Taylor’s University Continues Distinguished Diplomat Series with High-Level Dialogue on India and the Indo-Pacific

Taylor’s University recently convened the fourth edition of the Distinguished Diplomat Series, the flagship initiative of the Bachelor of Social Science (Hons) in International Relations under the School of Liberal Arts and Sciences (SLAS). The session featured His Excellency Mr. B. N. Reddy, High Commissioner of India to Malaysia, in dialogue with YBhg. Dato’ Dr. Ilango Karuppannan, former Malaysian Ambassador and Series Convener. Held at the Lakeside Campus, the event attracted a full audience comprising students, faculty members, senior university leadership, members of the diplomatic corps, and representatives from policy and research institutions. The discussion provided a substantive examination of India–Malaysia bilateral relations, India’s engagement with Southeast Asia, and the evolving strategic landscape of the Indo-Pacific.

The dialogue addressed key policy dimensions including India’s Act East policy, regional connectivity initiatives, multilateral cooperation frameworks, and the broader diplomatic considerations arising from intensifying geopolitical competition. The exchange offered students valuable exposure to contemporary diplomatic practice, strategic negotiation, and the complexities inherent in international statecraft. The session was formally opened by Prof. Dr. Barry Winn, Vice Chancellor and President of Taylor’s University. Prof. Dr. Anindita Dasgupta, Head of the School of Liberal Arts and Sciences, introduced the Distinguished Diplomat Series and underscored its academic relevance within the International Relations programme.

The event concluded with a presentation of a token of appreciation to His Excellency by Prof. Dr. Barry, joined by senior leadership including Prof. Dr. Darren Bagnall, Pro Vice-Chancellor (Academic), and Prof. Dr. Neethiahnanthan Ari Ragavan, Executive Dean of the Faculty of Social Sciences and Leisure Management. As a signature platform of the International Relations programme, the Distinguished Diplomat Series continues to reinforce Taylor’s University’s role as a credible forum for informed diplomatic discourse. By facilitating direct engagement between senior practitioners and students, the Series strengthens experiential learning and affirms the University’s commitment to globally oriented, practice-informed education.

The Distinguished Diplomat Series will continue in forthcoming semesters, welcoming senior diplomatic representatives from across regions to advance critical dialogue and meaningful academic engagement.