This paper analyzes the bilateral ties of Kuala Lumpur-Beijing over four decades in the political, economic and socio-cultural fields. Firstly, the paper discusses the historical background of Malaysia-China informal relations from the Kingdom of Malacca; the British era; the early stages of Malaysia's independence; as well as the Cold War era. Secondly, the paper examines the beginnings of Kuala Lumpur-Beijing diplomatic relations from 1974 until the demise of the Malayan Communist Party in 1989. Thirdly, this is followed by an examination of bilateral developments between 1990 and 2008. The section analyzes the extent to which the principle of openness in Malaysian foreign policies was followed, cooperation within the framework of regionalism as well as how the rise of China's economic power has had positive impact on bilateral relations. More significantly, the paper then extends the discussion to Malaysia-China relations under Mohd Najib Abdul Razak which began in 2008 and ended with the advent of the new government of Pakatan Harapan in Malaysia in May 2018. Presently, Malaysia's foreign policy towards China is facing a revamp under Dr. Mahathir Mohamad's leadership. Yet the paper argues that the current government's action enhances comprehensive cooperation, particularly in the political and economic spheres.

This article analyzes how middle powers can contribute to regional peace and stability by examining the Republic of Korea-Indonesia relations in East Asia. The article suggests that there are potential contributions of like-minded middle power relations in regional governance amidst regional challenges. This is reflected by the extent to which these middle powers maneuver major problems in East Asia through various forms of regional institutions. By engaging with ASEAN, while trying to maintain good relations with the United States and China, the Republic of Korea and Indonesia are able to influence as well as promote regional peace and stability.

No abstract

Sports diplomacy possesses the power to bring the best of the human spirit by affirming shared aspirations. Olympic Games share a similar propensity to bring people together across boundaries regardless of race, nationality, religion, income and country, reinforcing the true basis of sportsmanship and solidarity between all nations and spectators. The Tokyo Olympics, which were originally scheduled to take place in Japan in 1940, was cancelled due to the outbreak of World War Two. Likewise, the 2020 Olympic Games was postponed to 2021 due to the COVID-19 pandemic. While 80 years ago, amidst the war, Japan faced backlash before it cancelled the Olympic Games, the effect of the re-scheduled 2020 Olympics due to the COVID-19 pandemic demonstrates that such confrontational attitude has been replaced by understanding and solidarity from the global community of the consequences of hosting the games. Using a qualitative method, this article explores the differences in perceptions towards Japan during the 1940s which was overshadowed by war and the year 2020 which continues to be blanketed by the COVID-19 pandemic.

This study presents a suggested array of colour guidelines for the university homepage of the University of Malaya (UM) in Malaysia which represents the school's distinction and brand image. The importance of University Identity on institutional websites is to secure their identity and differentiation from other institutions. Despite having a multicultural heritage, it is difficult to find colour guidelines of any universities in Malaysia. There are limited studies on colour analysis of UM as one of the top public universities in Malaysia. We suggest colour guidelines using 18 types of primary colours, sub-colours, and second colour for the UM website that we believe would further reflect its University Identity, its status as well as enhance the nature of multicultural outlook of the institution. Accordingly, this study will have an academic and policy-level significance not only for Malaysia but other international institutions as well.