By LONG Yun & ZHONG Jianli

Professor Alain Chong. (PHOTO: S&T Daily)

Malaysian Alain Chong, Vice Provost for Global Engagement and Partnerships and Professor in information systems at the University of Nottingham Ningbo China (UNNC), has spent over a decade in Ningbo city, contributing significantly to the academic community at UNNC. Prior to sitting down to talk to Science and Technology Daily (S&T Daily), his content on China's major social media platforms had already gone viral, displaying his unique contemporary approach to research and engagement.

Openness to new possibilities

As an active member of the information systems community, Chong has published over 100 articles, several in reputable journals, including the Journal of the Association for Information Systems, Information Systems Journal, Journal of the Academy of Marketing Science, Decision Support Systems, and the European Journal of Operations Research.

His innovative spirit and openness to new possibilities have driven his interest in cutting-edge technologies such as social media, big data, and live streaming, and their impact on business and society in Asia.

When being asked about the key trends and developments in Information Systems that excite him most, Chong highlighted the significant advancements in AI and machine learning. "AI has been around for quite some time," he said, "but given the advancements in computing processing power and the amount of data we have, it's quite exciting where we are with AI."

He believes that AI has the potential to address many social challenges, including sustainability issues, climate change, and healthcare. "AI can make significant advancements in areas like biotech and the environment, advancing knowledge and benefiting society," he said.

He is equally interested in the transformative potential of blockchain and cloud computing, which he believes can enhance trust and traceability in business operations.

Balancing his social roles

Chong is adept at telling stories about his research, making complex concepts understandable and relevant to students. He finds his dual role as a researcher and educator deeply rewarding. At UNNC, he integrates his research insights into his teaching, enhancing the learning experience for his students. Being a good teacher is integral to being a good researcher, said Chong.

"When I was a student growing up, my most common question to my math teacher was always, 'How is this relevant?'" he recalled. He emphasizes the importance of showing students the practical applications of their learning. "A good teacher must have good research to share what is happening in the real world," he said, highlighting the complementary nature of teaching and research.

According to Chong, international cooperation is paramount for fostering a rich and diverse learning environment, He has seen firsthand the benefits of such collaboration both personally and professionally.

"International cooperation goes beyond just exchanging knowledge; it involves cultural immersion and understanding," he said.

At UNNC, the diverse faculty brings unique insights to teaching and research, enhancing the quality of academic endeavors. Chong highlighted that collaborating with colleagues from various backgrounds allows for innovative approaches to global challenges. "By sharing insights and resources, researchers can address complex global challenges more effectively," he said.

An inclusive, nurturing environment

At the national level, China offers numerous programs that researchers can apply for, providing research grants and other incentives to attract international talent or overseas returnees. "These incentives are vital," Chong emphasized. "They help researchers do their work because it's challenging to be successful in a new country without initial funding to get things started, whether it's getting PhD students or establishing company connections."

Chong highlighted that these schemes go beyond mere financial support. "It's not just about the money; it's about how it helps you settle in so you can focus on your work," he said.

According to Chong, the schemes facilitate research by providing a foundation that makes it easier to integrate into the academic environment. "Even as foreigners, we can apply for specific grants tailored for international researchers," said Chong, adding that, "This openness is not something you find everywhere."

Chong believes the inclusive funding policy is crucial for driving progress in science and research. This approach not only attracts international talent, but also fosters a diverse and dynamic research environment where innovation can thrive.

In addition, China's sincerity is not limited to this sphere. Relevant services the government provides are also impressive. For example, you can visit tourist sites for free during specific times.

"It's not a lot, but it makes you feel appreciated. There are discounts at certain restaurants and many services available through an app, like arranging for your children's schools and financial planning advice. These little things that the government does make a big difference," said Chong, adding it helps international researchers feel valued and supported.

This article is also contributed by UNNC.