Prof. Dr. Choong Chee Keong is the Vice President of Student Development and Alumni Relations at Universiti Tunku Abdul Rahman (UTAR), Malaysia, and holds the prestigious Tan Sri Dato’ Sri Dr Teh Hong Piow Chair in Banking and Finance, sponsored by Public Bank Berhad since September 2012. He earned his Bachelor of Economics (Hons) and Master of Economics from Universiti Putra Malaysia in 2000 and 2002, respectively, and completed his Ph.D. in Financial Economics from the same institution in 2007.

Since joining UTAR in 2003, Prof. Choong has been actively engaged in research on private capital flows, financial systems, and economic integration initiatives such as the ASEAN Economic Community, Trans-Pacific Partnership Agreement, and China’s Belt and Road Initiative. He has published over 180 papers in national and international journals, including top-tier publications such as The Singapore Economic Review, Energy Policy, and Journal of the Asia Pacific Economy. His research has been supported by numerous grants from ministries, public institutions, and private organizations, totaling approximately RM 500,000. Recognized as one of Malaysia’s Top 10 Most Productive Authors in Arts, Humanities, and Social Sciences (2001–2010), his work has received multiple citations and downloads, with a Google Scholar h-index of 19 and i10-index of 35 as of 2017.

Prof. Choong has held various leadership roles at UTAR, including Faculty Research Coordinator, Deputy Dean of R&D and Postgraduate Programmes, Head of Postgraduate Programmes, and Dean of the Faculty of Business and Finance. He has also served on external panels, visiting professorships, and international conference committees. A certified trainer endorsed by the Human Resource Development Fund, he conducts workshops on topics including ASEAN economic integration, TPPA, OBOR, and performance management for universities, banks, and public-listed companies.

An experienced educator, Prof. Choong teaches undergraduate and postgraduate courses in economics, finance, econometrics, and research methodology. He has supervised numerous Ph.D., M.Phil., and master’s students while serving as an external examiner for several universities in Malaysia, India, and Australia. His dedication to research, teaching, and academic leadership continues to influence policy, managerial thinking, and the development of future professionals, fostering knowledge creation and societal impact through collaboration and innovation.