Staff Directory
Academic Qualifications
- Doctor of Philosophy (Political Science) - Doctor of Philosophy, International Islamic University Malaysia
- Master of Science in Comparative Politics (Democracy) - Masters Degree, London School of Economics and Political Science
- Bachelor of Arts - Bachelor Degree, University of Pittsburgh
Syaza Farhana Binti Mohamad Shukri (Assoc. Prof. Dr.)
Associate Professor
IIUM Gombak Campus
ABDULHAMID ABUSULAYMAN KULLIYYAH OF ISLAMIC REVEALED KNOWLEDGE AND HUMAN SCIENCES
syazashukri@iium.edu.my
6052
Expert Profile
Syaza Shukri is an associate professor at IIUM doing research on political science. She is also a visiting senior fellow at the ISEAS-Yusof Ishak Institute in Singapore, a non-resident research fellow at the European Centre for Populism Studies and a visiting fellow at KSI Strategic Institute for Asia Pacific. Syaza also serves as an advisor to the All-Party Parliamentary Group Malaysia (APPGM) on Racial and Religious Harmony, an honorary advisor to Global CFO Network and a columnist for Sinar Daily.
Her area of specialisation is in populism, comparative politics, political Islam and democratisation, with recent focus on her home country of Malaysia. She has published numerous journal articles and book chapters indexed in SCOPUS. Her most recent book is published in October 2024 by Palgrave Macmillan titled Elite Populism and Malay Leaders in Malaysia.
She graduated summa cum laude (with highest honour) for her Bachelor's degree from the University of Pittsburgh, USA, with a double-major in political science and history. She received her Master's degree from the London School of Economics and Political Science (LSE), UK, and her PhD from the International Islamic University Malaysia in 2018.
Syaza has been invited to share her views on various matters with the Lowy Institute, Australian National University's Malaysia Institute, the European Centre for Populism Studies (ECPS), Lahore Institute for Research and Analysis (LIRA), Ummatics, Westminster for Democracy, Asialink (part of the University of Melbourne), the Asia Centre in Thailand, International Institute of Advanced Islamic Studies (IAIS), Islamic Renaissance Front (IRF), Institute Kefahaman Islam Malaysia (IKIM), Penang Women's Development Corporation, Wanita Berdaya Selangor (WBS), Institute of Research and Development Policy (IRDP), the Malaysian Parliament, and Qatar University’s Office for Research and Graduate Studies.
She has also been invited by scholars from different parts of the world, including the United Kingdom, Iran, Japan, Hong Kong, the Netherlands, New Zealand, Australia and Sri Lanka to collaborate on various projects and publications.
Her expert opinion has been sought by the likes of The Economist, Bloomberg, ABC Australia, Germany's ARD, Swiss Radio and Television, Channel News Asia, South China Morning Post, the Anadolu Agency in Turkey, Sinar Daily, New Straits Times, the Malay Mail, Free Malaysia Today, Malaysiakini, Astro Awani and Malaysia's state TV, RTM. She is regularly featured on BFM and Astro AEC.
Area of Specialisation
- Social Science ~ Social Science ~ Political Sciences and Public Policy ~ Other Political Sciences and Public Policy n.e.c.
Professional Membership
- 2015 - 2017 : Member of Profesional Body / Association: (Member), Association of Asian Studies
- 2019 - 2020 : Member of Profesional Body / Association: (Member), Asian Political and International Studies Association
- 2019 : Member of Profesional Body / Association: (Lifetime Member), Persatuan Sains Sosial Malaysia
- 2020 : Member of Profesional Body / Association: (Member), American Political Science Association
- 2022 - 2022 : Member of Profesional Body / Association: (Member), Middle East Studies Association
Teaching Responsibilities
| AMERICAN POLITICS | 2024/2025 |
| COMPARATIVE POLITICS | 2022/2023 2021/2022 |
| COMPARATIVE POLITICS OF THE MUSLIM WORLD | 2021/2022 |
| FINAL YEAR PROJECT I | 2024/2025 2023/2024 2022/2023 2021/2022 2020/2021 2019/2020 |
| FINAL YEAR PROJECT II | 2024/2025 2023/2024 2022/2023 2021/2022 2020/2021 2019/2020 |
| GOVERNMENT AND POLITICS IN THE MIDDLE EAST | 2025/2026 2023/2024 |
| GOVERNMENTAL AND POLITICAL SYSTEMS IN THE MIDDLE EAST | 2021/2022 2020/2021 2019/2020 2018/2019 |
| INDUSTRIAL TRAINING | 2024/2025 2021/2022 2020/2021 2019/2020 |
| INTERNATIONAL POLITICS & THE MUSLIM WORLD | 2022/2023 2021/2022 2020/2021 2019/2020 |
| INTERNATIONAL POLITICS AND THE MUSLIMM WORLD | 2025/2026 |
| INTERNSHIP | 2018/2019 2017/2018 |
| INTRODUCTION TO POLITICAL SCIENCE | 2020/2021 2019/2020 2018/2019 |
| ISLAM IN CONTEMPORARY SOUTHEAST ASIA | 2018/2019 |
| POLITICS OF POPULISM | 2024/2025 2023/2024 2022/2023 |
| RESEARCH METHODOLOGY | 2022/2023 2021/2022 2020/2021 2019/2020 2018/2019 |
| RESEARCH PAPER I | 2024/2025 2023/2024 2020/2021 |
| RESEARCH PAPER II | 2023/2024 2020/2021 |
| THE GEOPOLITICS OF THE MUSLIM WORLD | 2020/2021 |
Supervision
|
China'S Soft Power Approach In Engaging With Afghanistan (2002-2023)
.
Ph.D
Completed
2025
Co-supervisor
|
|
Political Leadership In Islamic Governance: A Policy Analysis Of Turkiye And Malaysia.
Ph.D
Completed
2024
Main Supervisor
|
|
Examining Youth Development In Bangladesh Through The Lens Of Positive Youth Development: A Comparative Analysis Of Governmental And Non-Governmental Approaches.
Ph.D
Completed
2024
Main Supervisor
|
|
Political Leadership In Islamic Governance: A Policy Analysis Of Turkiye And Malaysia.
Ph.D
Completed
2024
Main Supervisor
|
|
Examining Youth Development In Bangladesh Through The Lens Of Positive Youth Development: A Comparative Analysis Of Governmental And Non-Governmental Approaches.
Ph.D
Completed
2024
Co-supervisor
|
|
Examining Youth Development In Bangladesh Through The Lens Of Positive Youth Development: A Comparative Analysis Of Governmental And Non-Governmental Approaches.
Ph.D
Completed
2024
Co-supervisor
|
|
The Development Of Political Islam In Indonesia During Reformation Period
(1998-2019).
Ph.D
Completed
2021
Co-supervisor
|
|
Ethno-Sectarian Conflicts And Interventions In Iraq: Security Dilemma Theory And Conflict Transformation, 2003-2020.
Ph.D
Completed
2021
Co-supervisor
|
|
ANALYSIS OF FACTORS AND FORMS OF ISLAMOPHOBIA IN INDONESIA. Analysis Of Factors And Forms Of Islamophobia In Indonesia.
Ph.D
In Progress
Main Supervisor
|
|
Intellectual Political Leadership: An Analysis of Anwar Ibrahim's Political Contributions as an Intellectual. Intellectual Political Leadership: An Analysis Of Anwar Ibrahim'S Political Contributions As An Intellectual.
Ph.D
In Progress
Main Supervisor
|
|
Contributions of female leaders in women's rights practices in Tanzania. A case study of Mwanza Region from 2015-2024.. Contributions Of Female Leaders In Women'S Rights Practices In Tanzania. A Case Study Of Mwanza Region From 2015-2024..
Ph.D
In Progress
Co-supervisor
|
|
The Conceptualization Of Islamophobia And Sinophobia In Western Security Discourses : An Islamic Perspective.
Ph.D
In Progress
Co-supervisor
|
|
Political Awareness Among Iium Indonesian Students Towards The Presidential Election In 2024.
Master
Completed
2024
Main Supervisor
|
|
The Islamophobic Rhetoric Of The Turkish Opposition: A Discourse Analysis Of Press Statements From Opposition Leaders Between 2013 - 2022.
Master
Completed
2024
Main Supervisor
|
|
Post - Conflict Acheh: A Community Based Approach To The Role Of Komisi Kebenaran Dan Rekonsiliasi Aceh (Truth And Reconciliation Commission).
Master
Completed
2023
Main Supervisor
|
|
Awareness, Knowledge, And Public Perception Towards Democracy Among Literate Residents In Kabul.
Master
Completed
2022
Main Supervisor
|
|
Development Of The Islamic Worldview Into An Analytical Tool For Malaysia'S Muslim Political Leaders.
Master
Completed
2022
Main Supervisor
|
|
Foreign Policy Of Afghanistan Under President Mohammad Daoud Khan 1973 - 1978
.
Master
Completed
2022
Co-supervisor
|
|
Foreign Policy Of Afghanistan Under President Mohammad Daoud Khan 1973 - 1978
.
Master
Completed
2022
Co-supervisor
|
|
Challenges Of Democratization In Kurdistan Region Of Iraq And The Role Of The Elite 2003-2018.
Master
Completed
2021
Main Supervisor
|
|
Challenges Of Democratization In Kurdistan Region Of Iraq And The Role Of The Elite 2003-2018.
Master
Completed
2021
Main Supervisor
|
|
Analysis Of Malaysia'S Role In The South China Sea Dispute Between China And The United States.
Master
Completed
2021
Main Supervisor
|
|
Women Political Empowerment: Political Parties As Agent Of Political Socialization In Empowering Women Political Participation.
Master
Completed
2021
Co-supervisor
|
|
Strategies And Approaches Of Malaysian Life Line For Syria (Mllfs).
Master
Completed
2019
Main Supervisor
|
|
Domestic Influence Of Malaysia Foreign Policy Towards Palestine; A Case Study.
Master
In Progress
Main Supervisor
|
Research Projects
Completed
| 2023 - 2023 | Societal Developments in Malaysia |
| 2022 - 2024 | International Relations Theory and the Muslim World: Toward an Islamic IR Theory |
| 2021 - 2022 | The Application of Maqasid al-Shariah in Multicultural Malaysia: Developing Strong Institutions for Interethnic Unity |
| 2020 - 2022 | Analysis on interethnic inclusivity to develop peaceful national co-existence: Convergence or Divergence between urban Malay-Bumiputera in Kuala Lumpur and Kuching |
| 2018 - 2023 | New Framework to Enhance Women's Leadership and Political Empowerment in Achieving Inclusive Development |
| 2018 - 2019 | Diskriminasi Gender Dalam Amalan Pekerjaan dikalangan golongan Profesional |
On-Going
| 2025 - Present | Family Friendly Employment Practices and Policies in Selangor |
| 2024 - Present | A Critical Analysis of Western Political Economy Modern Theories and the Absence of Ethics and Moralities: The Necessity of Integrating Maqasid Shariah |
| 2024 - Present | Malaysia ASEAN Chairmanship 2025: Exploring Roles and Perception |
| 2023 - Present | Muslim Politics in Plural Societies |
| 2020 - Present | Islamophobia in Non-Western Context: The Cases of Bangladesh and Indonesia |
Awards & Recognition
| 25 Jun, 2025 | 6-Star Rating in MyRA 2024 - International Islamic University Malaysia | University |
| 28 Feb, 2025 | Advisor - Others | National |
| 19 Feb, 2025 | International Research Award - Silver - AHAS KIRKHS | KCDIO |
| 19 Feb, 2025 | Exemplary Consultancy Award - Silver - AHAS KIRKHS | KCDIO |
| 01 Aug, 2024 | Fellow - Others | National |
| 01 Dec, 2023 | Fellow - ISEAS-Yusof Ishak Institute | International |
| 09 Jun, 2023 | Integrity Award - Silver - AHAS KIRKHS | KCDIO |
| 10 Jun, 2022 | Promising Award for Research - Gold - AHAS KIRKHS | KCDIO |
| 22 Feb, 2022 | Fellow - European Centre for Populism Studies (ECPS) | International |
| 21 Jun, 2021 | Promising Award for Research - KIRKHS | KCDIO |
Publications
Articles
Conference or Workshop Items
| 2023 | Populist leaders in Malaysia: why are they popular?. In: Scholarship Advancement Programme, |
| 2023 | Three decades of digital authoritarianism in Malaysia: the government’s role in polarizing society. In: The Malaysia and Singapore Society of Australia (MASSA) Symposium 2023 'Who Are You, Malaysia? Representations of Malaysia's Past, Present and Future after 60 Years of Nationhood.', |
| 2022 | Evolving visions of paradise: how Mahathir Mohamad used Islam. In: Scholarship Advancement Programme (SAP), |
| 2022 | The application of maqasid al-shariah in multicultural Malaysia: developing strong institutions for interethnic unity. In: IIIT-STRATEGIC RESEARCH PROJECT (SRP) 2020 “APPLIED MAQASID STUDIES”, |
| 2022 | The role of Islamic governance in promoting national peace and security: the case of Malaysia (2010-2020). In: International Conference On Peace & Conflict Resolution (ICPCR) 2022, |
| 2021 | In Limbo: Islamist populism and democratic stagnation in Malaysia. In: International Symposium on Democratic Governance and Democratic Recession in the Indo-Pacific Region, |
| 2021 | Muslim minority and transnational jihad: The cases of Xinjiang and Rakhine. In: 4th Politics & International Relations Congress, |
| 2021 | Stuck in limbo: Islamist populism a factor of Malaysia’s inability to consolidate democracy. In: SEARI: Democratic Recession in Southeast Asia, |
| 2020 | An analysis of public sentiments towards Malaysian Government's Policies in managing COVID-19 pandemic. In: WAPOR Asia 3rd Annual Conference:, |
| 2020 | Dignity and political expectation of the Malay electorate in Malaysia. In: 1st Virtual International Conference on Equality, Religious Harmony and Peace 2020, |
| 2019 | Populism in Muslim democracies and its absence. In: International Conference on Religion, Governance and Sustainable Development, |
| 2019 | Populism in Muslim democracies and its absence. In: Asia Pacific Social Sciences Conference, |
| 2018 | Islamophobia in the most populous Muslim majority country: a case study of Indonesia. In: International Conference on Religion, Culture and Governance in the Contemporary World (ICRCG 2018), |
| 2018 | Malaysia-Qatar relationship: perspective from Malaysia: an emerging middle power. In: The 3rd Annual International Interdisciplinary Conference 2018, |
| 2017 | Changing strategy by the AKP: the power of populism in the 21st century. In: Rethinking Governance in an Era of Global Insecurities, Regional Tensions and Rising Nationalism 2017, |
| 2015 | The role of ethnic politics in promoting democratic governance: a case study of Malaysia. In: 9th Asian Political and International Studies Association Conference (APISA 9), |
Books
| 2025 | Youth and civic engagement in Southeast Asia: a survey of undergraduates in six countries. ISEAS – Yusof Ishak Institute, ISBN: 978-981-5306-19-4 |
| 2025 | Youth perceptions of income inequality in six Southeast Asian countries. ISEAS Publishing, ISBN: 978981530691 |
| 2024 | Elite populism and Malay political leaders in Malaysia. Palgrave Macmillan, Springer, ISBN: 978-981-97-6300-9 |
| 2024 | Islamist parties and power in democratic nation-states: a comparative analysis of six Muslim-majority countries. Palgrave Macmillan, ISBN: 978-981-97-4342-1 |
| 2024 | State transformation and development in a changing world. Mashreq International for books, ISBN: 978 967 2416 85 2 |
| 2024 | Why young Malay voters in Malaysia are "turning green". ISEAS Publishing, ISBN: 9789815203554 (ISSN: 0219-3213) |
| 2023 | Pandemic, politics, and a fairer society in Southeast Asia: a Malaysian perspective. Emerald Publishing, ISBN: 978-1-80455-589-7 |
Book Sections
| 2025 | Politics & governance. In: Centre for Islamisation (CENTRIS), IIUM, ISBN: 978-629-95416-1-5, pp. 52-69 |
| 2024 | Populism as a strategy in Malaysia. In: Routledge, ISBN: 9781032508207, pp. 86-106 |
| 2023 | Conclusion: post-pandemic and future research on sustainability. In: Emerald Publishing, ISBN: 978-1-80455-589-7, pp. 207-211 |
| 2023 | Digital authoritarianism and religion in Indonesia. In: Palgrave Macmillan, ISBN: 978-981-99-3599-4, pp. 53-80 |
| 2023 | Digital authoritarianism and religion in Malaysia. In: Palgrave Macmillan, ISBN: 978-981-99-3599-4, pp. 81-107 |
| 2023 | Gender gap in politics: a systematic review on Malaysia as a case study. In: Partridge, ISBN: 978-1-5437-7278-4 (Hardcover), 978-1-5437-7277-7 (Softcover), pp. |
| 2023 | In Limbo: Islamist populism and democratic stagnation in Malaysia. In: Springer Nature, ISBN: 978-981-19-9810-2, pp. 93-115 |
| 2023 | Islam and populism in the Asia Pacific. In: Routledge, ISBN: , pp. 134-148 |
| 2023 | Malaysia: Islamist civilizational populism. In: Palgrave Macmillan, ISBN: 978-981-99-4261-9, pp. 169-194 |
| 2023 | Public perception of Malaysian government management during the first wave of COVID-19 outbreak. In: Emerald Publishing, ISBN: 978-1-80455-589-7, pp. 113-136 |
| 2022 | In Limbo: Islamist populism and democratic stagnation in Malaysia. In: Springer Nature, ISBN: , pp. |
| 2022 | In Limbo: Islamist populism and democratic stagnation in Malaysia. In: Springer Nature, ISBN: , pp. |
| 2021 | The Malaysia-Qatar relationship: The perspective from Malaysia -- an emerging middle power. In: Springer Nature, ISBN: 978-981-15-8734-4, pp. 211-228 |
| 2021 | The Malaysia-Qatar relationship: The perspective from Malaysia -- an emerging middle power. In: Springer Nature, ISBN: 978-981-15-8734-4, pp. 211-228 |
Monograph
| 2022 | Religious populism: cyberspace and digital authoritarianism in Asia. In: European Center for Populism Studies, |
| 2019 | Diskriminasi gender dalam amalan pekerjaan di kalangan penjawat awam di negeri Selangor. In: Institut Wanita Berdaya, |