I am pleased to share the launch of the Tan Sri Dr Lim Wee Chai Visiting Fellowship at the Oxford Centre for Islamic Studies (OCIS), University of Oxford, an initiative dedicated to advancing knowledge, encouraging international academic exchange and supporting research that can contribute positively to society.
The Fellowship was officially launched on 18 August 2026 and will provide an international researcher with the opportunity to undertake advanced independent research at Oxford for up to one academic year.
Supported by an endowment valued at £1.8 million, the Fellowship welcomes research across the humanities, social sciences and sciences, with an emphasis on work that can contribute to the betterment of society globally.
Investing in Knowledge and Future Generations
Education and lifelong learning have always been important parts of my personal journey.
Growing up in Titi, Jelebu, Negeri Sembilan, education gave me opportunities to learn, develop and eventually build a business that could compete on a global stage.
I have always believed that success should go beyond what we achieve for ourselves. It should also create opportunities for others.
This is closely connected to my philosophy:
“Doing Well by Doing Good.”
Through this Fellowship, I hope researchers will be given the time, environment and academic resources they need to develop meaningful ideas, generate new knowledge and pursue work that can improve lives.
It is also my hope that initiatives such as this will, in their own way, help put Malaysia on the world map for doing good and encourage more Malaysian individuals and businesses to invest in education, scholarship and human potential.
Building Bridges Through Global Scholarship
The launch was officiated by Malaysia’s Minister of Higher Education, YB Dato’ Seri Diraja Dr Zambry bin Abd Kadir.
During the launch, he highlighted the importance of providing researchers with the academic environment and time required to undertake serious work that contributes to both knowledge and society.
He also reflected on how education can create opportunities regardless of where a person begins in life, and expressed his hope that more Malaysian businesses and individuals would be inspired to support education and scholarship.
Dr Farhan Nizami CBE, Director of the Oxford Centre for Islamic Studies, also welcomed the establishment of the Fellowship and the opportunities it will create for scholars from around the world.
The Fellowship will enable visiting scholars to spend sustained time at Oxford, encouraging deeper research, new relationships, intellectual exchange and ideas with wider societal relevance.
A Commitment Beyond Business
For me, this Fellowship represents more than an academic programme.
It reflects values that I have tried to practise throughout my life: discipline, hard work, good health, lifelong learning, compassion and giving back to society.
Business success becomes more meaningful when it creates opportunities for others to grow.
By investing in education and knowledge today, we can help develop researchers, leaders and ideas that may benefit communities for generations to come.
I look forward to seeing the research, collaborations and positive impact that will emerge from the Tan Sri Dr Lim Wee Chai Visiting Fellowship in the years ahead.
Doing Well by Doing Good.
