Dr Ilango Karuppannan holds a PhD degree from the University of Malaya. He is currently an Adjunct Professor with Taylor’s University and Associate with International Institute of Public Policy and Management, University of Malaya. Before he retired from Malaysia government service, he was Director, Public Sector Reform Division; Senior Research Fellow, National Institute of Public Administration; Director, Institute of Diplomacy and Foreign Relations; High Commissioner of Malaysia to Singapore; Ambassador to Lebanon; and High Commissioner to Cyprus. He also held various other positions in Embassies of Malaysia and Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Malaysia from 1991-2020. Dr Ilango was awarded “Darjah Indera Mahkota Pahang”, a Royal award carrying the title of “Dato’” for his services.

His research interests include Malaysia’s foreign policy; ASEAN regionalism and comparative regionalism; South China Sea; and Malaysia’s relations with Middle East.

• Malaysia’s Foreign Policy
• ASEAN Diplomacy and Regionalism
• US–China Rivalry and Its Impact on ASEAN
• Malaysia’s Relations with the Middle East

RSIS Commentary Series

• Diplomacy Without Drama: Malaysia’s Role in the Cambodia-Thailand Conflict

  05 August, 2025

• From Rhetoric to Realignment? Anwar Ibrahim and the BRICS Question

  08 July, 2025