Well-deserved: Cheah (centre) posing for a photo with Smith (left) and Callender during her appointment.
UNIVERSITI Tunku Abdul Rahman (UTAR) academic Assoc Prof Dr Cheah Phaik Kin has been appointed as a visiting fellow in volunteer law enforcement at the Institute for Public Safety, Crime and Justice (IPSCJ), University of Northampton, United Kingdom.
The appointment on Jan 3 by the UK varsity’s research, impact and innovation dean Dr Cathy Smith was in recognition of Cheah’s scholastic achievements in the broad area of volunteer law enforcement.
Describing Cheah as an esteemed scholar in volunteer law enforcement, Smith said the appointment was well-deserved as Cheah had led a team to publish the first scientific report on volunteer policing in Malaysia.
“We are pleased to have her accept this appointment and she is an asset to our team.
“The university is very proud to collaborate with Cheah in this area of research as volunteer law enforcement has existed for many years, but research in this area has a lot of potential.
“Volunteer law enforcement is an essential component in many nations and communities to complement and support full-time law enforcement officers. Furthermore, being a volunteer law enforcement officer in the Royal Malaysia Police Volunteer Reserve, Cheah’s role as a scholar and practitioner gives her unique insights to facilitate the advancement of knowledge,” Smith said in a press release.
IPSCJ director Prof Matthew Callender said Cheah had significant experience in the field of volunteering in law enforcement and added to a growing international network of academics and practitioners working in the institute.
“The IPSCJ is a globally leading organisation in this field and most recently convened an international roundtable event in London.
“I am excited for the collaborative opportunities this appointment will bring, as well as strengthened ties between UTAR and the University of Northampton.”Cheah expressed appreciation for the appointment in recognition of her work.
“I am grateful to the University of Northampton for this appointment in recognition of my research in the area of volunteer policing. Research in this area is still scarce even though volunteer police officers all over the world play an important role and make significant contributions to communities and nations.”
She added that the research collaboration would pave the way for more projects and activities that would accelerate the growth of research in this area.
