Hong Ching Goh, PhD

What’s the work that you do?

I am an associate professor in an Urban and Regional Planning Program. I’m also a member of the Malaysian National Antarctic Research Center, with its secretariat based in Universiti Malaya. In terms of research, my focus is on the interface of development and conservation domains and the cross-cutting challenges and implications that affect them. These include tourism planning, impact management and the multi-level governance of natural resources and protected areas. My approach to climate change-related research is interdisciplinary. I am also becoming more and more interested in intersectionality.

What keeps you going?

The interconnectedness and integration of all beings is central to my life principle and core to my research approach. This guides me to see everything that happens through a lens of curiosity and empathy.

What’s your message to the world?

It is crucial for both humankind and the polar scientific community that polar research and education be inclusive rather than exclusive. Empathy and passion for all creatures is key. With environmental ethics in mind and at heart, we can’t help but see how relevant the polar regions are to us.