academia and cross-cultural experiences. She also emphasises the importance of field experience for an academic career. Dr. Azreen is currently a Lecturer in Architecture and Urbanism at the Manchester School of Architecture, UK. Follow our Instagram: @myacademicdiaspora

    Azreen Azlan - Urbanism, Big Questions, and Field Experience
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About

MAD Stories: Stories of the Malaysian Academic Diaspora. A podcast that brings to the fore the stories of Malaysian and Malaysia-heritage academics based outside of Malaysia. Through their journeys, this podcast showcases the diverse expertise and experiences of the Malaysian academic diaspora while inspiring early-career academics as they navigate the challenges of building academic careers. Host & Producer: Ashraf Shaharudin. Instagram: @myacademicdiaspora

Information

  • Creator
    Ashraf Shaharudin
  • Years Active
    2026
  • Episodes
    13
  • Rating
    Clean
  • Copyright
    © Ashraf Shaharudin
  • Show Website
    MAD Stories