Department Of Research Synergy
Overview
At Universiti Malaya, Department of Research Synergy was established in 2025 to strengthen the university’s research ecosystem by enhancing collaboration, visibility, and strategic alignment across more than 80 research centres. These include Tier 7 Centres of Research (CoRs), Centres of Excellence (CoEs), UM-designated Centres of Excellence (UMCoEs), Higher Institution Centres of Excellence (HICoEs), and national Top-Down research initiatives. We are building a research environment that is inclusive, integrated, and investment-ready—where bold ideas are matched with the right expertise, partnerships, and platforms to deliver real-world impact
Our Vision
- Transform UM’s research ecosystem from fragmented excellence to synergistic impact
- Driving national relevance
- Fostering interdisciplinary collaboration
- Positioning UM as a civilizational university
Our Mission
Support UM’s transformation into a national and global leader in research innovation
- Connect: Pair emerging research centres (CoRs) with mentors, strategic funds, and platforms for growth
- Mediate: Curate partnerships across faculties and sectors to enable CoEs to lead collaborative projects
- Elevate: Coach and support UM’s top-performing centres in their journey toward national and international recognition (HiCoE, global rankings, flagship projects)
Assoc. Prof. Dr. Roslina Ismail
Executive Director
roslina_i@um.edu.my
03-7967 7824
Mrs. Nor Azian binti Abdul Bari
Senior Principal Assistant Registrar
norazian@um.edu.my 
Our work is guided by four strategic pillars aligned with Malaysia’s national research priorities and the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs). Drawing strength from the UM 10 National Research Thrusts, these pillars provide a structured framework for our funding, collaboration, and evaluation mechanisms:
- Frontiers of Knowledge: Advancing Artificial Intelligence, DeepTech, Quantum Science, and Advanced Materials.
- Planet & Humanity: Addressing Food Security, Health Systems, and Environmental Sustainability.
- Resilient Ecosystems: Fostering national resilience through digital transformation, preparedness, and interdisciplinary research.
- Global Civilisational Dialogue: Driving social impact, policy development, law, cultural heritage, and diplomacy.
These pillars are operationalised through UM’s 10 National Research Thrust, providing a focused framework for research development, collaboration, funding and impact evaluation.
10 New Thrust Area
Nuclear Energy And New Energy Transition
Artificial Intelligence and Digital Robotic Realm
Centre of AI & Emerging Technologies Centre of Excellence for Food Security and Intelligent Farming Future Sustainable Energy Quantum Information Science and Technology (QIST) Centre of Excellence for Rare Earth Elements, Analysis, Technology & Exploration (CREEATE) Smart Mobility Centre of Research for Cyber Security & Network (CSNET) Centre for Applied Biomechanics (CAB) Center for Innovative Construction Technology (CICT) Centre of Intelligent Systems for Emerging Technology (CISET) Centre for Transportation Research Centre for Fundamental and Frontier Sciences in Nanostructure Self-Assembly (FSSA) Low Dimensional Materials Research Centre
Defence & Security Assets & Inventory Innovation & Creation
......
Comprehensive Medical & Health Spectrum Excellence
Centre of Excellence for Innovative Medical Devices – CIMD Quantum Information Science and Technology (QIST) Urban Ecosystem, Culture and Heritage Centre for Applied Biomechanics (CAB) Centre for Population Health (CePH) Centre of Excellence for Research in Infectious Diseases and AIDS (CERIA) National Orthopaedic Centre of Excellence for Research & Learning (NOCERAL) Universiti Malaya Research Center for Biopharmaceuticals and Advanced Therapeutics (UBAT) Center for Theoretical and Computational Physics (CTCP) University of Malaya Cancer Research Institute (UMCRI) Centre for Natural Products Research and Drug Discovery (CENAR) Centre for Innovation in Medical Engineering (CIME) Oral Cancer Research & Coordinating Centre (OCRCC) UNIVERSITI MALAYA CENTRE FOR PROTEOMICS RESEARCH (UMCPR) Plasma Technology Research Centre
Food Sustainability and Security
Climate Preparedness and Community Resilience Centre of Excellence for Food Security and Intelligent Farming Centre of Excellence for Innovative Medical Devices – CIMD Sustainable Process Engineering Center (SPEC) MUSHROOM RESEARCH CENTRE UNIVERSITI MALAYA (MRCUM) Plasma Technology Research Centre
Nanotechnology and Quantum Exploration
Future Sustainable Energy Quantum Information Science and Technology (QIST) Center for Innovative Construction Technology (CICT) Sustainable Process Engineering Center (SPEC) Center for Theoretical and Computational Physics (CTCP) Center for Data Analytics Consultancy and Services (UM-CDACS)
Space Science & New Engineering Spectrum
Centre of Excellence for Rare Earth Elements, Analysis, Technology & Exploration (CREEATE) Urban Ecosystem, Culture and Heritage The Centre for Building, Construction & Tropical Architecture (BuCTA) Sustainable Process Engineering Center (SPEC) Centre of Advanced Manufacturing and Material Processing (AMMP Centre)
Social Science Advancement in Economic, Smart Finance,Social,International & Law & Geopolitical Spectrum
Climate Preparedness and Community Resilience Centre of Excellence for Innovative Medical Devices – CIMD Micro, Small, and Medium Enterprises (MSME) Urban Ecosystem, Culture and Heritage Humanistic Buddhism Research Centre Hong Lou Meng Research Centre Malaysian Chinese Literature Research Centre (MCLRC)L) Centre for Sustainable Urban Planning & Real Estate (SUPRE) Universiti Malaya Family Research Development and Centre (UMFRDC) Center for Theoretical and Computational Physics (CTCP) Centre of Quranic Research (CQR) Pusat Penyelidikan Cina Malaysia / Malaysian Chinese Research Centre (MCRC) Malaysian Population and Migration Research Centre (MPMRC) Universiti Malaya Centre for Taxation Research (UMCTR)Higher Institution Centre of Excellent (HICOE)
The Higher Institution Centre of Excellence (HICoE) title is awarded by Malaysia’s Ministry of Higher Education to top university research hubs. These centres drive high-impact research, foster industry partnerships, and address key national and global challenges. Universiti Malaya is home to five HICoE-designated centres:Nationally awarded by KPT for world-class output (based on niche, economic impact, policy influence or innovation). Build roadmap, curate metrics, act as research steward
UM Power Energy Dedicated Advanced Centre (UMPEDAC)
Despite its humble beginnings in the year 2000, a small research laboratory with only a handful of engineering students with limited funds and facilities, UMPEDAC rose through the ranks to emerge as the nationally acclaimed Higher Institution Centre of Excellence (HICoE) in Engineering Research Cluster in 2009 that it is today.
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Photonics Research Centre (PHOTONIC)
PRCUM was established in the year 1979 as Laser Laboratory by Prof. Tan Beng Cheok. In conducting laser research, the laboratory employs multiple lasers and associated optical systems.
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Institute of Ocean and Earth Sciences (IOES)
Aligning institutional discovery frameworks to pursue pioneering scientific research, provide advanced professional instruction, and deliver crucial advisory guidelines for maritime governance.
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Tropical Infectious Diseases Research & Education Centre (TIDREC)
Founded in 2008, the Tropical Infectious Diseases Research & Education Centre (TIDREC) at the Universiti Malaya is the leader in Malaysia’s tropical infectious diseases research and education. It is one of the 20 Ministry of Higher Education (MOHE)’s Higher Institution Centre of Excellence (HICoE) and the only one for tropical infectious diseases.
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Nanotechnology and Catalysis Research Center (NANOCAT)
NANOCAT is a PTJ incorporated by the Universiti Malaya (UM) in 2012, a Universiti Malaya Centre of Excellence (UMCOE). Its mission is to be a world leader in catalysis and nanotechnology coining sustainability and green technology.
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Universiti Malaya Centres of Excellence (UMCoE) – Institutional Research Excellence
The Universiti Malaya Centre of Excellence (UMCoE) status recognizes top-tier research hubs driving innovation, collaboration, and academic leadership. Equipped with specialized expertise and modern facilities, these centres deliver high-impact research that supports national goals while building a path toward global recognition.
Centre for Research in Biotechnology for Agriculture (CEBAR)
The Centre for Research in Biotechnology for Agriculture (CEBAR) is a Centre of Research Excellence at Universiti Malaya. We leverage Malaysia’s rich biodiversity to support sustainable agricultural development and strengthen national biosecurity capacity.
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Centres of Excellence (CoEs) – Strategic Thematic Research Platforms
Universiti Malaya’s 18 Centres of Excellence (CoEs) are multidisciplinary hubs designed to tackle pressing national and global challenges. By bringing together experts across faculties and institutes, these centres drive innovation in key fields like AI, health, sustainability, energy, food security, and emerging tech. Together, they strengthen UM’s research network to deliver practical solutions that benefit society and support national development.
1. Aerospace Innovation
under maintanence
2. Artificial Intelligence and Emerging Technologies
The Centre of AI & Emerging Technologies (AIET) is a Research Centre of Excellence (CoE) at Universiti Malaya, specifically established to support the UM 10 Thrust Area of Artificial Intelligence and Digital Robotic Realms. Led by Professor Dr. Loo Chu Kiong, the centre is structured to provide both fundamental and translational research as well as specialized services.
The technological landscape of AIET is defined by four core niche areas:
- Neuromorphic AI: This area focuses on continual lifelong learning, sparsity, and hardware optimization, with a specific aim to develop low-cost and low-power chips and systems.
- Quantum-Inspired AI: Research into computational models influenced by quantum principles.
- Trustworthy Industrial AI: The development of reliable AI applications for industrial use.
- Embodied Intelligence: The integration of artificial intelligence into physical robotic systems.
AIET creates synergy by acting as a Policy Enabler that connects various multidisciplinary research units across the university, such as NANOCAT (Nanotechnology), CRI4.0 (Industry 4.0), and CELEST (Law and Ethics in S&T). This collaborative ecosystem is aligned with the 10-10 MySTIE Framework, which maps Science & Technology Drivers—including Neuro Technology and Advanced Intelligent Systems—against Malaysian Socio-economic Drivers. Through this framework, AIET intends to enhance global competitiveness and contribute to the United Nations’ Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs).
3. Biodiversity for Sustainable Economy
under maintanence
4. Climate Preparedness and Community Resilience
The Centre of Excellence on Climate Preparedness and Community Resilience is an interdisciplinary hub dedicated to advancing Nature-Based Solutions against climate impacts. Integrating modern ecosystem monitoring tools, marine and terrestrial science, and hands-on environmental education (CEPA), our centre empowers local communities to protect and restore critical habitats across diverse landscapes.
5. Digital Transformation of Health
under maintanence
6. Environment , Social and Governance
under maintanence
7. Food Security & Intelligent Farming
University of Malaya’s Centre of Excellence for Food Security and Intelligent Farming
The UM Centre of Excellence for Food Security and Intelligent Farming (CoE FSIF) at Universiti Malaya is a premier research hub driving Malaysia’s agricultural transformation. Led by Ir. Dr. Fathiah Mohamed Zuki, assisted by 8 team expertise, the center integrates advanced engineering, biology, and data science to tackle pressing food security challenges and build climate-resilient food production systems. At its core, CoE FSIF champions intelligent farming by deploying Internet of Things (IoT) sensors, automation, and precision agriculture tools. These technologies optimize resource use, reduce waste, and maximize crop yields. Recognizing the rapid pace of urbanization, the center is also pioneering high-yield organic rooftop farming models, transforming underutilized city spaces into productive, hyper-local agricultural hubs.
A hallmark innovation of the center is its breakthrough research in sustainable bio-fertilizers. By isolating and utilizing beneficial local bacteria strains, such as Bacillus salmalaya, researchers have developed organic alternatives that rejuvenate degraded soil and stimulate robust plant growth. This radically decreases the agricultural sector’s dependency on hazardous chemical inputs, protecting local ecosystems while promoting long-term environmental sustainability. CoE FSIF operates with direct alignment to the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals, specifically Zero Hunger (SDG 2), Responsible Consumption (SDG 12), and Life on Land (SDG 15). Crucially, its strategic initiatives are engineered to support Malaysia’s national agenda of achieving zero rice imports by 2030. Through interdisciplinary research, industrial partnerships, and community-based pilot projects, the center bridges the gap between academic theory and commercial agrifood applications. As a vital vehicle for knowledge transfer, CoE FSIF empowers local farmers, trains the next generation of agritech professionals, and helps shape national policy. It stands as a benchmark institution proving that combining technological intelligence with ecological harmony is the key to securing the future of food.
8. Future Studies
under maintanence
9. Future Sustainable Energy
The Centre of Excellence (CoE) for Future Sustainable Energy aims to advance multidisciplinary research and innovation towards a sustainable, low-carbon and energy-efficient future. The Centre focuses on four key niche areas: Renewable Energy; Energy Materials & Devices; Energy-Efficient Systems & Management; and Data Analytics & Smart Energy Technologies.
By integrating expertise across engineering, materials science, semiconductor technologies, energy systems and digital technologies, the CoE addresses the entire energy value chain—from renewable energy generation and advanced materials and devices to efficient energy utilisation, intelligent monitoring and optimisation. The Centre promotes interdisciplinary and industry-driven research, innovation, talent development and strategic collaborations to support Malaysia’s energy transition and sustainable development.
10. Halal Research, Training & Education
under maintanence
11. Innovation Medical Device
The Centre of Excellence for Innovative Medical Devices (CIMD) at Universiti Malaya is dedicated to driving the research, development, validation, and deployment of innovative point-of-care (POC) medical devices. Integrated with advanced digital networks, artificial intelligence (AI), and cloud ecosystems, CIMD targets key community health priorities—specifically aging populations, diabetes, respiratory conditions, oncology, and rural health—in direct alignment with Ministry of Health (MOH) strategies and the Thirteenth Malaysia Plan (RMK13) vision for Universal Health Coverage (UHC).
By bridging multidisciplinary expertise across clinical medicine, engineering, pharmacy, data science, and social research, CIMD creates modular diagnostic tools that combine into custom, high-impact care packages. CIMD’s key strength lies in leveraging UM’s proprietary AI models and digital infrastructure, trained on local demographic data to deliver precision, community-tailored healthcare solutions across Malaysia.
Backed by strong momentum, CIMD has secured over RM 5 million in active grant funding, including major national budget allocations and industry matching grants. The Centre drives translation through flagship initiatives such as TriCare Connect—an integrated platform targeting diabetes, heart failure, and cognitive frailty—alongside advanced projects in IVF fertility innovation, AI-driven cancer diagnostics, and point-of-care biosensors. Through strategic collaborations with industry partners like NEXSEN and B. Braun, and clinical integration with University Malaya Medical Centre (UMMC), CIMD accelerates medical devices from concept to community deployment.
12. Micro, Small & Medium Enterprise
under maintanence
13. Natural Products, Biopharmaceuticals & Precision Medicine
under maintanence
14. Quantum Information Science & Technology
University of Malaya’s Centre of Excellence for Quantum Information Science and Technology (UMQiST)
UMQiST is a multidisciplinary Centre of Excellence at the University of Malaya advancing research, innovation and applications in Quantum Information Science and Technology. Its expertise integrates quantum technologies with computational modelling and simulation, artificial intelligence, machine learning and advanced optimization to address complex scientific and engineering challenges. The Centre encompasses quantum computing, quantum sensing, quantum communication, quantum materials and quantum-enabled scientific computing, with applications spanning healthcare and drug discovery, advanced materials and semiconductors, energy, food security, cybersecurity, environment and engineering. UMQiST also serves as a platform for interdisciplinary research, talent development, industry collaboration and translation of emerging technologies into high-impact solutions.
15. Rare Earth Elements
CREEATE is a multidisciplinary Centre of Excellence at the University of Malaya advancing research, innovation and sustainable technologies across the rare-earth value chain. Its expertise integrates geological exploration, resource characterisation, mineral analysis, separation and processing technologies, artificial intelligence, data analytics and supply-chain assessment to address scientific, environmental and industrial challenges. The Centre’s research encompasses sustainable exploration and mining, rare-earth extraction and separation, advanced materials and permanent magnets, clean energy and electric mobility, environmental management and the circular economy. CREEATE also serves as a platform for interdisciplinary research, talent development, industry collaboration and technology translation, supporting Malaysia’s development of a responsible, resilient and high-value rare-earth industry from the upstream to the downstream phases which include the development of AI based REE exploration, application of REE in space technology and development of REE metals, alloys and magnets.
16. Smart Mobility
Smart Mobility is committed to encourage and promote collaborative work between practitioners and academics in the discipline of mobility and intelligent transport system. The broad objectives are:
1. Promote innovative R&D in smart mobility
- Foster cutting-edge research in areas such as autonomous vehicles, electric mobility, traffic optimization, intelligent transport systems (ITS), and data-driven mobility solutions.
2. Enhance road safety and accessibility.
- Develop and implement evidence-based solutions to improve road safety, promote inclusive transport systems, and prioritize vulnerable road users such as cyclists and pedestrians.
3. Support sustainable transportation goals.
- Align mobility research with national and global sustainability goals by encouraging greener transport modes, emissions reduction, and urban resilience strategies.
4. Bridge academia, government and industry.
- Create a collaborative platform for researchers, policymakers, and industry stakeholders to co-develop smart mobility technologies and frameworks.
17. Urban Ecosystem, Culture & Heritage
Urban Ecosystem, Culture and Heritage is a multidisciplinary Centre of Excellence at the
Universiti Malaya in
enhancing research, innovation and applications in Urban Ecosystem, Culture and Heritage. Its embrace an integration of Tropical Urban Studies & Resilience,
Energy & Resources, Education, Socio Economics, Health & Well Being. The Centre also spearheading innovative
Built Environment, Culture & Heritage.
The centre also serves as a platform for interdisciplinary research, talent development, industry collaboration and translation of emerging
and innovative technologies and practical skills into high-impact and sustainable solutions for urbanecosystem,
culture and heritage.
18. Value Creation (Entrepreneurship)
under maintanence
Centre for Civilisational Dialogue (UMCCD)
The Centre for Civilisational Dialogue, the first of its kind in the region of South-East Asia, seeks to promote dialogue and mutual understanding between civilisations through various intellectual activities such as international research seminars and a series of publications.
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Ungku Aziz Centre For Development Studies
The Ungku Aziz Centre for Development Studies (UAC) was established by the Universiti Malaya (UM) as a centre of excellence dedicated to advancing research, policy dialogue and community engagement in the areas of development, poverty, social well-being and inclusive growth, in line with national aspirations and the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs).
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The Universiti Malaya STEM Centre (UM STEM)
The Universiti Malaya STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering, Mathematics) Centre, also known as UM STEM Centre, was established in January 2019. This centre provides a platform for STEM education activities that encourage students ranging from preschool to higher education levels, to engage in STEM education.
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Centre of Printable Electronics (CPE)
Printable electronics is an emerging field that leverages advanced materials and printing techniques to fabricate electronic devices on flexible substrates.
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The Social Wellbeing Research Centre (SWRC)
Previously known as Social Security Research Centre, was established in March 2011 at the Faculty of Economics and Administration (FEA), Universiti Malaya to initiate and carry out research, teaching and dissemination of evidence-based knowledge in the area of social security, including old age financial protection aimed at enhancing the understanding of this critical topic to promote economic development and social cohesion in Malaysia.
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The Centre for Research in Industry 4.0 (CRI4.0)
Founded by Prof. Ir. Dr. Mohd Hamdi Abd Shukor, represents Universiti Malaya’s strategic commitment to advancing the nation’s readiness for the sweeping transformations of the Fourth Industrial Revolution (IR4.0). As one of UM’s distinguished research centres, CRI4.0 aspires to be the authoritative voice in the field, elevating Malaysia’s R&D ecosystem and strengthening the country’s technological resilience.
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1. Centre for Fundamental and Frontier Sciences in Self-Assembly (FSSA)
2. Centre for Ionics University of Malaya (CIUM)
3. Centre of Research in Systems Biology, Structural, Bioinformatics and Human Digital Imaging (CRYSTAL)
4. Low Dimensional Materials Research Centre (LDMRC)
5. Mushroom Research Centre (MRC)
6. Plasma Technology Research Centre (UMPTRC)
7. Universiti Malaya Centre For Proteomics Research (UMCPR)
8. University of Malaya Centre for Data Analytics (UMCDA)
9. Centre for Natural Product and Drug Discovery (CENAR)
10. Oral Cancer Research and Coordinating Centre (OCRCC)
11. University of Malaya Cancer Research Institute (UMCRI)
12. University of Malaya Centre for Addiction Sciences (UMCAS)
13. Centre for Energy Sciences (CES)
14. Centre for Innovation in Medical Engineering (CIME)
15. Centre for Transportation Research (CTR)
16. Centre of Advanced Manufacturing and Material Processing (AMMP)
17. University of Malaya Centre for Ionic Liquids (UMCIL)
18. Centre for Malaysian Indigenous Studies (CMIS)
19. Centre of Quranic Research (CQR)
20. Malaysian Chinese Research Centre (MCRC)
21. The Malaysian Population & Migration Research Centre (MPMRC)
22. UM Cultural and Heritage Research Centre (UMCHRC)
23. Universiti Malaya Centre For Taxation Research
UM – Centre Of Research (Faculty)
Faculty of Built Environment
- Centre for Building, Construction & Tropical Architecture
- Centre for Sustainable Urban Planning & Real Estate
Faculty of Engineering
- Centre of Advanced Communication Research and Innovation
- Centre for Applied Biomechanics
- Centre for Innovative Construction Technology
- Centre of Intelligent Systems for Emerging Technology
- Sustainable Process Engineering Centre
- Centre for Sustainable and Smart Manufacturing
- Centre of Advanced Materials
Faculty of Education
- Centre for Research in International and Comparative Education
- UM Family Research and Development Centre
Faculty of Computer Science & Information Technology
- Center of Research for Cyber Security & Network
- Centre for Mobile Cloud Computing Research
Faculty of Medicine
- Centre for Epidemiology and Evidence-Based Practice
- Centre for Excellence for Research in AiDS
- Centre for Population Health
- National Orthopedic Centre of Excellence for Research and Learning
- UM Bioequivalence and Testing Centre
- UM Eye Research Centre
- UM Research Imaging Centre
Faculty of Science
- Biodiversity and Ecological Research Network
- Centre for Theoretical and Computational Physics
- Centre of Research for Statistical Modelling and Methodology
- UM Centre for Data Analytics Consultancy and Services
Faculty of Arts & Social Science
- Hong Lou Meng Research Centre
- Humanistic Buddhism Research Centre
- Malaysia Chinese Literature Research Centre
Asia-Europe Institute
- Center for ASEAN Regionalism Universiti Malaya (CARUM)