SEAS:  Dr. Habibah Ashari, OHIO’s new Tun Abdul Razak Chair, arrived in Athens in July 2011.  Dr. Habibah, what is your initial impression of Athens?

HA:  My family and I have looked forward to being in Athens since it was announced that I would be the next holder of the Tun Abdul Razak Chair.  Coming from the big city [of Kuala Lumpur], we love the smallness of Athens; you can walk everywhere!  We do a lot of walking and my son and husband do a lot of cycling.  It is very quiet at night in our neighbourhood and we savour the many sounds of different birds early in the evening and at dawn.

The Ohio University campus is very beautiful.  The people are very nice, helpful and welcoming.  In turn, we hope to welcome our new friends and colleagues at the university to our home to sample Malaysian food and hospitality.  I look forward to working with colleagues at the Center for International Studies and beyond, and I look forward to serving Ohio University as the 14th holder of the Tun Abdul Razak Chair.

SEAS: And we look forward to working with you! Many thanks for coming all the way to Athens, and to OHIO. Selamat datang!

[Editor’s note: A full interview with Dr. Habibah appears in the current issue of Monsoon]