Background
Malaysian studies has made important advances in the last few decades. Many new research projects and publications have also been undertaken. In terms of the scholarly community, besides a group of established social science scholars who have made a deep imprint on Malaysian studies, a younger generation of scholars has also emerged. At the same time, there are many graduate students pursuing courses for their Masters and PhDs in Malaysian studies either in Malaysia or abroad. All these augur well for the development of Malaysian studies in the new century.

In its efforts to advance Malaysian studies and contribute towards capacity building of the younger generation, emphasis has to be paid on enhancing their research and analytical skills. In this regard, PSSM will be organizing a two-day workshop on the theme of “New Research in Malaysian Studies” on 27-28 February 2006. For operational purposes, by “new research” is meant research projects that have been undertaken in the last five years since 2001. The projects can either be those that have been completed, or are on-going.

Objectives
This workshop is a joint project between PSSM and the Institute of East Asian Studies, Unimas as well as the Faculty of the Social Sciences of the same university. The objectives of the workshop are:

• To discuss some new research in various areas of Malaysian studies undertaken particularly by younger scholars including graduate students;
  
• To facilitate exposure for younger scholars with demands for high quality research;
  
• To facilitate the interaction of senior scholars with younger scholars with a view to enhance capacity building of the latter in research and also publication; and
• To forge closer links between PSSM and social science institutions in universities in Malaysia particularly those outside the Klang Valley.
  

Workshop Format
The workshop will consist of three keynote addresses and a number of workshop sessions. The keynote addresses will be given by three senior scholars who will provide the scenario of social science research in Malaysia, and examples of some new research. The sessions will consist of paper presentations by workshop participants on their areas of research. Inputs in the form of comments, criticisms, and suggestions will be given by the senior scholars as well as other workshop participants to improve the paper and the research undertaken. It is hoped that the revised papers based on the feedback in the workshop can be published either as a book or as articles in journals.


Eligible Participants 
Those eligible to participate and present papers at the workshop are:
1. Younger scholars below the level of associate professors
2. Master's and PhD students doing Malaysian studies.
Papers can either be in Malay or English.

Call for Abstracts
Those who are eligible and interested to present papers at the workshop can submit their abstracts (not more than 250 words) to the Secretariat by 30 November 2005. As the workshop is only for two days and all sessions are plenary, the number of papers that can be accommodated is limited. Thus, the organizers will only select the most complete and viable abstracts and the writers will be notified by 15 December 2005. The full papers must be submitted by 31 January 2006.

Registration fee, travel and accommodation
There is no registration fee required for the workshop. However, as funding is limited, the organizers will only bear the cost for food and printing of the workshop papers. Intending participants will have to find their own financial sponsorship for travel and accommodation. The organizers, however, can help identity budget hotels in Kuching for the participants. Transport from the hotels to the workshop venue will be arranged.


Please submit your abstracts to: 

Secretariat
Workshop on “New Research in Malaysian Studies”
Persatuan Sains Sosial Malaysia
(att: Lin Chew Man) 
e-mail: pssmalaysia@yahoo.com