Episode 108: Hew Wai Weng, Institute of Malaysian and International Studies, National University of Malaysia)

In this episode, host Francine Barchett interviewed Dr. Hew Wai Weng, a research fellow at the Institute of Malaysian and International Studies, National University of Malaysia. He is currently a visiting fellow at Cornell University under the Fulbright Malaysia Scholar Program. He discusses the rise of right-wing majoritarianism and the popularity of decolonial discourses in Malaysia, explaining how "decolonial" rhetoric feeds into right-wing propaganda in political campaigns, social activism, academic writings, and pop culture. Finally, he draws attention to the possible danger and limitations of decolonial scholarship.  Lightning Round: 3:43   Research and lecture summary: 9:20   Advice for researchers and recommendations: 44:15   Dr. Hew Wai Weng's Top Recommendations: La Luna Tiger Stripes The music on the podcast is from "Me and Some Friends", a musical project by a group of friends at Cornell, to experiment with how the beautiful timbres of Gamelan music can meld with hypnotic guitar parts to create a contemplative and unique experience. Check them out here. Produced by Neen Tangcharoenmonkong and Kelly Ryoo.