NUS uses $3 million donation to set up new professorship in Arabia Asia studies

The National University of Singapore has used a new $3 million donation to establish a professorship in Arabia Asia Studies, in its Asia Research Institute.

The donation from Mr Muhammad Alagil, chairman of the Jahrir Group in Saudi Arabia, will go towards the Muhammad Alagil Distinguished Professorship in Arabia Asia Studies, as well as new programmes to research the historical and contemporary links between Arabia and Asia.

Mr Alagil said: "Arabia and Asia share extensive and deep commercial and cultural connections which may have been forgotten or neglected over the past two centuries. I hope the gift will generate deeper insights into our deeply connected civilisations."

The Asia Research Institute will select the new professor by April, and he or she will spend a few months every year at the institute.

Join ST's WhatsApp Channel and get the latest news and must-reads.