Book excerpt: This follows on from the very well-received Volume I UNIVER-CITIES: Strategic Implications for Asia — Readings from Cambridge and Berkeley to Singapore edited by Anthony SC Teo and published in 2013. The early discussions on the topic 'univer-cities' sparked considerable interest, leading to the Inaugural Univer-Cities Conference 2013.Volume II is the result of papers presented at the Inaugural Univer-Cities Conference 2013. Founded by Anthony SC Teo, the Conference was held under the auspices of Nanyang Technological University and the Lee Foundation in Singapore. The Inaugural Address was delivered by His Royal Highness Raja Dr Nazrin Shah and followed by presentations by eminent scholars and leaders of thought from universities all over the world.Building on the foundation for further research, discussion and input from scholars worldwide and the international community, the next univer-cities conference is planned for 2016.*His Royal Highness Raja Dr Nazrin Shah ascended the Throne as the 35th Sultan of Perak Darul Ridzuan on 29 May 2014.