The Interview of the Month - Dr Yee-Fui Ng

A journey of discovery and collaboration across Europe with Monash University’s Dr Yee-Fui Ng

Dr Yee-Fui Ng, an Associate Professor and Director, Higher Degree by Research, in the faculty of Law at Monash University, was standing atop Mount Fuji when she received the news that would set her on an exciting new trajectory: becoming the inaugural Australian member of the prestigious EUTOPIA Young Leaders’ Academy, a role that would not only elevate her own research but also shine a spotlight on the expansive collaborative opportunities available through Monash's European partnerships.

Dr Ng's immersion in the Young Leaders’ Academy began in France, followed by a visit to Nova University in Lisbon, Portugal where she shared insights into the Australian legal system with constitutional law students, noting their "super engaged" response to "bringing Australia to Europe." A key benefit of participating in the Young Leaders’ Academy has been the interdisciplinary exchange. Connecting with fellows from diverse fields, from Swahili languages to machine learning, has been invaluable for her research on automated government decision-making, allowing her to collaborate on ideas with those on the technical side.

Her interest in the EUTOPIA alliance was sparked by Europe's leading role in regulation, particularly in AI, data protection (GDPR), and digital services. Having published a book comparing automated decision-making in the US, UK, and Australia, Dr Ng saw the European Union as the logical next step for her comparative work. The EUTOPIA alliance amplifies her research by providing crucial context and connections. Upcoming trips i.e. to EUTOPIA Week in Venice in December, followed by co-organising a symposium in Barcelona in 2026 will strengthen these ties, facilitating direct engagement with academics and government authorities, including those working on the EU's new lobbying regulations.

 
Beyond individual research, EUTOPIA’s Young Leaders’ Academy offers formal leadership development. Dr Ng found sessions on the evolution of research teams and leadership styles particularly insightful. As the first Australian recipient of this award, Dr Ng serves as a vital ambassador, raising awareness of Monash's global partnership with EUTOPIA. 

Her participation strengthens Monash’s global partnerships with EUTOPIA and other European institutions, while also highlighting new avenues for collaboration. Through the Monash University European Research Foundation (MUERF), Monash is expanding its research and innovation footprint in Europe - deepening connections with higher education, research, and industry alliances, and positioning itself to engage more fully in collaborative European initiatives and funding opportunities.

Dr Ng also encourages Europe-based academics and students to engage with the Monash University Prato campus in Italy. She recently ran a roundtable on AI regulation and governance there, which will result in an edited collection with Hart Publishing, bringing together authors from across the globe. She emphasises that the Prato campus, combined with Monash researchers' ability to apply for EU funding through the Monash University European Research Foundation has opened up significant avenues for collaboration. 
 
Looking ahead, Dr Ng aims to forge "beneficial and productive collaborations" with colleagues in Europe, leading to joint publications and grant applications tackling critical societal issues such as disinformation and AI regulation. Her journey will continue with EUTOPIA Week in Venice and a co-organised symposium in Barcelona next year. Dr Yee-Fui Ng's experience underscores the immense potential for international collaboration and mission-oriented research within the EUTOPIA alliance.

For more information on Monash University’s international education and research opportunities, visit Monash University International website.