PIO Academic Conference

The PIO Academic Conference 2024, held on 15th September 2024 at Vivekananda Ashrama in Brickfields, Kuala Lumpur, brought together 50 attendees, including scholars, academicians, and community leaders, to discuss key issues impacting the People of Indian Origin (PIO). Chaired by Professor Dr. Ravichandran Moorthy and inaugurated by His Excellency Mr. B.N. Reddy, the High Commissioner of India to Malaysia, the event provided a platform to explore historical and contemporary challenges faced by the PIO community. The conference highlighted the importance of fostering unity and pride within the community while promoting actionable strategies to address evolving needs.

The conference featured 16 insightful papers presented by distinguished speakers, covering a wide range of topics from historical migrations to modern socio-economic contributions of the PIO community. These presentations underscored the importance of preserving cultural heritage, addressing systemic issues, and leveraging collective strengths to ensure the community’s future progress. Discussions also focused on enhancing educational opportunities and empowering the youth as catalysts for positive change.

A major milestone of the event was the launch of the PIO Studies Journal series, a significant step toward documenting the community’s rich contributions and experiences. Another key initiative announced was the proposed establishment of a PIO Studies Chair at a local university, aimed at fostering sustained academic research and dialogue on issues pertinent to the PIO community.

The conference celebrated the heritage and resilience of the PIO community, inspiring attendees with a renewed sense of pride and purpose. By bridging academic insights with practical strategies, the event served as a catalyst for future initiatives to support the PIO community’s growth and development in Malaysia and beyond.