ATHENS, Ohio -- Ohio University is hosting a conference on "Malaysia in the 21st Century" April 2 and 3 at the New Embassy of Malaysia, 3560 International Court NW, Washington, D.C.

"The Razak conference at the New Malaysian Embassy in Washington highlights the special historic relationship Ohio University has with Malaysia," said Ohio University Center for International Studies Director Josep Rota. "Anyone interested in Malaysia and Southeast Asia should not miss this opportunity to hear presentations by both the Malaysian ministers of defense and education as well as other experts on this Southeast Asian nation, an important ally of the United States."

The conference celebrates Ohio University's Tun Abdul Razak Chair, honoring the late Tun Abdul Razak, prime minister of Malaysia from 1970 to 1976. Founded in 1980 by the Malaysian government and U.S. firms operating in Malaysia, the Razak Chair brings Malaysian scholars to Ohio University's Southeast Asian Studies program to teach, lecture and conduct research.

The conference is sponsored by the Ohio University Center for International Studies, Asia Society Washington Center, Boeing, US-ASEAN Business Council, Malaysia-America Society and the Malaysian Strategic Research Center.