Phar Kim Beng, PhD (Meiji), is a Professor of ASEAN Studies at the International Islamic University Malaysia (IIUM) and Director of the Institute of Internationalization and ASEAN Studies (IINTAS). He previously served as the Senior Writer for The Straits Times (Singapore) while based at the Fletcher School of Law and Diplomacy and Harvard University between 1998 and 2001.

During his tenure at Harvard, he received multiple Derek Bok Teaching Distinction Awards for his work in courses including the Cultural Revolution of China, Modern China, Asian International Relations, Confucianism, War and Peace Since the 15th Century, and Modern Economic History.

Between 2002 and 2003, Dr. Phar was a Senior Research Associate and Tutor at the University of Hong Kong and City University of Hong Kong, focusing on Politics, Democratic Studies, and Asia-Pacific Track 2 Diplomacy. A prolific Op-Ed specialist, his work has been published extensively in The Straits Times, The South China Morning Post, The Edge, Nikkei, Asahi Shimbun, Awani, Bernama, Malaysiakini, New Straits Times, and The Star. He formerly served as the Director of ASEAN in the Political-Security Community and has been a columnist for The Jakarta Post since August 2019.