University of Nottingham Malaysia (UNM) and Madani Research Centre (MRC) Forge Research Collaboration to Drive Malaysia's Socioeconomic Growth

Semenyih, Selangor, 14 August 2024 - The University of Nottingham Malaysia (UNM) and Madani Research Centre (MRC) have recently announced a 2-year research collaboration that seeks to address Malaysia's national priorities, grounded by the philosophy of Malaysia Madani. Formalised through the signing of a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU), this collaboration will focus on fostering innovation and research development in key areas such as capacity building, policy advocacy and impact assessment to improve Malaysia’s economic growth. 

The MRC, a premier think tank dedicated to advancing the principles of Malaysia Madani, will be working alongside UNM to undertake strategic research projects aimed at enhancing both the economic infrastructure and social systems of Malaysia. These projects are designed to bolster national resilience and global competitiveness, from various angles ranging from social safety net, agricultural, renewable energy, and international trades.   

• Prioritising the Rakyat’s wellbeing
  Synchronising of government subsidies and assistance programmes to enhance public spending efficiency, ensure affordable living, and support economic restructuring, to guide infrastructure updates and emergent industries. 

• Nurturing talents in food security
  Empowering young agropreneurs through capacity-building to improve local food supply, reduce import dependency, and create sustainable livelihoods aligned with the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs). 

• Advancing the renewables ecosystem
  Establishing Malaysia as a regional renewable energy hub by boosting cross-border trade, facilitating local businesses in tapping into the renewable ecosystem, and reducing reliance on government subsidies. 

• Securing the nation’s global competitiveness
  Closing the gap between approved and realised investments by designing a system to provide holistic assistance to realise investments successfully secured from overseas partners, aiming to elevate Malaysia’s global competitiveness. 

• Boosting economic ties with regional and global partners
  Strengthening Malaysia’s trade resilience by mitigating exchange rate risks and enhancing economic ties with global partners by facilitating smoother cross-border transactions. 

This two-year collaboration is led by Dr Chan Sok Gee, Associate Professor in the Nottingham University Business School  at UNM, and will be supported by a team of esteemed researchers, including Dr Xiao Saizi from the School of Economics at UNM, Professor Seow Hsin Vonn from the Nottingham University Business School, Associate Professor Dr Zulkukfly Ramly from the Department of Finance at International Islamic University Malaysia (IIUM), Professor Dr Mohd Zaini Abdul Karim, Professor of Economics at Universiti Utara Malaysia (UUM). 

“Our collaboration with MRC reflects a mutual long-term commitment of elevating Malaysia into a developed nation status. By integrating our research expertise with MRC’s strategic objectives and philosophy, we aim to equip local businesses with the capabilities to thrive on an international stage. The partnership not only enhances our role in driving economic capacity building but also allows UNM to further our mission of contributing to national development through impactful research and innovation,” said by Professor David FitzPatrick, Interim Provost and CEO of UNM. 

Adding onto the significance of the collaboration, Professor Ir Dr Mohd Shahir Liew, Vice Provost of Research and Knowledge Exchange at UNM stated, “This collaboration is imperative in fostering innovation and developing new industries within Malaysia through targeted research and knowledge exchange. We hope to leverage our academic and research strengths to address key societal and national challenges. In addition, this partnership ensures that our nation’s growth remains sustainable by driving evidence-based solutions and sharing knowledge that directly impacts Malaysia’s socioeconomic resilience.” 

Mohd Azmi Mat Nayan, CEO of Madani Research Centre (MRC) emphasised, “Our focus is on shaping policies that will make Malaysia an attractive investment hub in the region but also drive national development. By working with UNM, we are committed to ensuring that the benefits of economic development are felt by all layers of society. This partnership is an integral part of our mission in advancing Malaysia’s strategic interests, fostering sustainable development, and aligning our growth with the principles of Malaysia Madani”. 

The collaboration between UNM and MRC marks a pivotal step in Malaysia’s socioeconomic transformation. By enhancing economic infrastructure, empowering local industries, and aligning with global sustainability goals, this partnership will drive inclusive growth, strengthen global competitiveness, and solidify Malaysia’s leadership at both ASEAN and international levels. 

For more information on the University of Nottingham Malaysia, visit www.nottingham.edu.my.