Research Institutes, Centres and Units - Universiti Sains Malaysia
Research Institutes, Centres and Units - Universiti Sains Malaysia
Research Institutes, Centres and Units - Universiti Sains Malaysia
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P r o s p e c t u s 2010<br />
<strong>Research</strong> <strong>Institutes</strong>,<br />
<strong>Centres</strong> <strong>and</strong> <strong>Units</strong>
w w w . u s m . m y<br />
R E S E A R C H I NS T ITUTES, CE N T R E S , A N D U N I T S<br />
Prospectus 2010
<strong>Research</strong> <strong>Institutes</strong>, <strong>Centres</strong> <strong>and</strong> <strong>Units</strong><br />
<strong>Universiti</strong> <strong>Sains</strong> <strong>Malaysia</strong> (USM) offers excellent opportunities for research, innovation<br />
<strong>and</strong> education to both local <strong>and</strong> foreign undergraduates <strong>and</strong> post-graduates. The<br />
University’s core competencies remain unchanged in its 40 years of establishment:<br />
teaching, research <strong>and</strong> consultancies, which relate directly to the advancement of<br />
human resource development <strong>and</strong> capacity building, knowledge <strong>and</strong> industrial<br />
competitiveness.<br />
USM, which was granted the APEX status in 2008 has now made it a priority to steer<br />
its research capabilities towards reaching out <strong>and</strong> impacting the community. <strong>Research</strong><br />
at USM aims to touch base with the need of the poor <strong>and</strong> vulnerable. Above <strong>and</strong><br />
beyond that, the University wants to be at the forefront of providing local solutions<br />
for global problems. At present, USM continues to address a wider range of problems<br />
in order to benefit society at large, besides striving to exercise open mindedness in<br />
its research work at the theoretical level.<br />
The University has been actively developing broad-based research infrastructure<br />
involving the acquisition of a wide range of equipment, laboratory facilities <strong>and</strong> library<br />
holdings. It has also established new research institutes, centres <strong>and</strong> units, which are<br />
mostly located at USM’s rapidly developing Science <strong>and</strong> Arts Innovation Space, or<br />
better known as sains@usm. At the core of these research entities is one of academic<br />
excellence <strong>and</strong> through these entities, research talent <strong>and</strong> expertise are mobilised<br />
from different disciplines <strong>and</strong> segments of the University in line with its efforts in<br />
promoting trans-disciplinary research.<br />
<strong>Research</strong> at USM is managed by its <strong>Research</strong> Management <strong>and</strong> Creativity Office<br />
(RCMO), in charge of overseeing matters pertaining to research information, grants,<br />
university facilities, equipment <strong>and</strong> human resources. The office was set up to be the<br />
bridge between USM researchers, grants financiers <strong>and</strong> the industry. There is also<br />
an Innovation Office, tasked with bringing the products, innovations, services <strong>and</strong><br />
knowledge created by its researchers to the marketplace <strong>and</strong> end-users in an<br />
efficient manner.<br />
USM’s research strengths are split into four categories, namely in the fields<br />
of Science, Medical Health, Engineering <strong>and</strong> Arts. The 25 Schools spread out on<br />
three campuses each have its own niche area of research. Its research strengths
include environmental science, aquaculture, biomedical <strong>and</strong> pharmaceutical studies,<br />
information technology, food technology, polymer science, biotechnology, distance<br />
education, materials science, surface chemistry <strong>and</strong> robotic vision. To tie up all of<br />
the University’s research efforts, seven research platforms have been identified –<br />
Biomedical <strong>and</strong> Health Sciences, Fundamental Sciences, Social Transformation, Life<br />
Sciences, Engineering Science <strong>and</strong> Technology, ICT <strong>and</strong> Clinical Sciences.<br />
Recognising that its manpower is its main asset, researchers at the USM are duly<br />
honoured at the Sanggar Sanjung Awards night which is held annually. USM’s research<br />
personnel have made the University proud in bringing home awards <strong>and</strong> accolades<br />
won at various local <strong>and</strong> international exhibitions including the <strong>Malaysia</strong>n Technology<br />
Expo, International Exhibition of Invention New Techniques & Products (Geneva),<br />
International Invention, Innovation, Industrial Design & Technology Exhibition (ITEX)<br />
<strong>and</strong> PECIPTA.<br />
USM has also become an importance resource centre for the industry with<br />
university-industry links established via its holding company USAINS Holding Sdn.<br />
Bhd. which provide services such as consultancy, contract research, joint research <strong>and</strong><br />
development initiatives, professional upgrading, rental of R&D spaces, as well as access<br />
to research equipment <strong>and</strong> laboratory facilities.
Advanced Medical <strong>and</strong><br />
Dental Institute (AMDI)<br />
The <strong>Malaysia</strong>n cabinet ministers in its meeting on the 16 th October, 2002 formally<br />
approved the memor<strong>and</strong>um(Memor<strong>and</strong>um No. 650/2343/2002) from the Ministry<br />
of Education (MOE) to set up The Advanced Medical & Dental Institute (AMDI). The<br />
memor<strong>and</strong>um also mentioned that the AMDI would be situated in Bertam, Kepala<br />
Batas, Penang <strong>and</strong> the building <strong>and</strong> the operating of this institute would be put under<br />
the care of <strong>Universiti</strong> <strong>Sains</strong> <strong>Malaysia</strong>(USM) on this memorable day in history.<br />
AMDI have three main activities namely clinical services, collaborative research <strong>and</strong><br />
post-graduate degree programmes. A Clinical Trial Centre has been set up with<br />
clinical expertise <strong>and</strong> research laboratories to equip the needs of clinical services. It<br />
was officially opened in September, 2004 inside 3 lots of double storey shop-houses<br />
inTaman Bertam Indah, Kepala Batas. Among the services offered are Healthy Women’s<br />
Clinic, Specialist Medical Clinic, Specialist Dental Clinic, Clinical <strong>Research</strong> Clinic <strong>and</strong><br />
Advanced Clinical Diagnostic Laboratory.<br />
Other than clinical services offered, AMDI also offers post graduate academic programmes<br />
(Masters inScience/Masters in Medicine/Doctor of Philosophy). Among the courses<br />
offered are Masters in Medicine (TransfusionMedicine), Masters in Medicine (Nuclear<br />
Medicine), Masters in Science (Transfusion Science) <strong>and</strong> Masters inScience (Medical<br />
<strong>Research</strong>). It is hoped that AMDI can produce clinical specialists <strong>and</strong> local scientists<br />
together with locally sourced commercialized medicines <strong>and</strong> treatments products<br />
through the courses offered.<br />
The first successful students intake process was conducted on June 2004 <strong>and</strong> the<br />
pioneer batch of AMDI students graduated in August 2005. In the year 2006, AMDI<br />
created history again when it became the first institution in the country to offer The<br />
Masters in Medical Transfusion programme. A group of Doctor of Philosophy (Ph.D)<br />
students registered in May 2006 <strong>and</strong> is currently following the programme. The latest<br />
courses offered by AMDI are Masters inScience (Oral Science) <strong>and</strong> Masters in Science<br />
(Health Toxicology).<br />
<strong>Research</strong> activities are an important component of AMDI after its academic programmes.<br />
Realising this importance, AMDI has fully equipped a research environment in the field<br />
of medicine <strong>and</strong> dentistry. The main activity of AMDI isfocus on advanced research<br />
elements to train <strong>and</strong> to develop individuals that excel in the fields of medicine <strong>and</strong>
dentistry. It is hoped that these individuals will become the pioneers <strong>and</strong> new technologies<br />
developers in these two fields <strong>and</strong> will also contribute meaningfully to the nation’s<br />
economical development.<br />
In order to achieve these goals, AMDI is building the latest <strong>and</strong> most advance research<br />
facilities to help mold these individuals. These top notch facilities includes a main laboratory<br />
for the field of selomic, proteomic, therapeutic, animal laboratory <strong>and</strong> clinical research<br />
centre. For research utilising animals, AMDI is in the process of developing avivarium<br />
to place the various types of laboratory animals to be tested with newly developed<br />
treatment products <strong>and</strong>medicines. These new treatment products <strong>and</strong> medicines<br />
are developed by AMDI <strong>and</strong> USM research. AMDI has thelofty goal of making itself<br />
the first <strong>and</strong> the sole animal research centre in <strong>Malaysia</strong> to be accreditated by world<br />
accreditation quality bodies like the Association for Assessment <strong>and</strong> Accreditation for<br />
Laboratory Animal Care(AAALAC) through the development of the vivarium <strong>and</strong> the<br />
quality of animal care during research. This is in line with the vision of AMDI to lead<br />
the world in producing newly develop treatments <strong>and</strong> medicines.<br />
AMDI is also in the process of developing a main facility to focus on the work of<br />
translational research which is aresearch to develop a basic form of treatment that<br />
can be applied to the patient. Other than research work, this laboratory facility can be<br />
use to develop therapeutic <strong>and</strong> diagnostic products for industrial usage. Thus, every<br />
patient that comes to AMDI will contribute to the collection of information to create a<br />
patients’ disease database for detailed research to be done. Every staff <strong>and</strong> students of<br />
AMDI will also be absorbed with this research mentality to fulfill the entrepreneurship,<br />
training <strong>and</strong> research mission of AMDI.<br />
Specific clusters have been set up by AMDI to thrust forward the research activities<br />
<strong>and</strong> to produce more scientists <strong>and</strong> medical specialists in the fields such as Oncology,<br />
Cardiovascular, Integrative medicine, Infectious disease, Mental Science <strong>and</strong> Behavioural<br />
Science, Immunology, Oral Science, Transfusion medicine, Nuclear medicine,Toxicology<br />
<strong>and</strong> Healthy Living. The set up of these clusters will hopefully increase the production<br />
of new valuable invention to be used for the well-being of the general public <strong>and</strong><br />
society at large.<br />
In terms of infrastructure, AMDI is fast tracking the building of the Clinical Trial Centre<br />
(CTC) <strong>and</strong> the Animal Houseon a 112 acres piece of l<strong>and</strong> in the district of Bertam,<br />
Kepala Batas. AMDI’s development projects have been listed under the 9 th <strong>Malaysia</strong> Plan<br />
with the total cost of RM199 million <strong>and</strong> in the 10 th <strong>Malaysia</strong> Plan, AMDI has applied<br />
forthe additional allocation to add an extra 200 beds for patients. CTC will also be<br />
equipped with medical research laboratories, operational theatres <strong>and</strong> the latest <strong>and</strong><br />
most sophisticated medical tools in line with the rapid development of technologies<br />
in the field of patient treatment. This exciting ongoing project is expected to be<br />
completed by December 2010.
AMDI had just celebrated its seventh birthday <strong>and</strong> has contributed largely to the<br />
increment of the local community’s health level. Thus, due to the medical expertise<br />
<strong>and</strong> the advantage that AMDI has. AMDI deserves to be the top l<strong>and</strong>mark in Bertam,<br />
Kepala Batas.<br />
Academic Programme<br />
The Advanced Medical <strong>and</strong> Dental Institute (AMDI) of <strong>Universiti</strong> <strong>Sains</strong> <strong>Malaysia</strong> offers<br />
higher degree programmes in various innovative <strong>and</strong> integrative fields of Medical<br />
<strong>and</strong> Dental Sciences incorporating Oncology, Surgery, Infectious Diseases, Clinical<br />
Pharmacology, Molecular Haematology, Transfusion Medicine <strong>and</strong> Transfusion Science<br />
leading to the award of the Master of Science (M.Sc.) <strong>and</strong> Doctor of Philosophy (Ph.D.)<br />
degrees which are currently offered through the research mode.<br />
Master of Science<br />
(Medical <strong>Research</strong>)<br />
Master of Science<br />
(Oral Science)<br />
Master of Medicine<br />
(Transfusion Medicine)<br />
Mixed-Mode Programme<br />
Master of Science<br />
(Transfusion Science)<br />
Master of Science<br />
(Health Toxicology)<br />
Coursework Programmes<br />
Master of Medicine<br />
(Nuclear Medicine)<br />
<strong>Research</strong> Programmes<br />
Master of Science Doctor of Philosophy
List of Programs <strong>and</strong> <strong>Research</strong> Fields<br />
Code <strong>Research</strong> Program <strong>Research</strong> Field<br />
IPT02 Clinical Science - Haematology • Haematology, Transfusion Medicine<br />
IPT03<br />
Clinical Science - Internal<br />
Medicine<br />
IPT04 Clinical Sciences - Paediatrics<br />
IPT06 Clinical Sciences - Radiology<br />
• Clinical Trials in Internal Medicine, Clinical<br />
Evaluation of Traditional / Complementary<br />
Medicine<br />
• Paediatrics, Paediatric Cardiology &<br />
Cardiac Intervention<br />
• Musculoskeletal Radiology, Oncologic<br />
Radiology, Health Informatics<br />
IPT07 Clinical Sciences - Radiotherapy • Oncology & Radiotherapy<br />
IPT08 Community Medicine<br />
IPT09 Immunology<br />
IPT10 Medical Genetic<br />
IPT11 Microbiology<br />
IPT12 Pathology<br />
• Public Health / Community Medicine<br />
• Public Health / Community Medicine (Oral<br />
Health)<br />
• Hospital Administration, Management &<br />
Training<br />
• Tumor Immunology, Study of Thymus<br />
<strong>and</strong> T Cell Development, Autoimmunity,<br />
Immunomodulations<br />
• Infectious Immunity, Transplantation<br />
Immunology, Oncology<br />
• Immunogenetics<br />
• Genomic, Cancer<br />
• Clinical Genetics<br />
• Molecular Virology <strong>and</strong> Oncology<br />
• Molecular Biology<br />
• Histopathology, Cytology, Gastrointestinal<br />
Pathology<br />
• Nephropathology, Electron Microscopy<br />
IPT13 Pharmacology • Clinical Pharmacology <strong>and</strong> Therapeutics<br />
IPT14 Pharmacy<br />
• Pharmaceutical Biotechnology, Molecular<br />
Pharmacology
Director<br />
Dr. Haji Ramli Saad<br />
(Radiology)<br />
ramli_saad@amdi.usm.edu.my<br />
Deputy Director (Clinical Services)<br />
Assoc. Prof. Dr. Narazah Mohd. Yusof<br />
(Haematology)<br />
narazah@amdi.usm.edu.my<br />
Deputy Director (Financial)<br />
Salwa Ab. Razak<br />
E-mail: salwa@amdi.usm.edu.my<br />
Deputy Director (<strong>Research</strong> <strong>and</strong><br />
Innovation)<br />
Dr. Bakiah Shaharuddin<br />
(Ophthalmology)<br />
bakiah@amdi.usm.edu.my<br />
Prof. Abdel Hamid Zaki<br />
(Biochemistry)<br />
e-mail: abdelhamid@amdi.usm.edu.my<br />
Prof. Lokman Mohd Noh<br />
(Paediatric [Immunology])<br />
lokman.m.noh@amdi.usm.edu.my<br />
Assoc. Prof. Dr. Gurjeet Kaur<br />
(Patology)<br />
gurjeet@amdi.usm.edu.my<br />
Assoc. Prof. Dr. Tang Thean Hock<br />
(Molecular Medicine Diagnostic)<br />
tangth@amdi.usm.edu.my<br />
Dr. Aishah Knight @ Abd Shatar<br />
(Public Health)<br />
aknight@amdi.usm.edu.my<br />
Academic Staff<br />
Lecturers<br />
Deputy Director (Academics)<br />
Dr. Norehan Mokhtar<br />
(Orthodontic)<br />
norehan@amdi.usm.edu.my<br />
Deputy Director<br />
(Engineering & Maintainance)<br />
N. Sihamuddin N. Md. Mohyddin<br />
nik_sihamuddin@amdi.usm.edu.my<br />
Deputy Director (Management)<br />
Mohd Saad Hj. Din<br />
msaad@amdi.usm.edu.my<br />
Prof. Ibrahim Lutfi Shuaib<br />
(Radiology)<br />
ibrahim@amdi.usm.edu.my<br />
Prof. Rabindarjeet Singh<br />
(Sports Science)<br />
rabindar@amdi.usm.edu.my<br />
Assoc. Prof. Dr. Ishak Mat<br />
(Immunology)<br />
ishak@amdi.usm.edu.my<br />
Dr. Ahmad Saleem Salem Alzoubi<br />
(Medical Physics)<br />
e-mail: saleem@amdi.usm.edu.my<br />
Dr. Ban Ahmed Abdul<br />
(Prosthodontic)<br />
drban@amdi.usm.edu.my
Dr. Faisal Muti Al-Hassan<br />
(Haematology)<br />
faisal@amdi.usm.edu.my<br />
Dr. Huda Salman Baqir<br />
(Haematology)<br />
e-mail: huda@amdi.usm.edu.my<br />
Dr. Muhammad Nahar Bin Md Shahid<br />
(Anaesthesiology)<br />
nahar@amdi.usm.edu.my<br />
Dr. Nor Aini Saidin<br />
(Toxicology)<br />
nor_aini_saidin@amdi.usm.edu.my<br />
Dr. Siti Nor Fazliah Mohd Noor<br />
(Paediatric Dentistry)<br />
fazliah@amdi.usm.edu.my<br />
Dr. Tan Mei Lan<br />
(Pharmacy)<br />
tanml@amdi.usm.edu.my<br />
Jahangir Kamaldin<br />
(Entomology Laboratory Management)<br />
jahangir@amdi.usm.edu.my<br />
Dr. Hasnah Hashim<br />
(Community Dentistry)<br />
hasnah@amdi.usm.edu.my<br />
Dr. Muhammad Kamil Sheikh Abdul Shakoor<br />
(Internal Medicine, Medical Oncology)<br />
kamil@amdi.usm.edu.my<br />
Dr. Naseer Abbas Abd El Aziz<br />
(Prosthetic Dentistry)<br />
nasser@amdi.usm.edu.my<br />
Dr. Ruzita Binti Ahmad<br />
(Food Technology)<br />
ruzita@amdi.usm.edu.my<br />
Dr. Sohair Aly Aly Hassan<br />
(Physiology)<br />
sohair@amdi.usm.edu.my<br />
Dr. Zainoodin Sheikh Abdul Kader<br />
(Medical Microbiology <strong>and</strong> Vaccinology)<br />
zainoodin@amdi.usm.edu.my
Animal <strong>Research</strong> <strong>and</strong> Wellness Unit<br />
(ARWU)<br />
Animal <strong>Research</strong> <strong>and</strong> Wellness Unit (ARWU) previously known as Laboratory Animal<br />
<strong>Research</strong> Unit (LARU) in Health Campus, Animal House in Main Campus, <strong>and</strong> Animal<br />
<strong>Research</strong> Centre (under construction) in Bertam has been established for better<br />
st<strong>and</strong>ardisation <strong>and</strong> coordination of laboratory animals management <strong>and</strong> research.<br />
This is to provide high quality animals models <strong>and</strong> exceptional humane animals care in<br />
support of the research <strong>and</strong> teaching programs of the <strong>Universiti</strong> <strong>Sains</strong> <strong>Malaysia</strong> (USM),<br />
consistent with legal requirements, agency guidelines, institutional policy <strong>and</strong> ethical<br />
imperatives.<br />
ARWU is responsible for:<br />
• Provide competent, courteous technical support for procedures using animals.<br />
• Provide training <strong>and</strong> instruction to USM researchers <strong>and</strong> animal care staff in the<br />
appropriate care <strong>and</strong> use of research <strong>and</strong> teaching animals.<br />
• Promote <strong>and</strong> seek resources for improvements, renovation <strong>and</strong> expansion of<br />
laboratory animal facilities, <strong>and</strong> additions to equipment inventory to meet research<br />
<strong>and</strong> teaching needs.<br />
• Ensure compliance with the animal care regulations of the Animal Ordinance<br />
<strong>and</strong> Public Health Service Policy on Human Care <strong>and</strong> Use of Laboratory Animal.
Coordinator<br />
Dr. Rumaizi Shaari<br />
Manager<br />
Ma’arof Salleh<br />
Laboratory & Surgery<br />
Md. Faizul Ismal Che Adam<br />
Coordinator<br />
Dr. Nor Aini Saidin<br />
Chief Coordinator<br />
Dr. Rumaizi Shaari<br />
Health Campus<br />
Main Campus<br />
Veterinary Officers<br />
Dr. Noziah Ghani<br />
Dr. Rosilawati Kamaruddin<br />
Breeding & Purchasing<br />
Nur Mohamad Makhatar<br />
Veterinary Officer<br />
Dr. Nor Azlina Khalil<br />
For further information for Health Campus please contact:<br />
Animal <strong>Research</strong> & Wellness Unit<br />
<strong>Universiti</strong> <strong>Sains</strong> <strong>Malaysia</strong> Health Campus<br />
Kubang Kerian,<br />
16150 Kelantan<br />
Tel: 09-767 1221(office) /1212/1223/1224<br />
Fax: 09-7671222<br />
For further information for Main Campus please contact:<br />
Animal <strong>Research</strong> & Wellness Unit<br />
Advanced Medical <strong>and</strong> Dental Institute<br />
USM, B<strong>and</strong>ar Putra Bertam<br />
13200 Kepala Batas,<br />
Penang<br />
Tel: 04-5622097(office)<br />
Fax: 04-5622462
Astronomy <strong>and</strong> Atmospheric<br />
Science <strong>Research</strong> Unit<br />
The Astronomy <strong>and</strong> Atmospheric Science <strong>Research</strong> Unit (AASRU) was established in<br />
August 1990 to undertake an integrated research programme in the fields of applied<br />
astronomy <strong>and</strong> atmospheric science, exp<strong>and</strong>ing the research projects that had been<br />
conducted at USM in earlier years.<br />
The research is complemented by post-graduate research programme (Ph.D. <strong>and</strong><br />
Masters) <strong>and</strong> undergraduate Students <strong>Research</strong> Projects. It also has an active publications<br />
programme <strong>and</strong> a service providing information on astronomical <strong>and</strong> atmospheric<br />
data to the public as well as to other scientists <strong>and</strong> organises public viewing of special<br />
events like eclipses <strong>and</strong> comets.<br />
The scientific research programme has two areas of focus: Atmospheric Science <strong>and</strong><br />
Applied Astronomy. The 5-year experimental research project (1995-2000) which<br />
established a benchmark data for global change studies included ozone layer studies,<br />
solar ultraviolet radiation studies, solar radiation <strong>and</strong> meteorological parameters. Studies<br />
on lunar calendrical astronomy, sky brightness, atmospheric extinction <strong>and</strong> sun-spot<br />
activity are basically the main areas in applied astronomy research <strong>and</strong> are currently<br />
the on going research themes.<br />
Sheikh Tahir Astronomical Center (STAC) was equipped with a 12” Schmidt-Cassergrain<br />
telescope <strong>and</strong> a 3.5 metre observatory dome as well as a high quality CCD imager<br />
<strong>and</strong> SSP7 photometer, together with a few telescopes for research <strong>and</strong> outreach<br />
programme purposes.<br />
This Unit also in-charge of the first observatory in the Northern region, Sheikh Tahir<br />
Astronomical Center (STAC) located at Pantai Acheh, Balik Pulau, Penang. STAC<br />
is the official station for the new moon/cresent sighting in Penang.<br />
The Unit has an active programme of seminars/conferences <strong>and</strong> publications;<br />
in the past 10 years it has organised more than 20 seminars/conferences<br />
including some in association with the UNEP. A number of international<br />
agencies <strong>and</strong> projects have been associated with the development of the<br />
projects undertaken by the Unit over the years such as the Glonet Project<br />
(IGAC), SPARC (WRCP).
Locally, the unit works closely with national organisations including the National Space<br />
Agency (ANGKASA), PETROSAINS, <strong>Malaysia</strong> Islamic Development Department,<br />
Islamic Religious Council of Penang <strong>and</strong> Mufti’s Department of Penang, with whom a<br />
few local seminars have been organised in the past 8 years. We are actively involved<br />
in providing research data on twilight studies (for Isya <strong>and</strong> Fajr prayer times) <strong>and</strong> on<br />
crescent visibility criterion.<br />
Currently we host a dynamic internet based almanac for obtaining accurate solar <strong>and</strong><br />
lunar ephemeris. The site can be reached at http://www.falak.usm.my/almanak/.<br />
This web site also contains information on global prayer times, Islamic Calendar <strong>and</strong><br />
direction of Qibla from anywhere in the world.<br />
The Unit recently is conducting a remote sensing research project involving studies of<br />
earth’s climate. As for the outreach programme, this Unit is actively conducted astronomy<br />
camp, stargazing, planetarium <strong>and</strong> exhibition in various schools <strong>and</strong> agencies throughout<br />
the region. In early 2005 AASRU was certified in the <strong>Malaysia</strong> Book of Records for<br />
organising the first <strong>and</strong> largest stargazing event held in <strong>Malaysia</strong> in conjunction with<br />
the first astronomy convention ever held in <strong>Malaysia</strong>. This Unit is the main organiser<br />
for the National Astronomy Convention which is the University’s annual event.<br />
Achievements<br />
1. The main organiser of the annual astronomical event since 2005.The event<br />
attracts 15,000 people yearly.<br />
2. Certified in <strong>Malaysia</strong>n Book of Record as the largest <strong>and</strong> first stargazing event<br />
in <strong>Malaysia</strong> in year 2005.<br />
3. Pioneering in holding the National level water rocket competition.<br />
4. As the consultant for other government agencies <strong>and</strong> NGO’s in organizing<br />
Astonomical events around <strong>Malaysia</strong>.<br />
5. Participated in total solar eclipse observation in China year 2009.
1. MEADE ET-X 4” Telescope<br />
2. GENESIS 4” Telescope<br />
3. ORION 5” Telescope<br />
4. HEQ5 Sky Watcher GOTO 5”<br />
5. CORONADO EQ Mount Telescope<br />
6. EADE LX200 12” (Classic)<br />
Assoc. Prof. Nasirun Mohd. Saleh<br />
Assoc. Prof. Abdul Halim Abdul Aziz<br />
abdul@usm.my<br />
Assoc. Prof. Chong Hon Yew<br />
hychong@usm.my<br />
Assoc. Prof. Khiruddin Abdullah<br />
khirudd@usm.my<br />
Assoc. Prof. Mohd Zubir Mat Jafri<br />
mjafri@usm.my<br />
Equipments<br />
Coordinator<br />
<strong>Research</strong>ers<br />
7. MEADE LX200 10” (GPS)<br />
8. CELESTRON C8 (Optical Tube)<br />
9. Sky Watcher Maksutov 5”<br />
10. Saturn 3” Telescope<br />
11. <strong>Research</strong>-grade photometer<br />
12. SBIG CCD Camera<br />
Assoc. Prof. Nasirun Mohd Saleh<br />
nasirun@usm.my<br />
Dr. Lim Hwee San<br />
hslim@usm.my<br />
Dr. Norhaslinda Mohamed Tahrin<br />
haslinda@usm.my
Basic Education <strong>Research</strong> Unit<br />
(BERU)<br />
The Basic Education <strong>Research</strong> Unit (BERU) had it conception under the patronage<br />
of the School of Educational Studies, <strong>Universiti</strong> <strong>Sains</strong> <strong>Malaysia</strong> on the 21 st of February,<br />
1990. This unit has its origins in Project InSPIRE <strong>and</strong> has since extended <strong>and</strong> continued<br />
on the research tradition in both scope <strong>and</strong> function paving the way to establish itself<br />
as a center of excellence in carrying out basic educational research. The main focus<br />
of this unit is basic education. Basic education is defined as the education for values,<br />
knowledge, basic skills as well as the development of cognitive skills, <strong>and</strong> aspects of<br />
psychology <strong>and</strong> sociology at the school level.<br />
The main objectives of this unit are to conduct research, evaluation <strong>and</strong> development<br />
of resource materials to raise the quality of teaching <strong>and</strong> learning, to offer consultancy<br />
<strong>and</strong> advisory services in the field of basic education, to assist in the human resource<br />
development of teachers <strong>and</strong> education personnel, <strong>and</strong> to disseminate information to<br />
meet the current need of nation.<br />
In response to the changing l<strong>and</strong>scape of education, BERU’s projects are now more<br />
diversified <strong>and</strong> are steered towards meeting the current needs of the nation. The R&D<br />
projects currently conducted by the Unit are such as development of resources materials<br />
to enhance the quality of teaching <strong>and</strong> learning under Project InSPIRE II, Psychological<br />
Norms, Literacy <strong>and</strong> Numeracy in Schools, Diagnostic Testing Projects, The Teaching of<br />
Science <strong>and</strong> Mathematics in English, Innovation in Flexibly Adaptive e-Learning System as<br />
well as Sustainability Education. There are also strategic partnership <strong>and</strong> linkages with<br />
other <strong>Malaysia</strong>n public universities, The <strong>Malaysia</strong>n Syndicate, several Non-Governmental<br />
organisations <strong>and</strong> the Sabah Foundation as well as with international institutions such<br />
as the Faculties of Education of Deakin University, University of Chulalongkorn <strong>and</strong><br />
Universitas Pendidikan Indonesia. These <strong>and</strong> other collaborations with UNESCO-<br />
Bangkok <strong>and</strong> Comenius Network of Europe promise to invigorate <strong>and</strong> enhance our<br />
research activities. Our current endeavours are in line with sustainability education<br />
research emerging as a response to the United Nations “Decade of Education for<br />
sustainable Development (2004-2015)”.<br />
As for today, BERU’s are now managing <strong>and</strong> coordinating various types of grant such as<br />
Short Term Grants, <strong>Research</strong> University Grants, Fundamental <strong>Research</strong> Grants Schemes,<br />
Science Fund <strong>and</strong> also Special Grants. Total amount of the grants under coordination<br />
of BERU is RM8,192,827.27. Furthermore, under coordination of BERU, there are
many short courses <strong>and</strong> seminars have been organised. Among them are International<br />
Counseling <strong>and</strong> Social Work Symposium (ICSWS), Post Symposium, Challenges in<br />
Helping the Relapsing Client <strong>and</strong> the Collapsing Counselor Seminar, English Tuition<br />
Class with Thail<strong>and</strong>, Indonesian International School Teachers’ Pedagogy Workshop,<br />
Rasch Model Data Analysis Technique to Develop Questionnaire for Social Science,<br />
Educational <strong>and</strong> Psychological <strong>Research</strong> Workshop, Preschool Teachers Program, Basic<br />
Teaching Certificated Program in Southern Thail<strong>and</strong>, Greening The Teacher Education<br />
Program Workshop, Excellent Program with UMW <strong>and</strong> Affin Bank.<br />
The unit is ever prepared to undertake educational projects commissioned by various<br />
local, national <strong>and</strong> international organisations, especially in areas of special interest as in<br />
early childhood as well as primary <strong>and</strong> secondary school education, life long education,<br />
special education, numeracy <strong>and</strong> literacy issues, issues pertaining to the environment<br />
<strong>and</strong> sustainability, <strong>and</strong> the use of information technology in teaching <strong>and</strong> learning.<br />
For details contact:<br />
Dr. Hashimah Mohd Yunus<br />
Coordinator<br />
Basic Education <strong>Research</strong> Unit<br />
<strong>Universiti</strong> <strong>Sains</strong> <strong>Malaysia</strong><br />
11800, Penang<br />
<strong>Malaysia</strong><br />
Tel: +604-6533231<br />
Fax: +604-6572907<br />
E-mail: www.usm.my/education/
Biomedical & Health<br />
Sciences <strong>Research</strong> Platform<br />
Biomedical <strong>and</strong> health research is one of the main niche research areas in USM. For<br />
many years, USM researchers within the biomedical research area, comprising mainly<br />
of those from the School of Medical Sciences, School of Health Sciences <strong>and</strong> School of<br />
Dental Sciences have garnered various national <strong>and</strong> international recognition.<br />
In 2001, an internal research assessment exercise carried out by the Advisory Committee<br />
to the Vice - Chancellor concluded that the Medical Biotechnology group is the only<br />
research group that can be considered to have attained a “World Class” status based<br />
on a set of criteria, although the impact of the research group is still at a moderate<br />
level. To further strengthen <strong>and</strong> promote this area as a major niche research area for<br />
USM, the university established the Institute for <strong>Research</strong> in Molecular Medicine or<br />
INFORMM in 2002.<br />
Members of INFORMM are co-opted from various Schools, thus strengthening the<br />
cross-disciplinary concept of research within the biomedical <strong>and</strong> health fields. This<br />
cross-disciplinary concept helps extract the best of people <strong>and</strong> pulmogorate the<br />
exchange of expertise amongst each other <strong>and</strong> cross border activities.<br />
The success of the Medical Biotechnology group lies in the strong collaboration between<br />
its members <strong>and</strong> between its graduate students. They share facilities, reagents <strong>and</strong> the<br />
lecturers even informally co-supervise each other’s students – negative competition<br />
between individual researchers is therefore at a very minimum. Thus the concept of<br />
cross-disciplinary research <strong>and</strong> the spirit of working <strong>and</strong> thinking as a group are already<br />
deeply rooted within the medical biotechnology research group.<br />
Furthermore, this “research culture” is readily extended to other researchers who<br />
intend to venture into the medical biotechnology or biomedical fields. Various research<br />
clusters such as the tuberculosis research cluster, the cervical cancer research cluster,<br />
<strong>and</strong> recently the neuronetwork cluster have been created. Therefore it can be said<br />
that a major part of the “Biomedical <strong>and</strong> Health Sciences <strong>Research</strong> Platform” concept<br />
is already ongoing <strong>and</strong> functioning even before the “research platform” structure is<br />
formally set up.<br />
In other words, the concept of cross-disciplinary research was established for many<br />
years at Health Campus, USM. It has benefited from the successes of such collaboration<br />
from other Schools including those from the Engineering Campus are already working<br />
in concert with researchers in the Health Campus <strong>and</strong> have secured many research<br />
grants <strong>and</strong> had achieved many awards.
Some of the awards are:<br />
School of Health Science<br />
• Cornsilk Biscuit - Silver Medal MTE 2009<br />
• Cornsilk Images - Best <strong>and</strong> Second Best Photomicrographs 6th ASEAN<br />
Microscopy Conference 2007<br />
• An Optical Sensing Material for Glutamate Detection in Food – Silver Medal<br />
MTE 2007<br />
Institute for <strong>Research</strong> in Molecular Medicine (INFORMM)<br />
• PCRDisk - IENA Special Award for Best Invention dan JIPA Award for the<br />
Best Invention in Biotechnology ITEX2009<br />
• EZTYPHI CARRIER DNA - Geneva 2006<br />
• EZCAMPY DNA - Geneva 2006<br />
• TYPHIrapid – Ministry of Science, Technology <strong>and</strong> Innovation (<strong>Malaysia</strong>)<br />
• Wbrapid: a test for the rapid, sensitive <strong>and</strong> specific detection of Wucherreria<br />
bancrofthi filaria infection - ITEX 2006<br />
School of Pharmacy<br />
• Eurynones: A Potential Herba-Based Anti Malarial Product – Gold Medal<br />
PECIPTA 2007<br />
• Haruan Spray for Burns <strong>and</strong> Wound – Bronze MTE 2007<br />
• Metabolite Fingerprinting for St<strong>and</strong>ardising Tongkat Ali Herbal Products – Bronze<br />
MTE 2007<br />
School of Medical Sciences<br />
• Cholera Genosensor: A DNA-Based Kit for the Rapid Detection of Vibrio<br />
Cholerae – Gold PECIPTA 2007<br />
• Innovative Hip Spica Brace – Gold The British Innovation <strong>and</strong> Technology<br />
Show (BIS 2007), London<br />
School of Chemical Engineering<br />
• Ncmem-Indigenous Biomedical lateral Flow Membrane – GOLD ITEX 2009<br />
For More Details Contact:<br />
Prof. Dr. Syed Mohsin Sahil Jamalullail<br />
<strong>Research</strong> Dean,<br />
Biomedical & Health Sciences <strong>Research</strong> Platform,<br />
<strong>Universiti</strong> <strong>Sains</strong> <strong>Malaysia</strong><br />
16150, Kubang Kerian<br />
Kelantan, MALAYSIA<br />
Tel: +609-767 2362(office),<br />
+609-767 2363(direct line)<br />
Fax: +609-764 8064<br />
Email: smohsin@kb.usm.my<br />
Visit more on:<br />
http://www.research.kk.usm.my/index.htm
Centre for Drug <strong>Research</strong><br />
The Centre for Drug <strong>Research</strong> (CDR) was established in 1985 to undertake research<br />
in socio-medical, clinical pharmacological <strong>and</strong> health areas which require resources <strong>and</strong><br />
facilities that cross academic <strong>and</strong> professional boundaries. <strong>Research</strong> focus is on major<br />
health issues – drug dependence <strong>and</strong> tropical health particularly indigenous diseases.<br />
Both basic <strong>and</strong> applied studies are conducted to attain proper underst<strong>and</strong>ing of, <strong>and</strong><br />
the eventual resolution of these health problems. In fulfilling national needs, CDR<br />
undertakes research to generate new knowledge on non-medical <strong>and</strong> illicit use of<br />
drugs <strong>and</strong> to ensure effective dissemination <strong>and</strong> use of the research results to reduce<br />
drug abuse, improve addiction prevention, treatment <strong>and</strong> policy.<br />
The Centre collaborates with various agencies of the Federal <strong>and</strong> State Governments in<br />
its efforts under the Youth Outreach Programme, to organise talks on the dangers <strong>and</strong><br />
adverse health effects of abusing drugs, promote tobacco-free <strong>and</strong> drug-free lifestyles,<br />
as well as prevention approaches for the drug abuse problem.<br />
CDR also collaborates with international agencies such as WHO, DNDi <strong>and</strong> ILO to<br />
execute research <strong>and</strong> training projects on behalf of these agencies.<br />
Among the awards <strong>and</strong> recognition attained by the Centre are:<br />
• WHO recognised analytical laboratory<br />
• Recognition as the “Bioequivalence Study Centre” by the National Pharmaceutical<br />
Control Bureau, Ministry of Health, <strong>Malaysia</strong><br />
• Bionexus Partners Programme for Biomedical Analysis<br />
• DNDi (Drugs for Neglected Diseases Initiative) Regional Office for Asia<br />
• Recognition by USM in 2002 under the World Class <strong>Research</strong> Programmes<br />
• Audited for MOHE COE (Ministry of Higher Education Centre of Excellence)<br />
in October 2008<br />
Some of the major research projects conducted by CDR include:<br />
• Analytical <strong>and</strong> extraction studies of drugs for tropical diseases<br />
• Clinical pharmacokinetic <strong>and</strong> pharmacological studies of drugs<br />
• Quality assurance <strong>and</strong> bioequivalence of pharmaceuticals especially antimalarial drugs<br />
• Fixed-Dose Artesunate/Mefloquine <strong>and</strong> Artesunate/Amodiaquine Combination<br />
Therapy<br />
• Pharmacotherapy studies on medications as adjunct treatment in drug rehabilitation<br />
programs
• <strong>Research</strong> into the genetic <strong>and</strong> environmental factors in drug addiction<br />
• Rapid assessment studies of injecting drug users <strong>and</strong> their health consequences<br />
• Absorption, distribution, metabolism, excretion <strong>and</strong> toxicological evaluations of<br />
drugs for neglected diseases<br />
• Study of the transition behaviour of illicit buprenorphine monotablet use to<br />
buprenorphine-naloxone use among opiate addicts<br />
• Drug discovery, design <strong>and</strong> development of potential opioid agonist <strong>and</strong> analgesic<br />
lead compounds from plants<br />
• Discovery <strong>and</strong> development of new anti-cancer compounds<br />
• Behavioural Pharmacology Studies of Mitragynine <strong>and</strong> its Derivatives<br />
The Centre possesses various types of research facilities at its laboratories which include<br />
microplate reader, FTIR spectrometer, scintillation counter, spectrophotometer, HPLC<br />
with ultra-violet, fluorescence <strong>and</strong> electro-chemical detectors, GC with FID, ECD <strong>and</strong><br />
NPD detectors, HPLC with mass spectrometer, GC with mass spectrometers, PCR,<br />
LC-MS/MS, ultra centrifuge, AAS <strong>and</strong> extraction technology equipments. The computer<br />
facilities host Linux based workstations, Silicon Graphics workstations, <strong>and</strong> computers<br />
equipped with various biostatistical software packages.<br />
CDR also provides practical training to post-graduate students who undertake graduate<br />
work leading to a higher degree.<br />
Director<br />
Assoc. Prof. Abas Hj. Hussin<br />
(Pharmacology)<br />
dir_cdr@usm.my<br />
Lecturers<br />
Prof. Emeritus V. Navaratnam<br />
(Drug Evaluation <strong>Research</strong>, Pharmaceutical<br />
Product Development, Addiction <strong>Research</strong>, Clinical<br />
Epidemiology)<br />
E-mail: nava@usm.my<br />
Assoc. Prof. Sabariah Ismail<br />
(Biochemical Pharmacology, Herb-Drug Interaction)<br />
E-mail: sabaris@usm.my<br />
Assoc. Prof. Surash Ramanathan<br />
(Pharmaceutical Analysis, Pharmacokinetics)<br />
E-mail: srama@usm.my<br />
Academic Staff<br />
Deputy Director<br />
Prof. Sharif Mahsufi Mansor<br />
(Pharmacology [Pharmacokinetics/Drug<br />
Metabolis], Pharmaceutical Analysis)<br />
E-mail: smahsufi@usm.m<br />
Dr. Mohd. Nizam Mordi<br />
(Medicinal Chemistry, Pharmaceutical<br />
Analysis)<br />
E-mail: mnizam@usm.my<br />
Dr. B. Vicknasingam<br />
(Addiction <strong>Research</strong>, Behavioral<br />
Sciences)<br />
E-mail: vickna@usm.my
Centre for Education, Training <strong>and</strong><br />
<strong>Research</strong> in Renewable Energy <strong>and</strong><br />
Energy Efficiency (CETREE)<br />
The Centre for Education, Training <strong>and</strong> <strong>Research</strong> in Renewable Energy <strong>and</strong> Energy<br />
Efficiency (CETREE) was set up under the 8 th <strong>Malaysia</strong>n Plan. CETREE main objectives<br />
are to enhance awareness <strong>and</strong> initiate the utilisation of Renewable Energy (RE) <strong>and</strong><br />
Energy Efficiency (EE) in <strong>Malaysia</strong>. This objective meets the sustainable tomorrow which<br />
is the main pillar of the APEX university. RE <strong>and</strong> EE also applies the Green Technology<br />
element which has been highlighted by the government. In order to achieve that, CETREE<br />
improves <strong>and</strong> increases its energy learning programme in primary <strong>and</strong> secondary schools,<br />
universities <strong>and</strong> among the energy professionals as well as disseminating information<br />
<strong>and</strong> showcasing viable on RE <strong>and</strong> EE to general public.<br />
The core activity of CETREE since her inception in year 2000 has been infusing energy<br />
conservation of “how <strong>and</strong> what” into the <strong>Malaysia</strong>n education system, involving preschool,<br />
primary school <strong>and</strong> secondary school curriculum <strong>and</strong> co-curriculum through<br />
teacher training <strong>and</strong> providing teaching aids such as students activity modules, teachers<br />
guide modules <strong>and</strong> h<strong>and</strong>s-on-kits.<br />
CETREE’s achievements :<br />
• Strategic planning of ‘Pusat Tanggungjawab’ through her involvement in PIMPIN<br />
USM as the key facilitator of ‘Logical Framework Analysis’.<br />
• Energy auditing of government buildings.<br />
• Developed an integrated 5-year solar curriculum program <strong>and</strong> associated solar<br />
self-construct activity kits for 37 Terengganu Elite, Premier, Imtiaz <strong>and</strong> State<br />
Religious Schools.<br />
• New Mobile Unit Exhibition, CETREE Solar 2U bus was launched.<br />
• Published 17 modules of Renewable Energy <strong>and</strong> Energy Efficiency for Primary School.<br />
CETREE also collaborates with the following organisation for research <strong>and</strong><br />
consultation<br />
• Ministry of Energy, Green Technology <strong>and</strong> Water (KeTTHA)<br />
• <strong>Malaysia</strong>n Electricity Supply Industries Trust (MESITA)<br />
• Ministry of Education <strong>Malaysia</strong><br />
• Sime Darby Plantation<br />
• <strong>Malaysia</strong> Energy Centre<br />
• PHILIPS
Advisor<br />
Prof. Hj. Kamarulazizi Ibrahim<br />
kamarulazizi@usm.my<br />
Acting Director<br />
Assoc. Prof. Haslan Abu Hassan<br />
haslan@usm.my<br />
Deputy Director<br />
Dr. Mohd. Rodzi Ismail<br />
rodzi@usm.my<br />
Education<br />
Assoc. Prof. Munirah Ghazali<br />
munirah@usm.my<br />
Assoc. Prof. Nur Hashimah Hashim<br />
shimah@usmy.my<br />
Dr. Nur Hashimah Mohd. Yunus<br />
myshima@usm.my<br />
Task Manager<br />
Mobile Exhibition Unit<br />
Assoc. Prof. Faridah Ibrahim<br />
faridah@usm.my<br />
Badrol Hisham Mohd. Nowani<br />
badrul@cetree.edu.my<br />
Awareness<br />
Assoc. Prof. Dr. Hasrina Mustafa<br />
hasrina@usm.my<br />
Dr. Jamilah Ahmad<br />
jamilah@usm.my<br />
Ahmad Zulman Mohd Zain<br />
zulman@usm.my<br />
<strong>Research</strong><br />
Assoc. Prof. Soib Taib<br />
soibtaib@usm.my<br />
Website<br />
Amran Abdul Samad<br />
amran@cetree.edu.my
Centre for Global<br />
Archaeological <strong>Research</strong><br />
The Centre for Archaeological <strong>Research</strong> <strong>Malaysia</strong>, established in 1995, was officially<br />
launched by the Honorable Minister of Higher Education <strong>Malaysia</strong> as Centre for Global<br />
Archaeological <strong>Research</strong> in recognition of its global contribution in 2009. The Centre<br />
is the only one in the country which offers a minor package in archaeology <strong>and</strong> has a<br />
multi-disciplinary team of archaeologists who are actively conducting excavations <strong>and</strong><br />
research throughout the country.<br />
The Centre has generated a considerable amount of new knowledge on the prehistory<br />
of <strong>Malaysia</strong> <strong>and</strong> Southeast Asia by its major discoveries. It is also actively training<br />
young students from the arts <strong>and</strong> pure sciences, <strong>and</strong> staff from other universities, the<br />
Department of National Heritage, Museum Departments <strong>and</strong> other relevant institutions<br />
in various aspects of archaeological research <strong>and</strong> work. In 1998, the Centre was<br />
instrumental in the establishment of a consortium between <strong>Universiti</strong> <strong>Sains</strong> <strong>Malaysia</strong><br />
<strong>and</strong> the Silpakorn University of Thail<strong>and</strong>, Universitas Gadjah Mada of Indonesia <strong>and</strong><br />
University of Philippines which undertakes training courses <strong>and</strong> research activities in<br />
the field of archaeology.<br />
Goal <strong>and</strong> Objectives<br />
1. To plan <strong>and</strong> intensify systematic research programmes in building new knowledge<br />
not only on <strong>Malaysia</strong> <strong>and</strong> Southeast Asian prehistory, but also contributing to the<br />
global archaeological data.<br />
2. To offer undergraduates a minor package in archaeology <strong>and</strong> also postgraduate<br />
training <strong>and</strong> degree courses in archaeology.<br />
3. To train <strong>and</strong> upgrade knowledge <strong>and</strong> technical skills among local <strong>and</strong> foreign heritage<br />
<strong>and</strong> museum staff in the field of archaeology.<br />
4. To provide advisory <strong>and</strong> consultancy services in the preservation <strong>and</strong> conservation<br />
of our cultural heritage through research, establishment of exhibitions <strong>and</strong> museums,<br />
<strong>and</strong> EIA (Environmental Impact Assessments) studies.<br />
<strong>Research</strong> Activities<br />
The Centre was designed for a multi-disciplinary research through collaborations with<br />
local <strong>and</strong> foreign scientists, postgraduate training, <strong>and</strong> nurturing research cooperation<br />
<strong>and</strong> collaborations with other institutions in Southeast Asia, China, Japan <strong>and</strong> Australia,<br />
United Kingdom <strong>and</strong> the United States of America.
This systematic research programme has extended the knowledge of prehistory in<br />
<strong>Malaysia</strong> by more than 1.83 million years through the discovery of a h<strong>and</strong>axe in Bukit<br />
Bunuh, Lenggong, Perak in 2009. Other important sites discovered include Bukit Jawa<br />
(about 200,000 years ago), Kota Tampan (a 74,000-year-old lithic workshop), Gua<br />
Gunung Runtuh (where a 10,000-year-old skeleton was excavated), Gua Harimau<br />
(a burial ground yielding the earliest evidence of bronze age technology in <strong>Malaysia</strong>)<br />
<strong>and</strong> Sungai Batu (where current research is being done on the discovery of a 300AD<br />
structure. The Centre’s research programmes in Sarawak (Kakus, Bau, <strong>and</strong> Niah), <strong>and</strong><br />
Sabah (Bukit Tengkorak, Melanta Tutup, Bukit Kamiri, Balambangan, Tingkayu, Mansuli,<br />
Samang Buat <strong>and</strong> Kinabatangan) have also yielded fruitful results which contribute the<br />
data pertaining to both <strong>Malaysia</strong>n <strong>and</strong> Southeast Asian prehistory.<br />
The Centre currently generates more than 90% of new data <strong>and</strong> knowledge on the<br />
prehistory of the country <strong>and</strong> contributes towards rewriting many sections of <strong>Malaysia</strong>n<br />
prehistory through revised interpretations of numerous earlier works done during<br />
the colonial times.<br />
Consultancy<br />
The Centre has been involved in various EIA projects such as the Petronas Gas Pipeline<br />
Project, the Bakun Hydroelectric Project <strong>and</strong> the latest in 2009 is the Cultural <strong>and</strong><br />
Archaeological Impact Assessment in Murum Dam Belaga Sarawak.<br />
Besides that, the Centre is also actively involved in planning numerous exhibitions in<br />
archaeology at local museums <strong>and</strong> some of our findings have found their way into<br />
international exhibitions such as the exhibition on Early Man held at the National<br />
Science Museum in Tokyo, Japan. Our research has also led to the establishment of<br />
archaeological museums in the country such as the Lenggong Archaeological Museum<br />
in Kota Tampan, Lenggong, Perak <strong>and</strong> the Megalith Park in Putrajaya.<br />
Public Education<br />
The Centre has been actively promoting <strong>and</strong> creating public awareness of archaeology<br />
in <strong>Malaysia</strong> through newspapers, TV programmes <strong>and</strong> talk shows, both local <strong>and</strong> foreign<br />
media (the London Times, Asia Week, Science, Discovery Channel), as well as public talks<br />
in universities, schools, <strong>and</strong> interest groups. New knowledge on <strong>Malaysia</strong>n archaeology<br />
is also channeled to the public through school textbook <strong>and</strong> encyclopedia.<br />
Courses in Archaeology<br />
A minor package programme as well as elective/optional courses in archaeology is<br />
offered to all undergraduates in USM. These include: Introduction to Archaeology,<br />
Ascent of Man <strong>and</strong> Civilisations; Archaeological Excavations; Science in Archaeology;<br />
<strong>and</strong> Southeast Asian Archaeology. Students are taken on site visits <strong>and</strong> excavations as<br />
well as h<strong>and</strong>s-on laboratory work for a more complete underst<strong>and</strong>ing of evidence<br />
gathering, environment reconstruction, <strong>and</strong> archaeological interpretation.
For postgraduate studies, the Centre offers both M.A. <strong>and</strong> Ph.D degrees courses in<br />
Archaeology <strong>and</strong> has links with numerous foreign universities (ASEAN region, Japan,<br />
Australia, United States of America, <strong>and</strong> United Kingdom) for the training of Southeast<br />
Asian archaeologists in areas relevant to our needs.<br />
Achievements in 2009<br />
1. Upgraded <strong>and</strong> officially launched as Centre for Global Archaeological <strong>Research</strong><br />
(PPAG) on 26thth Feb. 2009 by the Honourable Minister of Higher Education<br />
<strong>Malaysia</strong>.<br />
2. The CHT Essenze Pursuit of Excellence Archaeology Award on 1st Ogos 2009.<br />
Awarded by the CHT Network.<br />
Assoc. Prof. Mohd Mokhtar Saidin<br />
mmokh@usm.my<br />
Assoc. Prof. Stephen Chia Ming Soon<br />
stephen@usm.my<br />
Hamid Mohd Isa,<br />
hamid@usm.my<br />
Prof. Ruslan Rainis,<br />
rruslan@usm.my<br />
Assoc. Prof. A. Rahman Haji Mohamed,<br />
manhaji@usm.my<br />
Director<br />
Academic Staff<br />
<strong>Research</strong> Affiliates<br />
Assoc. Prof. Wan Mohd Fauzy Wan Ismail,<br />
fauzy@usm.my<br />
Jeffrey Abdullah<br />
jeff@usm.my<br />
For further information about the Centre, please<br />
contact:<br />
Sharifah Hasnah Syed Hassan<br />
Tel: 04-6533357 or<br />
Visit our Homepage at: http://www.usm.my/arch<br />
Prof. Sam Teng Wah<br />
twsam@usainsgroup.com<br />
Assoc. Prof. Mohd Nawawi<br />
Mohd Nordin,<br />
mnawawi@usm.my
Centre for Global Sustainability<br />
Studies (CGSS)<br />
It is now clear that the development models of the past have so stretched the tolerance<br />
margins of nature that they are seen to be depleting scarce resources <strong>and</strong> degrading<br />
the global environment. With the full realisation that environmental problems are<br />
closely linked to economic <strong>and</strong> socio-cultural problems, a great change is required<br />
in the stewardship of the earth <strong>and</strong> the life on it to move away from paradigms that<br />
rely exclusively on concepts of continuous economic growth, corporate profit, <strong>and</strong><br />
consumer avarice.<br />
<strong>Universiti</strong>es everywhere are beginning to realise that their roles too are changing rapidly<br />
in a globalising world. We have to redirect our intellectual enterprise to develop capacity<br />
to underst<strong>and</strong>, anticipate <strong>and</strong> act on the basis of global challenges. Convinced that building<br />
capacity for making decisions that consider the long-term future of economy, ecology,<br />
<strong>and</strong> equity is a key task of education <strong>Universiti</strong> <strong>Sains</strong> <strong>Malaysia</strong> (USM) has embraced<br />
the vision of becoming a sustainability-led university of world-class st<strong>and</strong>ing as part of<br />
its APEX initiative. While the APEX award is a fitting recognition for the university’s<br />
wide–ranging <strong>and</strong> remarkable accomplishments of the past, it is also a call to excel in<br />
addressing the sustainability challenges of the future.<br />
In order to achieve the broad APEX vision, USM has embarked on a range of missions<br />
which through their specific objectives <strong>and</strong> activities are expected to contribute to the<br />
achievement of the overall sustainability vision. One such mission of great significance is<br />
the decision to establish a Centre for Global Sustainability Studies (the Centre, CGSS)<br />
to mainstream sustainability into the entire fabric <strong>and</strong> rubric of the university. This<br />
Centre is designed to work with all other relevant sections of the University, regional<br />
<strong>and</strong> international sustainability organisations, national <strong>and</strong> regional governments, private<br />
sector, civil society groups <strong>and</strong> NGOs to promote sustainable development, paying<br />
particular attention to the disempowered bottom billion.
Background<br />
Worldwide there is increasing awareness of the global challenges that face us all –<br />
ranging from preventing conflict, to feeding an exp<strong>and</strong>ing population, to helping the poor,<br />
to fostering health, <strong>and</strong> protecting the environment in particular global warming <strong>and</strong><br />
ecosystem degradation. These challenges are at the heart of sustainable development –<br />
meeting the needs of the present without compromising the ability of future generations<br />
to meet their own needs.<br />
Sustainable development is about alleviating poverty <strong>and</strong> narrowing the gap between the<br />
rich <strong>and</strong> the poor while ensuring the sustainable functioning of the Earth’s ecosystems.<br />
It is apparent that if we are to find new <strong>and</strong> imaginative solutions to these problems,<br />
all the countries <strong>and</strong> peoples of the world will need to work together.<br />
<strong>Malaysia</strong> <strong>and</strong> the individual countries in the South-East Asian region have made a strong<br />
commitment to international efforts to prevent further irreversible environmental<br />
change <strong>and</strong> to promote sustainable development by becoming party to numerous<br />
Multi-lateral Agreements such as Agenda 21, the Rio conventions (1992), Millennium<br />
Development Goals (MDGs, 2000) <strong>and</strong> Johannesburg Plan of Implementation (WSSD-<br />
JPOI, 2002) - all of which emphasise the need for development to be more sustainable,<br />
particularly in developing nations with limited natural resources <strong>and</strong> skill base. Among<br />
these, the MDGs, focus on the central challenges of our time. At its core are the eight<br />
Development Goals, which range from halving extreme poverty to halting the spread<br />
of HIV/AIDS <strong>and</strong> providing universal primary education, all to be met by the target<br />
date of 2015. They form a set of simple but powerful objectives that every man <strong>and</strong><br />
woman in the street, from Brasilia to New York to Putrajaya <strong>and</strong> Penang, can easily<br />
support <strong>and</strong> underst<strong>and</strong>.<br />
Each of society’s stakeholders; political, business, civil society, media <strong>and</strong> higher educational<br />
institutions has a role to play here. <strong>Universiti</strong>es are expected to make investments in<br />
their curricula, research <strong>and</strong> outreach. There is increasing global acknowledgement<br />
that building capacity for making decisions that consider the long-term future of<br />
economy, ecology <strong>and</strong> equity is a key task of education. USM, in particular, should be<br />
in the forefront to assess the situation <strong>and</strong> find new <strong>and</strong> imaginative solutions to these<br />
problems. Specifically it should position itself in addressing these problems at the local/<br />
national <strong>and</strong> regional levels.<br />
Mission<br />
The mission of CGSS@USM is to contribute, through education for sustainable<br />
development, scientific assessment, policy research <strong>and</strong> capacity-building, to efforts<br />
to resolve pressing problems confronting <strong>Malaysia</strong>n society <strong>and</strong> the global community<br />
today <strong>and</strong> in the future.<br />
One of the top priorities of the CGSS@USM is in addressing the problems of global<br />
change such as global warming <strong>and</strong> degradation of biodiversity <strong>and</strong> ecosystem services
<strong>and</strong> how these changes would impact on the socio-economic wellbeing of developing<br />
countries. The Centre is also focusing on the plight of the bottom billions through<br />
improvement in ecosystem services upon which the poor depends (water, energy,<br />
health, agriculture <strong>and</strong> biodiversity - WEHAB). An important research component at<br />
the Centre is the elucidation of what constitute a sustainability university.<br />
CGSS@USM intends to provide a strong institutional framework which could be a<br />
conduit between science <strong>and</strong> policy; to forge <strong>and</strong> promote a dialogue between the<br />
academic community <strong>and</strong> the policymakers in an effort to formulate better national<br />
policies, strategies <strong>and</strong> programmes.<br />
CGSS@USM is envisaged as an international centre. It will bring together international<br />
expertise as well as knowledge from within USM <strong>and</strong> <strong>Malaysia</strong>. It will adopt a<br />
multidisciplinary approach to research problems. It will engage experts from traditional<br />
disciplines such as economics, education, law, biology, political science, physics <strong>and</strong><br />
chemistry <strong>and</strong> ask them to pool their specific knowledge <strong>and</strong> expertise in a focused<br />
attempt to underst<strong>and</strong> <strong>and</strong> resolve some of the key challenges to sustainable development.<br />
Vision<br />
An Advanced Studies Centre to propel <strong>Universiti</strong> <strong>Sains</strong> <strong>Malaysia</strong> as a renowned<br />
sustainability-lead university based on the fusion of the sciences <strong>and</strong> humanities in our<br />
strive for global sustainability <strong>and</strong> poverty alleviation of the bottom billions.<br />
Key role<br />
• Serve as a forum for dialogue <strong>and</strong> creative new ideas.<br />
• Serve as a hub for the international community of scholars.<br />
• Serve as a bridge between the national <strong>and</strong> international academic community on<br />
one h<strong>and</strong> <strong>and</strong> the policymakers, the corporate sector <strong>and</strong> civil society on the other.<br />
• Contribute to capacity building, particularly in <strong>Malaysia</strong> <strong>and</strong> the developing countries,<br />
focusing on individual, institutional <strong>and</strong> systemic capacity concerns.<br />
• To internalise the power of the principles <strong>and</strong> practices of education for sustainable<br />
development as the best means for building capacity <strong>and</strong> changing the mindset
necessary for the sustainability transition visioned by USMAPEX.<br />
• To play the role of a catalyst in facilitating interdisciplinary <strong>and</strong> multidisciplinary<br />
initiatives needed for the promotion of sustainability studies.<br />
• To promote synergy by consciously avoiding duplication, filling gaps <strong>and</strong> promoting<br />
team spirit.<br />
• To carefully profile <strong>and</strong> position the Centre to become a leader in SD/ESD matters<br />
at a variety of levels.<br />
Scope<br />
In the long run, the Centre will be instrumental in mainstreaming SD/ESD at USM. This<br />
involves the informed inclusion of relevant SD concerns into the strategies, policies<br />
<strong>and</strong> rules of USM as an institution <strong>and</strong> applying ESD principles <strong>and</strong> practices to build<br />
capacity for action. The Centre is expected to develop into a major one-stop-shop for<br />
all things SD/ESD at USM.<br />
For further information, please contact:<br />
Emeritus Prof. Dato’ Zakri A. Hamid<br />
Director<br />
Centre For Global Sustainability Studies (CGSS)<br />
<strong>Universiti</strong> <strong>Sains</strong> <strong>Malaysia</strong><br />
11800, Penang,<br />
<strong>Malaysia</strong><br />
Tel: +604-6532461<br />
Website: http://www.usm.my/CGSS/
Centre for Islamic Development<br />
Management Studies (ISDEV)<br />
The Centre for Islamic Development Management Studies, or ISDEV, was founded in<br />
1995 at the School of Social Sciences, <strong>Universiti</strong> <strong>Sains</strong> <strong>Malaysia</strong>, Penang, <strong>Malaysia</strong>. Its name<br />
devolved from the original International Project for Islamic Political Economy (IPIPE),<br />
to Islamic Development Management Project (IDMP) in 1997, <strong>and</strong> finally, to its current,<br />
Centre for Islamic Development Management Studies (ISDEV) in September 2005.<br />
As a research <strong>and</strong> educational centre, ISDEV gathers its academic members from<br />
various disciplines <strong>and</strong> schools within the University. It aims at pioneering an initiative<br />
to broaden the field of Islamic development management beyond its current confines of<br />
development <strong>and</strong> management. It adopts a trans-disciplinary approach to development<br />
<strong>and</strong> management, integrating social, economic, <strong>and</strong> political tools of analysis to underst<strong>and</strong><br />
development management in an integrative <strong>and</strong> holistic manner based on Islamic principles.<br />
ISDEV proposes to scrutinise <strong>and</strong> construct a conceptual <strong>and</strong> practical framework<br />
for managing development from an Islamic perspective. As development is seen as<br />
embracing all aspects of life, from the spiritual to the material <strong>and</strong> physical, from the<br />
individual level to that of society, from the context of state to that of the global, ISDEV<br />
intends to pioneer a comprehensive vision of human development. Hence, it proposes<br />
the formulation of a new integrated discipline, called Islamic Development Management.<br />
ISDEV attempts to accomplish this objective through research <strong>and</strong> consultancies,<br />
publications, supervision of graduate students, <strong>and</strong> organisation of academic meetings<br />
such as conferences, seminars, workshop, in-house seminars, <strong>and</strong> study groups. ISDEV<br />
also helps the School of Social Sciences in designing proposals for Major in <strong>and</strong> Master<br />
of Islamic Development Management programs as proposed by the University Senate.<br />
Currently, ISDEV members <strong>and</strong> <strong>Research</strong> Associates (graduates) undertake research<br />
<strong>and</strong> consultancy projects on Islam Hadhari, Foundations of Islamic Development, Islamic<br />
<strong>Research</strong> Methodology, Islamic Capital Market, Zakat Accounting, Islamic Consumer<br />
Behaviour, Islamic Project Management System, Islamic Code of Ethics, Management<br />
of Islamic Development Institutions, Tazkiyah an-Nafs in Islamic Development, Cash<br />
Waqf <strong>and</strong> Waqf Delivery Systems. These research <strong>and</strong> consultancy projects are funded<br />
by both internal <strong>and</strong> external sources.
ISDEV also publishes two regular publications, i.e., ISDEV Paper Series <strong>and</strong> ISDEV<br />
Lecture Series, apart from occasional publications in the form of books <strong>and</strong> journal<br />
articles that originate from researches <strong>and</strong> academic discourses. On Tuesdays <strong>and</strong><br />
Fridays, ISDEV holds study sessions <strong>and</strong> in-house seminars respectively, while every<br />
month, it organises a collective graduate supervision-cum-lecture series. ISDEV also<br />
organises annual events such as the Islamic Development Management Seminar, ISDEV<br />
Lecture Series <strong>and</strong> ISDEV International Graduate Workshop. ISDEV also awards the<br />
ISDEV Best Master Thesis Award <strong>and</strong> the ISDEV Best PhD Thesis Award annually to<br />
excellent Islam related theses produced by <strong>Malaysia</strong>n graduates completing their studies<br />
at any university worldwide.<br />
Director:<br />
Prof. Muhammad Syukri Salleh<br />
Contacts:<br />
Centre for Islamic Development Management Studies (ISDEV)<br />
School of Social Sciences<br />
<strong>Universiti</strong> <strong>Sains</strong> <strong>Malaysia</strong><br />
11800 Penang<br />
<strong>Malaysia</strong><br />
Tel: +604-653 2656 / 3422 / 4601<br />
Fax: +604-653 2124<br />
E-mail: isdev@usm.my<br />
URL: www.isdev.usm.my<br />
Blog: http://isdevnews07.blogspot.com
Centre for Marine & Coastal Studies<br />
(CEMACS)<br />
The Centre for Marine <strong>and</strong> Coastal Studies (CEMACS) was established in August<br />
1991 to undertake research <strong>and</strong> post-graduate training in Marine Science <strong>and</strong> Coastal<br />
Ecosystems. It provides the institutional mechanism for mobilizing <strong>and</strong> integrating<br />
the University’s considerable expertise <strong>and</strong> resources in marine science (which are<br />
currently spread over a number of science <strong>and</strong> non-science teaching schools). The<br />
main objective of CEMACS is to enhance the capability of conducting integrated inter-<br />
<strong>and</strong> multi-disciplinary studies leading towards solving problems related to marine <strong>and</strong><br />
coastal ecosystems.<br />
CEMACS is located at Teluk Bahang on the northwest coast of Penang Isl<strong>and</strong> in the<br />
Penang National Park. The centre is served by a number of core academics working in<br />
collaboration with research associates identified from other teaching schools as well<br />
as from outside the University. The Centre has a number of key academics working in<br />
collaboration with research associate identified from other teaching schools as well as<br />
from outside the University. The centre’s international associate includes those from<br />
Canada, Australia, USA, UK, Japan, Cambodia, Indonesia, India, Iran, Australia, China<br />
<strong>and</strong> Singapore. Associates of CEMACS are provided with direct access to the Centre’s<br />
considerable research <strong>and</strong> training facilities.<br />
Presently, research <strong>and</strong> training conducted at the Centre is focused on the following<br />
areas, namely mariculture, intertidal <strong>and</strong> coastal ecosystem, coastal forest ecosystem<br />
<strong>and</strong> mangrove ecosystem.<br />
Mariculture <strong>Research</strong><br />
Mariculture or marine aquaculture is the main research activity. Culture on shrimp is<br />
now being carried at the hatchery scale. The research focus on an integrated culture<br />
of biofilter microalgae with shrimp as a novel approach Running seawater is provided<br />
to hatchery as well as to laboratories that support the culture of both larvae <strong>and</strong><br />
adult broodstock.<br />
CEMACS has its own algae culture collection <strong>and</strong> this collection includes few strains<br />
of commercial living algae, representing most major algal taxa. The phytoplankton<br />
laboratory where live algae being culture maintains pure line cultures for larval feed.<br />
The algae culture in the collection is primary used for research, teaching, biotechnology<br />
development <strong>and</strong> various other projects.
Intertidal <strong>and</strong> Coastal Ecosystem<br />
The public <strong>and</strong> the state government of Penang is concerned with the high numbers<br />
of jellyfish now found in Penang watersas this affect the beach activities of the coastal<br />
areas. Penang <strong>and</strong> more specifically the Penang National Park at Teluk Bahang has high<br />
tourist visitation <strong>and</strong> these numbers are expected to rise over the coming years. The high<br />
infestation of poisonous jellyfish in the waters is detrimental to the tourism activities<br />
here <strong>and</strong> has also received a wide press attention. Following this concern a study on<br />
the monthly distribution <strong>and</strong> abundance of jellyfish (Medusae) species in the coastal<br />
waters of Penang National Park was carried out to look at the seasonal distribution<br />
<strong>and</strong> abundance pattern, identify the jellyfish species <strong>and</strong> provide the information to the<br />
public. The jellyfish identified were from Family Mastigiidae (Phyllorhiza punctata),Family<br />
Pelagiidae (Chrysaora quinquecirrha) <strong>and</strong> Family Stomolophidae (Nemopilema sp).<br />
Other areas of research include the abundance <strong>and</strong> diversity of intertidal organisms<br />
such as the benthos, crustaceans,molluscs <strong>and</strong> echinoderms.<br />
Coastal Forest Studies<br />
Penang National Park forms the backdrop of CEMACS. The lush shore forests have<br />
been our study sites for more than 25 years. Here, research into growth of trees,<br />
nutrient <strong>and</strong> carbon budgets <strong>and</strong> primary production are carried out.<br />
A small plot has been set up at the Centre as a pharmacological arboretum. Here local<br />
plants used in traditional medicine are grown. Some of these plants are also found wild<br />
within the Penang National Park forest. Botanists <strong>and</strong> pharmacists have the chance to<br />
study these plants in their natural habitat.<br />
Mangrove Ecosystem<br />
USM’s researchers have worked extensively on various aspects of the dynamics operating<br />
in this complex ecosystem such as biological productivity, estuarine hydrodynamics <strong>and</strong><br />
nutrient fluxes using multidisciplinary approaches involving inputs from the biologists,<br />
chemists, geomorphologists, physical oceanographers as well as mathematical modelers,<br />
economists <strong>and</strong> planners. Large <strong>and</strong> unique data sets on the physical <strong>and</strong> biological<br />
aspects of the mangrove forests in the Merbok River estuary have been built, providing<br />
an invaluable database for ongoing <strong>and</strong> future studies<br />
Marine Biotechnology<br />
The area of Marine Biotechnology is fast gaining popularity. Its growing importance is<br />
seen in the field of population studies <strong>and</strong> mariculture. One of the research being funded<br />
by National Oceanography Directorate (NOD), Ministry of Science, Technology <strong>and</strong><br />
Innovation, <strong>Malaysia</strong> is the Commercial Development of Marine Algae Biotechnology<br />
with a total allocation of approximately RM2 million. The main objectives of this research<br />
were to produce high nutritional algae as aquaculture feeds <strong>and</strong> also to provide bioactive<br />
compounds from local marine macroalgae.
The Reference Collection Museum<br />
The <strong>Malaysia</strong>n sea (areas of the Straits of Malacca, the South China Sea <strong>and</strong> Sulu Sea) are<br />
known to be one of the richest areas of marine biodiversity. More than seventy genera of<br />
corals <strong>and</strong> many more species of fish are found here. The Reference Collection Museum<br />
was started in 1998. Its main objective is to study the biodiversity of the marine areas<br />
in <strong>Malaysia</strong>. The assistance rendered by classical taxonomists from British Museum, the<br />
Natal Museum <strong>and</strong> the Japanese Museum of Natural History were instrumental in the<br />
Museum’s establishment. Both dry <strong>and</strong> wet specimen collections are maintained here.<br />
The main groups of taxonomy kept here are the mollusks (gastropods, bivalves <strong>and</strong><br />
nudibranchs), echinoderms (holothurians, asteroids <strong>and</strong> echinoids), hexacorals <strong>and</strong><br />
octocorals.<br />
The herbarium collection comprises the flora around Penang National Parks <strong>and</strong> the<br />
flora of Merbok Mangrove Forest were collected <strong>and</strong> kept here.<br />
Public Awareness Program<br />
ECOCAMP an ecology camp is one of the awareness program initiated by CEMACS<br />
focusing on environmental conservation. ECOCAMP involved the scientific study of<br />
nature to underst<strong>and</strong> nature’s richness; the fauna <strong>and</strong> flora <strong>and</strong> their relationship with<br />
human. The program is designed to enable participants to gain experience in nature<br />
to mould holistic citizens, not only for themselves but also for their family, community<br />
<strong>and</strong> future generation.<br />
Briefing by CEMACS Science Officer for ECOCAMP nature activities<br />
CEMACS have also initiated the first International Coastal Cleanup Penang (ICCP)<br />
in Penang National Park coastal areas. The cleanup work coincides with the World<br />
International Coastal Cleanup (ICC) that fall on any date in September.<br />
Physical Facilities<br />
CEMACS is located at Teluk Bahang on the northwest coast of Penang Isl<strong>and</strong> is equipped<br />
with teaching laboratories, a wet laboratory, a number of hatcheries <strong>and</strong> small dedicated<br />
laboratories for phytoplankton culture, microbiology <strong>and</strong> a medium kitchen. Most of<br />
the laboratories are supplied with high quality running seawater, compressed air <strong>and</strong><br />
st<strong>and</strong>ard laboratory equipment <strong>and</strong> computer facilities.<br />
This centre is also well equipped for conducting training courses/workshops for group<br />
of 25 scientists or 60 students. Accommodation facilities include self-contained flatlets<br />
<strong>and</strong> dormitories. The marine centre is a venue that offers Wi-Fi access.<br />
Major equipment available in CEMACS includes spectrophotometers, a gas chromatograph,<br />
HPLC, nutrient auto-analyzers, <strong>and</strong> research microscope systems. Field equipment<br />
include wave <strong>and</strong> tide recorders, flourometer, echo sounders, current meter, SCT<br />
meters, DO meters <strong>and</strong> a global positioning system.
Equipment<br />
For underwater research, the CEMACS has several scuba diving equipments. CEMACS<br />
has several small boats including a 45-foot research boat for coastal work <strong>and</strong> sampling<br />
activities.<br />
Funding<br />
<strong>Research</strong> in CEMACS has received funding support from both international <strong>and</strong> local<br />
agencies such as Tenaga Nasional Berhad (TNB), ACIAR, DANCED, ASEAN-Australia,<br />
IFS of Sweden, IDRC, CIDA of Canada, Toray Foundation of Japan, SARCS/LOICZ, <strong>and</strong><br />
the Netherl<strong>and</strong>s Foundations for Tropical <strong>Research</strong> (WOTRO), UNDP-SG Programme,<br />
the <strong>Malaysia</strong>n Government <strong>and</strong> USM in terms of short grants.<br />
Training<br />
The Centre offers training at the postgraduate level. Students can pursue M.Sc. <strong>and</strong><br />
Ph.D. degrees by research in any of the five main research areas stated above. Short<br />
courses <strong>and</strong> workshop are also offers periodically.<br />
Director<br />
Dr. Khairun Yahya<br />
(Mangrove <strong>and</strong> Marine Ecology)<br />
Academic Staff
Assoc. Prof. Alex<strong>and</strong>er Chong Shu-Chien<br />
(Molecular Biology, Aquaculture)<br />
CEMACS Committee Members<br />
Assoc. Prof. Shaida Fariza Sulaiman<br />
(Phytochemistry <strong>and</strong> Molecular Taxonomy)<br />
Assoc. Prof. Siti Azizah Mohd. Nor<br />
(Molecular Ecology <strong>and</strong> Population Genetics)<br />
Assoc. Prof. Wan Ruslan Ismail<br />
(Catchment Hydrology; Fluvial Geomorphology;Soil Erosion;<br />
Wetl<strong>and</strong>s)<br />
Dr. Mansor Mat Isa<br />
(Fish Population Dynamics)<br />
Dr. Wan Maznah Wan Omar<br />
(Limnology, Alga Ecology <strong>and</strong> Taxonomy)<br />
Dr. Latiffah Zakaria<br />
(Plant Pathology <strong>and</strong> Mycology)<br />
Assoc. Prof. Misni Surif<br />
(Physiology of Aquatic Plants, Algology, SeaweedCulture)<br />
Dr. Anita Talib<br />
(Ecological Modelling/ Ecoinformatics[Environmental Biology])<br />
Rosnah Idrus<br />
(Information Systems Development, ComputerEthics & Digital<br />
Library )<br />
Mohd Azam Osman<br />
(Distributed Shared Memory Systems)<br />
Sazlina Md. Salleh<br />
Wan Mustaffa Wan Din<br />
Kumaradevan Saminathan<br />
Mahadi Mohamad<br />
Omar Ahmad<br />
Sim Yee Kwong<br />
Senior Science Officers<br />
Science Officers<br />
<strong>Malaysia</strong> Institute of Pharmaceuticals<br />
& Nutraceuticals(IPHARM) &<br />
School of Biological Sciences<br />
School of Biological Sciences<br />
School of Biological Sciences<br />
School of Humanities<br />
School of Biological Sciences<br />
School of Biological Sciences<br />
School of Biological Sciences<br />
School of Distance Education<br />
School of Distance Education<br />
School of Computer Sciences<br />
School of Computer Sciences
Centre for Policy <strong>Research</strong> <strong>and</strong><br />
International Studies (CenPRIS)<br />
CenPRIS is a research centre, serving as the focus of the University’s efforts in<br />
applied social research, consultancy services <strong>and</strong> post-graduate supervision related to<br />
public policy <strong>and</strong> international studies. The Centre was established in 2007 from the<br />
amalgamation of two existing <strong>Centres</strong> of Excellence of the University: the Centre for<br />
Policy <strong>Research</strong> (CPR), which was established in 1974, <strong>and</strong> the Centre for International<br />
Studies (CIS), which was established in 2004. With the amalgamation, in the context<br />
of increasing globalisation <strong>and</strong> <strong>Malaysia</strong> being a highly open economy, the public policy<br />
aspect of the Centre’s activities now has an international dimension to it. Nation<br />
building, which is the key research theme of the Centre, will have both domestic <strong>and</strong><br />
international perspectives.<br />
<strong>Research</strong> focus areas at CenPRIS are (in the area of public policy): public private sector<br />
collaboration policies, social sustainability policies, urban growth <strong>and</strong> rural modernisation<br />
policies, science <strong>and</strong> technology policies, ethnic <strong>and</strong> cultural policies; <strong>and</strong> (in the area of<br />
international studies): globalisation <strong>and</strong> regionalism, global political reform, international<br />
political economy <strong>and</strong> international relations. Two highly celebrated institutions are housed<br />
in CenPRIS – The Noordin Sopiee Chair in Global Studies <strong>and</strong> the Right Livelihood<br />
College. The Noordin Sopiee Chair in Global Studies, established in 2007, has as its<br />
current theme, “The Role of Religion in a Globalising World”, thus giving CenPRIS an<br />
additional research focus area. The Right Livelihood College was officially established<br />
in January 2009 with the signing of a Memor<strong>and</strong>um of Underst<strong>and</strong>ing between USM<br />
<strong>and</strong> the Right Livelihood Awards Foundation of Sweden (RLAF).<br />
The Centre’s post-graduate studies program prepares c<strong>and</strong>idates for scholarly <strong>and</strong><br />
leadership roles in government, universities, research organisations, <strong>and</strong> other settings<br />
where knowledge <strong>and</strong> research skills in public policy <strong>and</strong> international studies are needed.<br />
The Centre is committed to accomplishing this mission by creating an intellectually<br />
vibrant atmosphere for scholarship involving an active faculty from a broad spectrum<br />
of academic disciplines <strong>and</strong> extensive interaction with government agencies<br />
<strong>and</strong> community groups.
Achievements<br />
The Centre’s key achievements to date include:<br />
– The establishment of two national microfinance institutions – Amanah Ikhtiar<br />
<strong>Malaysia</strong> (AIM) <strong>and</strong> Tabung Ekonomi Kumpulan Usaha Niaga (TEKUN);<br />
– The organisation of the USM Ambassadorial Lecture Series, the <strong>Malaysia</strong>n Foreign<br />
Policy Roundtable, <strong>and</strong> the <strong>Malaysia</strong>-Australia Dialogue on Asian Futures;<br />
– The initiation of the Right Livelihood College Laureates Fellowship Program;<br />
– The publication of the “Religion in the Globalising World” (Monograph) Series<br />
<strong>and</strong> the USM-APEX Intellectual Discourse (Monograph) Series;<br />
– The implementation of the Penang Malays Heritage Project <strong>and</strong> the Endangered<br />
Languages <strong>Research</strong> Project<br />
Study/Course/Service Offerings<br />
Master Of Arts And Doctor Of Philosophy (<strong>Research</strong>)<br />
<strong>Research</strong> Thrust Areas<br />
• Political Economy - Indigenous Knowledge<br />
• Development Economics & Finance - Social Sustainability Studies<br />
• Science & Technology Policies - International Relations & Area Studies<br />
• Ethnic & Cultural Studies - Local Government Studies<br />
• Public-Private Partnership Policies - Public Institutions Impact Studies<br />
Admission Requirements<br />
Applicants should possess one of the following:<br />
For M.A. - A Bachelors degree in related areas<br />
For Ph.D. - A Masters or Bachelors (First Class Honours / CGPA >3.67) degree<br />
in related areas.<br />
Duration<br />
M.A. - Full-time : Min 12 months / Max 36 months<br />
Part-time : Min 24 months / Max 72 months<br />
Ph.D. - Full-time : Min 24 months / Max 60 months<br />
Part-time : Min 36 months / Max 90 months
Director<br />
Assoc. Prof. Mohd. Azhari Abdul Karim<br />
(International Relations, Foreign Policy Analysis,<br />
Conflict Resolution, Preventive Diplomacy,<br />
Negotiation Management, Strategic Thinking)<br />
dir_cpr@usm.my<br />
Prof. Muhamad Jantan<br />
(Statistics, Operations <strong>Research</strong>, Operations<br />
Management & <strong>Research</strong> Methodology)<br />
mjantan@usm.my<br />
Assoc. Prof. Kamarudin Ngah<br />
(Urban & Regional Planning, Social L<strong>and</strong>scape<br />
Development, Policy Evaluation Studies, Local<br />
Government Studies)<br />
kngah@usm.my<br />
Dr. Goh Soo Khoon<br />
(International Economics, International Finance <strong>and</strong><br />
Applied Economics)<br />
skgoh@usm.my<br />
Dr. Suzyrman Sibly<br />
(Labour Economics, Development Economics, Personnel<br />
Economics, Event History Analysis)<br />
suzyrman@usm.my<br />
Dr. Tan Yao Sua<br />
(Educational Policy Analysis, Bilingual Education, Minority<br />
Education, Politics of Education, Sociology of Education)<br />
yaosua@usm.my<br />
<strong>Research</strong> Fellow<br />
Dr. Takemi Fujikawa<br />
(Experimental Economics, Behavioural Economics,<br />
Behaviourmetrics, Applied Microeconomics, Judgment<br />
<strong>and</strong> Decision Making)<br />
takemi@usm.my<br />
Deputy Director<br />
Assoc. Prof. Suhaimi Shahnon<br />
(Public Financial Management, Public-Private<br />
Partnership Strategies, Social Sustainability, New<br />
Public Management)<br />
sshahnon@usm.my<br />
Academic Staff<br />
Distinguished Fellow<br />
Emeritus Prof. Mohamad Haji Salleh<br />
(Malay <strong>and</strong> Indonesian Comparative Literature)<br />
muhd@usm.my<br />
Visiting <strong>Research</strong> Fellows<br />
Prof. Willem Arnoldus Laurens Stokhof<br />
(Linguistics, Islamic Studies, Asia Studies)<br />
stokhofwal@hotmail.com<br />
Dr. Hermann J. Tillmann<br />
(Indigenous Knowledge <strong>and</strong> Endogenous Development,<br />
Affirmation of Bio-cultural Diversity, Peace-Building <strong>and</strong><br />
Democratization of Local Development/Administration)<br />
Tillmann2003@gmx.net<br />
Dr. Maria A. Salas<br />
(Social Anthropology)<br />
mas49@gmx.net<br />
Dr. Yohei Kobayashi<br />
(Experimental Economics, Computational Intelligence<br />
<strong>and</strong> Systems Science)<br />
kobapie@cc.kyoto-su.ac.jp<br />
Director, Right Livelihood College<br />
Dato’ Prof. Anwar Fazal<br />
(Peace-keeping <strong>and</strong> Peace-building, Intermediary<br />
Organisations, Non-Governmental Organisations, Civil<br />
Society, Civil Service Good Governance <strong>and</strong> Integrity)<br />
anwarfazal@usm.my<br />
Noordin Sopiee Professor of Global Studies<br />
Dr. Ch<strong>and</strong>ra Muzaffar<br />
(Globalisation, International Politics, Intercivilisational<br />
Dialogue, Religion in the Contemporary World, Human<br />
Rights <strong>and</strong> Human Dignity, <strong>Malaysia</strong>n Politics, Ethnic<br />
Relations in <strong>Malaysia</strong>)<br />
muza@usm.my
Clinical Science <strong>Research</strong> Platform<br />
The scope of this research platform is to mobilise <strong>and</strong> facilitate research involving human<br />
subjects, human samples, data derived from humans <strong>and</strong> research using biological or<br />
non-biological products which are tested on human. The key element of this research<br />
platform is to ensure researches on humans are conducted according to ethics guideline<br />
outlined by the Helsinki Declaration.<br />
The thrust of Clinical Science <strong>Research</strong> Platform in USM is promotion of research<br />
which would benefit patients <strong>and</strong> their community. Trans-disciplinary researches are<br />
highly encouraged. Various research clusters are formed by researchers with similar<br />
research interest yet different professional backgrounds. They collaborate to produce<br />
inventions <strong>and</strong> innovations which would improve patient care or prevent certain<br />
diseases. Some of the examples are software developed by electrical <strong>and</strong> electronic<br />
engineers based on artificial intelligence system for application in medical fields. These<br />
are products from collaborative effort of Schools of Medical Sciences <strong>and</strong> School of<br />
Electrical <strong>and</strong> Electronic Engineering. There are studies using biological/natural materials<br />
for therapeutic purposes such as reformulated calcium harvested from corals in place<br />
of natural bone. Other natural <strong>and</strong> biological materials being researched extensively for<br />
clinical purposes include extracts from numerous natural plants, sea <strong>and</strong> l<strong>and</strong> creatures<br />
available in abundance in our country. Some of extracts of these natural chemical<br />
compounds <strong>and</strong> pharmaceutical products are at phase 3 clinical trials.<br />
This research platform also promotes collaboration between the arts-based <strong>and</strong> the<br />
science-based researchers such as using music as healing agent for certain chronic<br />
illnesses. We partake in researches that improve lifestyle <strong>and</strong> healthy living using<br />
‘western- science-based’ approach such as various intervention tools to reduce obesity<br />
<strong>and</strong> tobacco addiction. We also employ ‘eastern-spiritual-based’ approach such as using<br />
biological materials for healing <strong>and</strong> disease prevention subscribed in the Holy book.<br />
An example of the latter is using honey in improving immune system in patients with<br />
systolic lupus, HIV <strong>and</strong> cancer patients <strong>and</strong> as agent in combating prevalent respiratory<br />
infections among hajj pilgrims.
For more details contact:<br />
Prof. Nor Hayati Othman<br />
<strong>Research</strong> Dean<br />
Clinical Science <strong>Research</strong> Platform<br />
<strong>Universiti</strong> <strong>Sains</strong> <strong>Malaysia</strong><br />
16150 Kubang Kerian<br />
Kelantan, MALAYSIA<br />
Tel: +609-767 2350(office), +609-767 2353(direct line), +609-765 8371<br />
Fax: +609 765 6291<br />
Email: crp_dean@kck.usm.my<br />
Visit more on: http://www.research.kk.usm.my/index.htm
Collaborative Micro-Electronic<br />
Design Excellence Centre (CEDEC)<br />
Collaborative Micro-Electronic Design Excellence Centre, or CEDEC as it is generally<br />
called, is a Ministry of Finance approved Centre of Excellence located at <strong>Universiti</strong><br />
<strong>Sains</strong> <strong>Malaysia</strong> to coordinate an important area of microchip design <strong>and</strong> research, in<br />
particular on human capital development. The scarcity of local designers is seen as<br />
one of the main obstacles of substantial investment in value-added activities, which is<br />
design <strong>and</strong> fabrication of electronic products in <strong>Malaysia</strong>. Already CEDEC oversees the<br />
enhancement of microelectronic design among seven local universities <strong>and</strong> presently<br />
working with two silicon foundries (MIMOS <strong>and</strong> Silterra) for free microchip fabrication<br />
services. Completing the microchip production flow, packaging service is provided free<br />
by SHRDC (Selangor Human Resource Development Centre) through AIC in Kulim.<br />
All these complimentary arrangements have been agreed upon through meeting at<br />
the Ministry of Finance level for the benefit of the nation. Till now the intended role<br />
of CEDEC for national initiatives on value-added activities of electronics have been<br />
mentioned in the IMP3, Economic Report 2007/2008 <strong>and</strong> recently in the NCER.<br />
Core Activities at CEDEC<br />
Some of the core activities at CEDEC include:-<br />
1.Training <strong>and</strong> Human Resource Development<br />
2.Design Consultancy Services<br />
3.Testing <strong>and</strong> Measurement Services<br />
4.<strong>Research</strong> <strong>and</strong> Development<br />
Through the usage of industry-st<strong>and</strong>ard IC Design sofware, training <strong>and</strong> seminars are<br />
being continously conducted for undergraduate <strong>and</strong> postgraduate students, lecturers<br />
<strong>and</strong> engineers from the industry. CEDEC also provide design services related to three<br />
main focused area: IC, MEMS <strong>and</strong> Microelectronic system. On the national scenario,<br />
CEDEC is affiliated to the <strong>Malaysia</strong>n IC Design Association (MICDA), association recently<br />
formed for local design houses. CEDEC also have some state-of-the-art characterization<br />
equipments for use in test <strong>and</strong> measurement of fabricated microchip functionalities.<br />
<strong>Research</strong> Activities<br />
CEDEC focus on 3 major areas:<br />
Integrated Circuit Design<br />
<strong>Research</strong> in this area including modeling, designing, fabricating <strong>and</strong> characterization of<br />
microelectronic device <strong>and</strong> circuit with improved performance in terms of speed <strong>and</strong><br />
power consumption.
MEMS (Micro-Electro Mechanical System) Sensor Design<br />
CEDEC is very interested doing research in MEMS sensor related to environment,<br />
medical <strong>and</strong> consumer products applications.<br />
Microelectronic System Design<br />
<strong>Research</strong> focus in microelectronic system design are: Embedded system, Wireless<br />
Sensor Network, RFID <strong>and</strong> consumer application.<br />
Director<br />
Assoc. Prof. Othman Sidek<br />
Academic Staff<br />
Associate <strong>Research</strong> Fellows<br />
Prof. Syed Idris Syed Hassan Arjuna Marzuki<br />
Dr. Bakhtiar Affendi Rosdi Norlaili Mohd Noh<br />
Dr. Tun Zainal Azni Zulkifli Zulfiqar Ali Abdul Aziz<br />
Dr. Zaini Abdul Halim Dr. Zuraini Dahari<br />
Khairu Anuar Mohamed Zin<br />
(Microelectronic System)<br />
Muhammad Azman Miskam<br />
(MEMS)<br />
Muhammad Azwan Nasiruddin<br />
(Microelectronic System)<br />
<strong>Research</strong> Officers<br />
Technical Staff<br />
Rafidah Ahmad<br />
(IC Design)<br />
Ruhaifi Abdullah Zawawi<br />
(IC Design)<br />
Shukri Korakkottil Kunhi Mohd<br />
(Test & Measurement)<br />
Abdullah Sanusi Husain Mohd Fazlan Md. Radzi<br />
Faisal Mohamad Mohd Hasnirol Baharom<br />
Mohammad Nazer Abdul Hadi Mohd Kusairay Musa
Doping Control Centre<br />
The Doping Control Centre is one of 35 laboratories worldwide that holds WADA<br />
(World Anti-Doping Agency) accreditation <strong>and</strong> one of 5 laboratories in the Asian region<br />
with this credential. The presence of this facility within the country has significantly<br />
enhanced opportunities for <strong>Malaysia</strong> to bid for major international sporting events in<br />
view of the successful conduct of dope testing during the Sixteenth Commonwealth<br />
Games in Kuala Lumpur in 1998. The Centre has exp<strong>and</strong>ed three times in terms of<br />
laboratory space <strong>and</strong> facilities while manpower has doubled over the last 10 years. It<br />
has shown increasing commitment to research <strong>and</strong> development in order to ensure<br />
that the services rendered to its customers are of the highest quality.<br />
The Doping Control Centre is a research <strong>and</strong> service Centre providing organic <strong>and</strong><br />
inorganic analyses for various local <strong>and</strong> international authorities requiring evidential<br />
<strong>and</strong> forensic testing for regulatory purposes. It was founded on the commitment of<br />
the country to initiate comprehensive athletics doping control at both national <strong>and</strong><br />
international sports events. Indeed, its reputation as a reliable testing laboratory has<br />
evolved from the experience of providing drug testing to various sport communities,<br />
fulfilling the st<strong>and</strong>ards <strong>and</strong> guidelines set then by the IOC <strong>and</strong> later in 2004 by the<br />
World Anti-Doping Agency (WADA). The Doping Control Centre is the only University<br />
facility that holds ISO17025 accreditation from NATA (National Association of Testing<br />
Authorities, Australia) for various scopes of testing. As an accredited laboratory, the<br />
centre conducts analysis according to the highest st<strong>and</strong>ards <strong>and</strong> guidelines, <strong>and</strong> therefore<br />
holds legal responsibility for the conduct of validated testing in the laboratory <strong>and</strong> the<br />
reporting of results. To maintain these high st<strong>and</strong>ards, the staff is continually subjected<br />
to external audit for their technical <strong>and</strong> management competency.<br />
The reputation of the Centre has evolved through its commitment to exp<strong>and</strong> its<br />
scope to incorporate (1)analytical services built on the expertise gained from the<br />
development of the Centre, (2)applied research to develop analysis techniques<br />
necessary to exp<strong>and</strong> service capacity <strong>and</strong> (3)scholarly research, education <strong>and</strong><br />
skills development to train students <strong>and</strong> analysts in leading edge research technologies<br />
as well as extend the reach of chemical analysis into new application areas. Hence,<br />
enhancement <strong>and</strong> diversification of the services has become a vital activity in achieving<br />
the goals <strong>and</strong> objectives of the centre, post 1998. Today it st<strong>and</strong>s as a self-sustaining<br />
Centre, generating revenue that is utilised by the Centre to procure consumables <strong>and</strong><br />
small equipment, maintain its instruments, provide for ongoing staff <strong>and</strong> student training<br />
<strong>and</strong> the general conduct of its day to day operations.
In order to achieve the ever more stringent analysis requirements of IOC/WADA, the<br />
Doping Control Centre has equipped itself with the latest breakthrough instrumentation<br />
<strong>and</strong> developed the manpower skills needed in order to fulfill the high technological<br />
dem<strong>and</strong>s of today’s testing protocols. With core competencies that are uniquely dedicated<br />
to trace analysis <strong>and</strong> scholarly life sciences research, the centre continues to exp<strong>and</strong><br />
its function to provide analytical solutions for several government authorities. Many<br />
of these current routine protocols began as problems in need of solutions. Indeed,<br />
the Doping Control Centre has a successful track record in responding rapidly with<br />
internationally recognized protocols to the regulatory <strong>and</strong> analysis needs of the Nation.<br />
Analytical Services Provided by the Centre<br />
Currently, the Centre operates 32 mass spectrometers of different configurations <strong>and</strong><br />
capabilities that allow testing to be carried out with precise accuracy <strong>and</strong> sensitivity.<br />
These are well suited to meet the needs of drug analytical testing, food analysis,<br />
environmental testing <strong>and</strong> monitoring as well as medical <strong>and</strong> diagnostic testing. Indeed<br />
the Doping Control Centre, through research <strong>and</strong> development, can now provide<br />
numerous analytical techniques dedicated towards clients needs. They include eight High<br />
Performance Liquid Chromatograph-T<strong>and</strong>em Mass Spectrometers (LCMS) with ion-trap<br />
<strong>and</strong> triple quadrupole technologies; ten Gas Chromatograph-Mass Spectrometers (GC/<br />
MS) including several ion-traps that allows for t<strong>and</strong>em MS analysis up to MS10; two<br />
High Resolution Mass Spectrometers (resolution > 60,000) for part per trillion level<br />
quantitation <strong>and</strong> compound identification; two Gas Isotope-Ratio Mass Spectrometer<br />
with the ability to differentiate various substances of natural <strong>and</strong> synthetic origins;<br />
one MALDI-TOF (Matrix-assisted Laser Desorption Ionisation Time-of-Flight) mass<br />
spectrometer for peptide mass finger printing <strong>and</strong> protein identification analyses;<br />
two t<strong>and</strong>em MS/TOF hybrid instrument for proteomics; <strong>and</strong> finally two ICP-TOF for<br />
elemental profiling <strong>and</strong> trace metals quantitation of various matrices ranging from<br />
biological fluids to environmental matrices like soil, water <strong>and</strong> air. The Centre also has<br />
acquired autoanalyzers <strong>and</strong> various automations for increased productivity, assuring a<br />
quick turn around time for its customers.<br />
The availability of these mass spectrometers <strong>and</strong> staff expertise in their operation has<br />
enabled the centre to focus on several new areas of analysis in support of regulation<br />
enforcement <strong>and</strong> monitoring by governmental <strong>and</strong> private organisations. With a host of<br />
specialised analytical technologies in place, the Centre is uniquely positioned to make<br />
contributions in advanced R&D biotechnology research; the instrumentation, although<br />
designed for routine purposes, allows for potentially advanced research in functional<br />
genomics <strong>and</strong> proteomics. Indeed mass spectrometry is regarded as the empowering<br />
technology in biotechnology research <strong>and</strong> mass spectrometers have become the<br />
key instrument in any biotech research facility. The post-genomic era has set the<br />
platform for advanced proteomics incorporating protein identification, proteinprotein<br />
interactions, post-translational modifications, biomarker discovery, <strong>and</strong><br />
de novo sequencing in underst<strong>and</strong>ing protein function <strong>and</strong> its role in diseases.<br />
The direction of research in the centre has been actively pursued in this area
with a number of collaborative <strong>and</strong> joint research programs. The Centre is thus geared<br />
towards both practical <strong>and</strong> academic collaborations designed to create novel solutions<br />
for a diverse spectrum of analytical problems.<br />
While its initial core business was directed towards sports dope testing, the Doping<br />
Control Centre has greatly exp<strong>and</strong>ed its client-base <strong>and</strong> analysis portfolio, assisting<br />
a growing number of clients to solve their needs for testing in order to comply with<br />
regulations or export requirements. The scope of testing has thus exp<strong>and</strong>ed to a host<br />
of routine activities including:<br />
Workplace drug testing for major multi-national <strong>and</strong> domestic companies that<br />
routinely undertake pre-employment <strong>and</strong> r<strong>and</strong>om on-the-job testing for drugs of abuse.<br />
Drug testing for substances such as narcotics, stimulants, benzodiazepines, cannabis,<br />
<strong>and</strong> alcohol have been routinely done since 1996 <strong>and</strong> forms a considerable segment<br />
of the Centre’s service activities.<br />
Determination of drug residues in feed <strong>and</strong> food; these include antibiotics, pesticides<br />
<strong>and</strong> -agonists. With the rising concern of the effect of these residues on human health,<br />
there is dire need for analytical techniques that are sensitive enough to detect trace<br />
amounts in food <strong>and</strong> food products.<br />
Drug analyses for the purposes of quantification, identification <strong>and</strong> toxicological<br />
evaluation. Quality Assurance of pharmaceutical products <strong>and</strong> more recently adulteration<br />
of supplements, herbal preparations <strong>and</strong> natural remedies are of real concern as they<br />
present serious health risks to the user.<br />
Analyses of 3-monochloropropane-1, 2-diol (3MCPD) in soya sauce <strong>and</strong><br />
related products was initiated 5 years ago as this compound, a by product in the food<br />
manufacturing process is a known carcinogen.<br />
Quantification of polychlorinated dibenzo-dioxins (PCDDs) <strong>and</strong> polychlorinated<br />
dibenzo-furans (PCDFs) as well as polychlorobiphenyls (PCBs) in various matrices<br />
including food, airborne particulates, meat <strong>and</strong> fish, soil <strong>and</strong> sediments, water, sludge<br />
<strong>and</strong> human milk. Continuous monitoring is needed as these chemicals are notoriously<br />
toxic <strong>and</strong> bio-accumulate in the body.<br />
Workplace Safety Testing <strong>and</strong> Industrial Hygiene involving monitoring of<br />
exposure to chemicals at the workplace has become an increasingly important issue.<br />
The Centre can assist the industry in protecting their workforce <strong>and</strong> create a better<br />
controlled <strong>and</strong> safer working environment.<br />
Monitoring of Inborn Errors of Metabolism (IEM) disorders in newborn infants<br />
through the utilisation of mass spectrometric techniques for the determination of<br />
amino acids <strong>and</strong> acylcarnitine profiles from infant blood samples.
With the range of expertise found at the Centre, it is committed to engage in areas<br />
that are new <strong>and</strong> challenging in the hope that it will continue to enhance its track<br />
record as a service <strong>and</strong> reference centre, providing analytical solutions for the nation<br />
<strong>and</strong> the region. Indeed this phase of its development promises to be most challenging<br />
to the personnel of the Doping Control Centre <strong>and</strong> USM, as the Centre progresses<br />
to become one of the most advanced analytical centres in the region.<br />
Director<br />
Prof. Aishah Abdul Latiff<br />
(Pharmacology)<br />
Dr. Mohd Adi Firdaus Tan Abdullah<br />
(Biochemical Genetics)<br />
Dr. Gan Chee Yuen<br />
(Biomolecules <strong>and</strong> Functional Foods)<br />
Academic Staff<br />
<strong>Research</strong> Fellow<br />
Post-Doctoral<br />
Science Officers<br />
Ainol Syakira Mohd. Rodhi Hayati Muhamad Noh<br />
Alyani Zainuddin Mohd. Azman Ibrahim<br />
Azlina Mat Shariff Nor Farhana Mohd. Fazil<br />
Chiang Pui Nyuk Noor Saerah Idris<br />
Fazilah Mohd. Akir Normaliza Abdul Manaf<br />
Haira Rizan Mokhtar Rudin Nur Shahila Ibrahim<br />
Hajjaj Juharullah Hj. Jaafar Rozaiha Rahmat<br />
Hami Mahayoo Kamarudin Sofiyatul Akmal Salim
Engineering Innovation <strong>and</strong><br />
Technology Development Unit (EITD)<br />
EITD was established in April 2000 with the primary aim of facilitating the<br />
commercialisation of research findings from Engineering Campus of <strong>Universiti</strong> <strong>Sains</strong><br />
<strong>Malaysia</strong>. It has played the role of “bridging the gap” between researchers at the<br />
Campus, <strong>and</strong> commercial arm of USM, USAINS Sdn.Bhd.<br />
ROLE<br />
• To assist in the promotion of research results<br />
• To create a conducive atmosphere for researchers to carry out potentially<br />
commercialisable research activities<br />
• To assist researchers to commercialise their research results<br />
• To bridge researchers with the university mechanism in the commercialisation<br />
procedures<br />
• To assist in the formations of smart partnerships with industries <strong>and</strong> outside<br />
parties<br />
• To coordinate multi-disciplinary research/research cluster<br />
FUNCTION AND ACTIVITIES<br />
Functions Activities<br />
Technological<br />
Development<br />
<strong>and</strong> Management<br />
<strong>Research</strong><br />
Administration<br />
<strong>and</strong> Management<br />
Promotion of<br />
<strong>Research</strong><br />
a. Formation of Partnership with Outside Parties<br />
b. Technology Development<br />
c. Consultancy <strong>and</strong> Project Management<br />
a. Serves the Engineering <strong>and</strong> Technology <strong>Research</strong> Platform<br />
b. “One stop centre” for <strong>Research</strong> <strong>and</strong> Innovation at Engineering Campus<br />
c. Coordination of multi-disciplinary research / research cluster<br />
a. Promotion <strong>and</strong> Publicity<br />
i.Innovation <strong>and</strong> <strong>Research</strong> Discourse<br />
ii. Expo <strong>and</strong> Exhibition Organization<br />
Website Management<br />
Bulletin Publication<br />
b. Strategic Planning<br />
i.<strong>Research</strong> Database Management<br />
ii. <strong>Research</strong> Audit<br />
c. Acculturation of research-Workshop, dialog, seminar <strong>and</strong> etc.<br />
- Workshop, dialog, seminar <strong>and</strong> etc.
In 2004, the function of EITD was extended to support the entire Engineering <strong>and</strong><br />
Technology <strong>Research</strong> Platform (EnTeRP) <strong>and</strong> continued to play the same role. When<br />
Innovation Office established on 1 st August 2007, some of EITD activities pertaining<br />
to Technology Development <strong>and</strong> Management are h<strong>and</strong>led by the Innovation Office.<br />
However, EITD still assists <strong>and</strong> supports to Intellectual Property, Technology Licensing<br />
<strong>and</strong> continuous nurturing the acculturation of innovation for, <strong>and</strong> amongst the researchers<br />
in Engineering Campus.<br />
Contact:<br />
Professor Zainal Arifin Mohd Ishak<br />
<strong>Research</strong> Dean<br />
Engineering & Technology <strong>Research</strong> Platform<br />
Engineering Innovation <strong>and</strong> Technology Development Unit (EITD)<br />
<strong>Universiti</strong> <strong>Sains</strong> <strong>Malaysia</strong>, Engineering Campus<br />
Seri Ampangan, 14300 Nibong Tebal, Pulau Pinang<br />
MALAYSIA<br />
Phone: +604-599 5999 ext: 5050 / 5051 / 5052 / 5053 / 5054 / 5055<br />
Phone: +604-594 2148 (Direct Line)<br />
Fax: +604-594 1037<br />
Email: eitd@eng.usm.my;<br />
research_dean@eng.usm.my<br />
Website: http://eitd.eng.usm.my
Human Genome Centre<br />
The Human Genome Centre (HGC) was established in the year 2001. It is a centre for<br />
innovative research <strong>and</strong> teaching in human/medical genetics for both undergraduates<br />
<strong>and</strong> postgraduates in USM. This centre also offers Genetic Testing Services for Hospital<br />
USM <strong>and</strong> other hospitals in <strong>Malaysia</strong>. It was formerly known as Medical Genetic Unit<br />
<strong>and</strong> has been in operation since 1994. Our centre is recognised as one of the <strong>Centres</strong><br />
of Excellence in USM.<br />
Mission:<br />
‘To raise the ability, strategy <strong>and</strong> consultation for human genome explorations towards<br />
the importance <strong>and</strong> advancement of science <strong>and</strong> technology in the era of human<br />
genomics in <strong>Malaysia</strong>.’<br />
Main research areas of human/medical genetics:<br />
Population genetics, cancer genetics, molecular genetics of various genetic disorders<br />
<strong>and</strong> pharmacogenetics.<br />
Genetic Testing Services:<br />
1. Diagnostic cytogenetic services<br />
2. Molecular cytogenetic services<br />
3. Molecular genetic services<br />
Academic programmes/courses available in HGC:<br />
• By <strong>Research</strong><br />
Master of Science & Doctor of Philosophy<br />
• By Mixed Mode (4 years)<br />
Master of Pathology (Medical Genetics) Contact:
Director<br />
Assoc. Prof. Dr. Gan Siew Hua<br />
shgan@kck.usm.my<br />
Prof. Ravindran Ankathil<br />
aravi@kb.usm.my<br />
Dr. Sarina Sulong<br />
ssarina@kck.usm.my<br />
Chia Boon Hock<br />
chiabh@kck.usm.my<br />
Mohd Ros Sidek (Study Leave)<br />
mdros@kb.usm.my<br />
Contact:<br />
Director<br />
Human Genome Centre<br />
School of Medical Sciences<br />
<strong>Universiti</strong> <strong>Sains</strong> <strong>Malaysia</strong><br />
Health Campus<br />
16150 Kubang Kerian, Kelantan<br />
<strong>Malaysia</strong><br />
Academic Staff<br />
Lecturers<br />
Science Officers<br />
Tel: 09-7676796; Fax: 09-7653370<br />
Email: pgen@kck.usm.my<br />
Website: http://www.medic.usm.my/~genom<br />
Dr. Teguh Haryo Sasongko<br />
teguhhs@kk.usm.my<br />
Nor Atifah Mohd Adam<br />
noratifah@kck.usm.my
Information Communication &<br />
Technology <strong>Research</strong> Platform<br />
ICT <strong>Research</strong> Platform is embracing on the idea of integrating science & arts with<br />
computing. ICT in the past have driven the changes in science, it enables <strong>and</strong> facilitates<br />
scientific discovery that can only be effectively done with the help of computers. In the<br />
next fifty years however, it is anticipated that science will drive changes in computing.<br />
Hence, it is apparent that interdisciplinary research in ICT is embarked to create<br />
innovative <strong>and</strong> creative solutions of computational resources to address forefront<br />
scientific problems. The ICT research platform are focusing on developing capabilities<br />
that are applicable to multiple disciplines, by undertaking specific, well defined projects,<br />
thereby developing tools <strong>and</strong> approaches that can be generalised <strong>and</strong> shared. The<br />
projects (or clusters) aim to bridge the gap (<strong>and</strong> thus making contributions in this<br />
unaddressed area) that left open by each discipline in their own right, <strong>and</strong> hence the<br />
focus of the projects undertaken will be on the interdisciplinary applicability of innovative<br />
computing across the scientific frontier.<br />
One of such projects is the Grid Services <strong>and</strong> Application <strong>Research</strong> Cluster (GSARC),<br />
combining expertise from diverse scientific <strong>and</strong> engineering disciplines. The main aims<br />
of the project are to grid-enable six seed applications <strong>and</strong> to train human capital in<br />
grid computing. The integration of enhanced grid technology to solve computationally<br />
challenging problems (e.g. modeling <strong>and</strong> predicting the vector borne diseases) on<br />
reasonable time scales, <strong>and</strong> to solve combinatorial explosion of test cases for software<br />
testing requires close collaboration between the world of computer science <strong>and</strong><br />
scientific disciplines. However, the bigger impact of this project is on the fundamental<br />
sharing of the experiences gain during the course of integrating grid technologies <strong>and</strong><br />
applications. GeoHazard <strong>Research</strong> Mitigation Project (GHRMP) is another example<br />
of interdisciplinary research mooted under the ICT Platform. This problem oriented<br />
project is focusing on l<strong>and</strong>slide hazard mitigation, it forges deep interdisciplinary<br />
collaboration between expertise in School of Physics, Mathematics Analysis, Civil<br />
Engineering, Distance Education, Educational Studies, Mass Communication <strong>and</strong><br />
Computer Science. What special about this project is the inclusion of social sciences<br />
experts in a technical-based research; their role is to study the impacts of l<strong>and</strong>slide<br />
events to the community in affected area, while another group look at the mechanism<br />
to effectively disseminate vital information to the community in the l<strong>and</strong>slide prone<br />
area before, during <strong>and</strong> after the l<strong>and</strong>slide disaster. Another cross disciplined research<br />
project is the Delineation & VRTS project which involves medical experts, pharmacists<br />
<strong>and</strong> computer scientists. The goal is to develop an extensible software platform that
could be used by the radiologists to examine medical images <strong>and</strong> annotate these images,<br />
thereby transferring their expertise into a machine-readable format or by computer<br />
scientists to develop new image analysis <strong>and</strong> 3D visualisation algorithms that could be<br />
helpful in tumor delineation <strong>and</strong> quantification for clinical research <strong>and</strong> drug testing.<br />
For details contact :<br />
Assoc. Prof. Bahari Belaton<br />
<strong>Research</strong> Dean<br />
Information & Communication Technology Platform<br />
Office of <strong>Research</strong> Platform<br />
<strong>Universiti</strong> <strong>Sains</strong> <strong>Malaysia</strong><br />
11800 USM, Penang <strong>Malaysia</strong><br />
Tel : 604-653 3083 (Office), 019-5521109 (HP)<br />
Fax : 604-658 4149<br />
Email : bahari@cs.usm.my
Institute for <strong>Research</strong> in Molecular<br />
Medicine (INFORMM)<br />
Institute for <strong>Research</strong> in Molecular Medicine (INFORMM) is USM’s first research<br />
institute that grew from a biotechnology cluster-based multi-disciplinary collaboration.<br />
Located in both the Penang Main Campus <strong>and</strong> the Kelantan branch Health Campus,<br />
INFORMM offers two working environments suited to staff <strong>and</strong> students preferences.<br />
<strong>Research</strong> at INFORMM<br />
INFORMM is a research institute formed to promote research in molecular medicine.<br />
It owes its birth to an originating research by its Founding Director who brought<br />
research at USM to a new level, translating it from the bench to the bedside <strong>and</strong> proving<br />
the applicability of the “closed cycle, R-D-C-E-O concept”. <strong>Research</strong> at INFORMM is<br />
developed based on the clear local <strong>and</strong> global need for a more effective approach to<br />
prevent <strong>and</strong> manage human diseases yielding results <strong>and</strong> products that are of quality,<br />
affordable, accessible <strong>and</strong> sustainable.<br />
Our research is built from the very fundamental beginnings like the identification of<br />
‘novel’ constituents of putative molecules for the diseases as well as for the disease<br />
causing agents. For typhoid <strong>and</strong> filariasis for instance, molecular approaches are developed<br />
to improve characterization of the putative molecules that would be developed into<br />
cost-effective diagnostic investigations that would also result in diagnostic tests to<br />
identify individuals who are predisposed to the diseases so as to help develop a more<br />
effective preventive approach. Responses to treatment, including development of adverse<br />
events to drugs used in treatment, will also be linked to molecular mechanisms <strong>and</strong><br />
diagnostic tests.<br />
Achievements<br />
Recognitions conferred on the Institute <strong>and</strong> its staff <strong>and</strong> students, as evidenced by the<br />
numerous awards <strong>and</strong> prizeswon, have instilled confidence <strong>and</strong> pride for the nation. In<br />
addition, staff achievements have raised the status of INFORMM to a world-class level.<br />
Some of the prestigious awards conferred on INFORMM include:<br />
• Centre of Excellence of Ministry of Higher Education, <strong>Malaysia</strong><br />
• Islamic Development Bank (IDB) Prizes for Science & Technology (Award for Islamic<br />
Banking <strong>and</strong> Financing fromKing Abdullah), 2008
• Gold Medal for PCR Disc at International Exposition of <strong>Research</strong> <strong>and</strong> Invention of<br />
Institutions of HigherLearning (PECIPTA) 2009, Kuala Lumpur Convention Centre<br />
– Prof. Asma Ismail, Sugumar Dharmalingam, Lingxue Kong.<br />
• Member of WHO Temporary Advisor for Vaccine (2002”– to date) <strong>and</strong> Diarrhoeal<br />
Diseases (2001 - todate) - Professor Asma Ismail<br />
• WHO Country Expert on Harm Reduction, 2009 - Professor Rusli Ismail<br />
• Appointed as Ph.D. examiner in Pharmacogenomics at Cape Town University, Africa,<br />
2009 - Prof. Rusli Ismail<br />
• Anugerah Khas oleh Ahli Jawatankuasa Pergerakan Wanita UMNO <strong>Malaysia</strong>, 2009<br />
- Prof. Asma Ismail<br />
• Bronze Medal 37 th International Exhibition of Invention New Techniques & Products<br />
(Geneva 2009) held at theGeneva, Switzerl<strong>and</strong> CIMS (Chemical Inventory Management<br />
System) - Assoc. Prof. Phua Kia Kien & Kamarulakmal Ab. Ghani<br />
• GOLD AWARD - Asma Ismail, Sugumar Dharmalingam, Lingxue Kong PCR Disc<br />
at the 20 th International Invention,Innovation & Technology Exhibition ITEX 2009<br />
• The JIPA Award for the Best Invention in Biotechnology is awarded to Asma Ismail,<br />
Sugumar Dharmalingam,Lingxue Kong for the invention: Multiplex PCRDisc at the<br />
20 th International Invention, Innovation & TechnologyExhibition ITEX 2009<br />
• iENA SPECIAL AWARD For The Best Invention of ITEX 09 - Inventor - Asma Ismail,<br />
Sugumar Dharmalingam,Lingxue Kong Invention: Multiplex PCRDisc at 20 th ITEX 2009<br />
• Distinguished Individuals Category (Anugerah Sanggar Sanjung), 2008, National<br />
Academic Award (Innovation & Commercialisation of Product 2006 from Ministry<br />
of Higher Education) - Prof. Asma Ismail<br />
• Centre of Excellence by Ministry of Higher Education <strong>Malaysia</strong>, 2008 – INFORMM<br />
• ITEX GOLD MEDAL for the invention Chemical Inventory Management System<br />
(CIMS) at the 19 th InternationalInvention, Innovation & Technology Exhibition ITEX<br />
2008<br />
• Islamic Development Bank (IDB) Prizes For Science & Technology (Award for Islamic<br />
Banking <strong>and</strong> Financing fromKing Abdullah), 2008<br />
• Anugerah Sanggar Sanjung 2008 – Kategori Anugerah PTJ Cemerlang bagi tahun<br />
2008 – INFORMM<br />
• Anugerah Sanggar Sanjung 2008 – Pencapaian Cemerlang dalam Kategori Penerbitan<br />
Journal - Chan Yean Yean<br />
• Anugerah Sanggar Sanjung 2008 – Pencapaian Cemerlang dalam Kategori Penerbitan<br />
Journal - Prof. Rahmah Noordin<br />
• Anugerah Sanggar Sanjung 2008 – Kategori Produk Penyelidikan – Assoc. Prof.<br />
Phua Kia Kien<br />
• Member of the National Think-tank Committee, Ministry of Higher Education 2007<br />
• National Academic Award for Commercialisation of R&D product. Ministry of<br />
Higher Education,2007<br />
• Gold medal award in conjunction with ICC Convention, East Cost Region, National<br />
Productivity Center (NPC), 2007, Hotel Renaissance, Kota Bharu, Kelantan.<br />
• 3 star gold medal award in conjunction with National ICC Convention, National<br />
Productivity Center (NPC), 2007,Persada Johor International Convention Centre,<br />
Johor Bharu.
• Anugerah Akademik Negara by Ministry of Higher Education <strong>Malaysia</strong> awarded to<br />
Prof. Asma Ismail, 2007<br />
• Gold Medal, Cholera Genosensor: A DNA - Based kit for the rapid detection of Vibrio<br />
cholerae. InternationalExpossition of <strong>Research</strong> <strong>and</strong> INVENTIONS of Institutions<br />
of Higher Learning 2007, (PECIPTA)<br />
• National Innovation Award 2006 (Anugerah Inovasi Negara), Ministry of Science,<br />
Technology <strong>and</strong> Innovation,Government of <strong>Malaysia</strong>.<br />
• Gold medal with mention, 55 th World Exhibition on Innovation, New Technology<br />
& <strong>Research</strong>, Brussels (2006);Brussels, Belgium.<br />
• Special Award “WIPO Prize for a country in development”, 55 th World Exhibition<br />
on Innovation, New Technology & <strong>Research</strong> (2006), Brussels, Belgium.<br />
• National Innovation Award (Anugerah Inovasi Negara), Ministry of Science, Technology<br />
<strong>and</strong> Innovation, 2006<br />
• Gold medal, IPTA Exhibition 2005, PWTC Kuala Lumpur. Ministry of Higher Education,<br />
Government of <strong>Malaysia</strong><br />
• Best biotechnology Invention 2005. <strong>Malaysia</strong>n Invention <strong>and</strong> Design Society (MINDS)<br />
for EZTyphi carrier DNA<br />
• Gold medal, International Exhibition of Ideas Inventions <strong>and</strong> Innovations, Nuremberg,<br />
Germany (2003)<br />
• <strong>Malaysia</strong>’s 10 most prominent women, selected by Tun Siti Hasmah, OIC Summit,2003<br />
• Fellow Academy of Sciences (Medicine), <strong>Malaysia</strong>, 2003<br />
• MAMPU award for <strong>Research</strong> collaboration between public <strong>and</strong> private sector, 2002<br />
• Gold medal, EXPO Science <strong>and</strong> Technology 2002, Ministry of Science, Technology<br />
<strong>and</strong> Environment, Government of <strong>Malaysia</strong>.<br />
• International Federation of Inventors Association (IFIA) Cup Award for outst<strong>and</strong>ing<br />
<strong>Malaysia</strong>n Women Inventor2002. 13 th International Invention, Innovation <strong>and</strong> Industrial<br />
Design <strong>and</strong> Technology Exhibition (ITEX), Kuala Lumpur.<br />
• Khwarizmi International Award 2002 (Second winner), Iranian <strong>Research</strong> Organisation<br />
for Science & Technology(IROST), Ministry of Science <strong>and</strong> Technology, Tehran, Iran.<br />
• <strong>Malaysia</strong>n Toray Science <strong>and</strong> Technology Award for outst<strong>and</strong>ing contribution in<br />
science, 2002<br />
• National Inventor Award (Anugerah Perekacipta Negara), Ministry of Science,<br />
Technology <strong>and</strong> Environment, 2002<br />
Quality Achievements<br />
INFORMM has been certified by 2 International Accreditation bodies for the ISO<br />
9001:2008 st<strong>and</strong>ard for Quality Management. It has also developed software to assist the<br />
management <strong>and</strong> safe disposal of chemicals according to the ISO regulatory requirements,<br />
which has been found to be effective <strong>and</strong> have been bestowed with a number of awards<br />
including the National Productivity Corporation Award for Quality. Attainment of ISO<br />
9001:2000 is part of our strategy to secure good laboratory practice (GLP) <strong>and</strong> ISO<br />
17025 accreditation for INFORMM laboratories. This is to ensure that our products<br />
meet world-class quality st<strong>and</strong>ards. INFORMM has recently been recertified for ISO<br />
9001:2008 for the next three years.
International linkages<br />
As we gain the track record in technology innovation <strong>and</strong> product development, we have<br />
gained the attention of Finlay Institute, Havana, Cuba that would like to collaborate with<br />
us to develop diagnostics for third world countries. We currently sealed the collaboration<br />
by forming smart partnerships in the development of diagnostics for typhoid, cholera,<br />
dysentery <strong>and</strong> tuberculosis using monoclonal antibodies <strong>and</strong> Immunochromatography<br />
technology platforms. A grant of RM 3 million has been allocated to achieve these goals.<br />
In the quest of developing cheap micro-fluidicsdiagnostics in terms of a universal PCR<br />
disc, a device has been developed in collaboration with Deakin University, Australia.<br />
The device can be used to replace the conventional PCR machine for DNA diagnostics<br />
<strong>and</strong> deliver results within 30 minutes.<br />
In terms of pharmacogenomics, we have a strong collaboration with Yale University<br />
in the development <strong>and</strong> advancement of pharmacogenomics especially in relation to<br />
AIDS. Other collaborations include with the University of Western Australia in Perth,<br />
African Institute of Biotechnology in Zimbabwe <strong>and</strong> Universitas Gadja Mada in Indonesia.<br />
Grant Acquisitions<br />
Thus far based on our track record, we were able to acquire grants from national<br />
<strong>and</strong> international funding agencies <strong>and</strong> institutions. We were also fortunate to obtain<br />
recognition from the industry <strong>and</strong> the <strong>Malaysia</strong>n Venture Capitalists. We have thus far<br />
been able to attain a total of USD 4 million from government grants, USD 368,000<br />
from 3 European.<br />
Union Grants <strong>and</strong> Bill <strong>and</strong> Melinda Gates Foundation at USD 65,000 . We have also<br />
created a mark with the local business community <strong>and</strong> received contract research<br />
grants of USD79,167 for bioequivalent studies.<br />
Sustainable Health: Development of Rapid Diagnostics for Third World<br />
Countries<br />
The world market for in vitro diagnostics was about USD30 billion dollars in 2000<br />
with nearly 50% based on biotechnology. (Technology Review, Helsinki). It has been<br />
predicted that molecular diagnostics <strong>and</strong> genomics will be seeing the greatest growth<br />
in the next 5-10 years time due to faster development turn around time, requires<br />
minimal regulatory barriers <strong>and</strong> can have competitive production cost. It is imperative<br />
to note that diagnostics developed canbe focused on diseases that would benefit<br />
<strong>Malaysia</strong> <strong>and</strong> the Asian region since the current diagnostics available do not focus on<br />
Asian needs. What is also important to note is that diagnostics made for Asian needs<br />
would also be required by the Latin American market. Hence diagnostics addressing<br />
Asian problems can also have high sales volume since half the world’s population is<br />
located in this region. Even though investigative diagnostics are important to find the<br />
infected individual so as to provide treatment <strong>and</strong> control the spread of an outbreak,<br />
yet annually, 1 million people die of malaria, 4.3 million of Acute respiratory infections,<br />
2.9 million from enteric infections, 5 million of AIDS <strong>and</strong> tuberculosis. Millions still die
of these diseases simply because diagnostics are UNAVAILABLE or INACCESSIBLE<br />
to those in the underdeveloped or developing countries.<br />
Despite decades of epidemics that we have experienced, we still do not have adequate<br />
number of diagnostic tests.The diagnostics developed also do not address the disease<br />
needs of developing <strong>and</strong> / or underdeveloped countries. Even if the diagnostics do<br />
exist, they are ill-adapted for countries that lack trained personnel <strong>and</strong> infrastructure<br />
Director<br />
Prof. Rusli Ismail<br />
Deputy Director<br />
(Quality <strong>and</strong> Sustainability)<br />
Assoc. Prof. Phua Kia Kien<br />
Lecturers<br />
Prof. Asma Ismail Prof. Prabha Balaram Prof. Rahmah Noordin<br />
Prof. Rusli Ismail Assoc. Prof. Hamid Fauzi Assoc. Prof. Phua Kia Kien<br />
Dr. Aziah Ismail Dr. Chen Yeng Dr. Chew Ai Lan<br />
Dr. Choon Yee Siew Dr. Khoo Boon Yin Dr. Lim Theam Soon<br />
Dr. Maizan Mohamed Dr. Ong Ming Thong Dr. Rochman Naim<br />
Dr. R. Amutha Dr. Sasidharan Sreenivasan Dr. Venugopal Balakrishnan<br />
Science Officers<br />
Badrul Syam Mat Zainuddin Norhalida Hashim<br />
Wan Zainal Azman Wan Abdullah Zulkifli Sanip<br />
<strong>Research</strong> Officers (Q)<br />
Deputy Director<br />
(<strong>Research</strong> <strong>and</strong> Innovation)<br />
Prof. Rahmah Noordin<br />
Deputy Director<br />
(Postgraduate Affairs)<br />
Prof. Prabha Balaram<br />
Elis Rosliza Mohd. Adzmi Mohd. Hafiznur<br />
Nur Fadhlina Musa Nor Dyana Zakaria
Life Sciences Platform<br />
One can be forgiven to think that life science is the realm of biologists <strong>and</strong> thus only<br />
they contributed towards all the development in this field. In fact, behind it lies an entire<br />
group of scientists from all walks of science. The history of many of the discoveries that<br />
led to the much technological advancement had contributors from many disciplines<br />
of science. The life sciences platform intends to forge a collaborative effort among<br />
scientists in USM to catalyse such breakthroughs <strong>and</strong> technological advancement.<br />
One of the main objectives of <strong>Research</strong> Platfoms in USM is to form research clusters.<br />
Under the Life Sciences Platform the Biodiversity Development <strong>and</strong> Sustainability<br />
Cluster will be formed.<br />
Biodiversity Development <strong>and</strong> Sustainability Cluster<br />
Beginning of the signing of the MOU between USM <strong>and</strong> Perbadanan Taman Negara<br />
Johor (PTNJ) on the 15 th June 2009, USM represented by the Life Sciences Platform<br />
is initiating the formation of the Biodiversity Development <strong>and</strong> Sustainability Cluster.<br />
Inspired by our rich wetl<strong>and</strong>, marine <strong>and</strong> terrestrial ecosystems,this research cluster<br />
have committed themselves towards studying the biodiversity, conservation <strong>and</strong><br />
management of our precious natural heritage with the collaboration with PTNJ in<br />
Johor National Parks.<br />
USM has been very active in exploring both the biodiversity <strong>and</strong> the environment<br />
of these surroundings. Population dynamics, behavioural, ecological <strong>and</strong> biodiversity<br />
surveys have become the foci of fauna study. In terms of flora, specimens from all<br />
parts of <strong>Malaysia</strong> have been collected <strong>and</strong> studied <strong>and</strong> these include terrestrial <strong>and</strong><br />
aquatic weeds. All these represent the wide ranging research <strong>and</strong> academic interests<br />
of the USM community which has been going on since its inception. The effort of the<br />
biologists have been synergised by the presence of the researchers using the physical<br />
<strong>and</strong> chemical approach. Currently new directions in biodiversity research engaged both<br />
modern molecular techniques <strong>and</strong> classical taxonomic methods to solve the numerous<br />
taxonomic <strong>and</strong> biodiversity questions that still remain.<br />
For details contact:<br />
Prof. Mohd. Nazalan Mohd. Najimudin<br />
<strong>Research</strong> Dean<br />
Life Sciences Platform<br />
<strong>Universiti</strong> <strong>Sains</strong> <strong>Malaysia</strong><br />
11800 Minden<br />
Penang<br />
Tel: 04-6533080 (Direct), 04-6533086 (Office)<br />
Fax: 04-6584149<br />
E-mail: nazalan@usm.my
<strong>Malaysia</strong>n Institute of Pharmaceuticals<br />
<strong>and</strong> Nutraceuticals<br />
Healthcare biotechnology serves a pivotal role in realising the National Biotechnology<br />
Policy (NBP). Our abundant natural resources will drive biotechnology as a new<br />
economic engine in the near future. The <strong>Malaysia</strong>n Institute of Pharmaceuticals <strong>and</strong><br />
Nutraceuticals (IPharm) was established on 29 th November 2006 under the Ministry<br />
of Science, Technology <strong>and</strong> Innovation in order to spearhead this initiative by delivering<br />
world-class R&D to accelerate the discovery, development <strong>and</strong> commercialisation of<br />
pharmaceutical <strong>and</strong> nutraceutical products. IPharm focuses on five major R&D thrust<br />
areas:<br />
• Assay Development<br />
• Bio-screening<br />
• Hits-to-Lead<br />
• Lead Optimisation<br />
• Bioprocess<br />
IPharm’s research laboratory houses some of the most advanced R&D facilities in<br />
the country, including a Bio-safety Class II laboratory <strong>and</strong> a new natural products<br />
compound repository.<br />
Collaborations<br />
IPharm aims to build strategic partnerships with local <strong>and</strong> international organisations in<br />
order to promote R&D <strong>and</strong> technology acquisition as well as human capital development.<br />
The Institute possesses firm ties with the World Health Organisation – Prof. Dato’<br />
Dr. Mohamed Isa bin Abdul Majid, IPharm’s Director-General, is a two-time<br />
temporary advisor to the World Health Organisation. IPharm is also<br />
in public-private partnership with the Drugs for Neglected Diseases<br />
Initiative (DNDi) in an effort to develop new drugs <strong>and</strong> formulations<br />
of existing drugs for patients suffering from neglected communicable<br />
diseases worldwide.
Postgraduate Program<br />
IPharm offers M.Sc. <strong>and</strong> Ph.D. in Healthcare Biotechnology <strong>and</strong> welcomes applications<br />
from highly motivated c<strong>and</strong>idates who are keen on pursuing a career in healthcare<br />
biotechnology. Emphasising on human capital development, IPharm collaborates with a<br />
number of leading universities <strong>and</strong> research institutions around the world to provide<br />
its personnel with cutting edge skills through post-doctoral programs, attachments<br />
<strong>and</strong> internships in both academic institutes <strong>and</strong> industry.<br />
Prof. Dato’ Mohamed Isa Abd. Majid<br />
Assay Development<br />
Assoc. Prof. Alex<strong>and</strong>er Chong<br />
Bio-screening<br />
Dr. Mohd. Ilham Adenan<br />
Bioprocess<br />
Dr. Amirul Al-Ashraf<br />
Hits-to-Lead<br />
Assoc. Prof. Habibah A. Wahab<br />
Lead Optimisation<br />
Dr. Tan Mei Lan<br />
Director-General<br />
Division Directors<br />
Contact:<br />
Director General<br />
<strong>Malaysia</strong>n Institute of Pharmaceuticals & Nutraceuticals<br />
Ministry of Science, Technology & Innovation<br />
sains@USM, Blok A, 10 Persiaran Bukit Jambul<br />
<strong>Universiti</strong> <strong>Sains</strong> <strong>Malaysia</strong><br />
11800 Penang, <strong>Malaysia</strong><br />
Phone: +604-6535600<br />
Fax: +604-6535604<br />
Email: admin@ipharm.gov.my<br />
Website: http://www.ipharm.gov.my/
National Advanced IPV6 Centre<br />
(NAv6)<br />
The National Advanced IPv6 Centre of Excellence (NAv6), with its profound research<br />
expertise <strong>and</strong> synergism in terms of <strong>Research</strong>, Development <strong>and</strong> Commercialisation is<br />
a matured research centre in the area of Next Generation Networks. Next Generation<br />
Networks is an effort to develop <strong>and</strong> deploy advanced network applications, services <strong>and</strong><br />
technologies for educational <strong>and</strong> industrial purposes. The centre strives for excellence<br />
focusing on four major areas namely, Academic, <strong>Research</strong> & Development, Consultancy,<br />
<strong>and</strong> ‘Government <strong>and</strong> Community’. Emphasize <strong>and</strong> thrust will be on research <strong>and</strong><br />
postgraduate development.<br />
National Advanced<br />
IPv6 Centre of<br />
Excellence (NAv6)<br />
Academic R & D Consultancy<br />
Functional Structure of NAv6 as a centre<br />
NAv6’s areas of focus on R&D include Next Generation Multimedia Communications<br />
<strong>and</strong> Telemedicine, Advanced Internet Security <strong>and</strong> Monitoring Platform Development,<br />
IPv6, Satellite <strong>and</strong> Wireless Communication, Networked Virtual reality <strong>and</strong> Mobile<br />
Technologies/Applications. The above areas have niche market, with potential economic<br />
benefits <strong>and</strong> opportunity to gain technological edge in ICT expertise envisioning the<br />
future. Also, the above areas are aligned with the national priorities set by MyICMS<br />
886 strategy, RMK-9 (2006-2010) <strong>and</strong> the National Broadb<strong>and</strong> Plan.<br />
NAv6 has garnered high repute in terms of consultancy with public <strong>and</strong> private<br />
organisation, both locally <strong>and</strong> internationally. Major consultancy includes<br />
the MCS (Multimedia Conferencing System) project for Mlabs System<br />
Bhd, AI3 Satellite Project, Video streaming for TM R&D, <strong>Malaysia</strong>n ISP’s<br />
security audit for MCMC (<strong>Malaysia</strong>n Communications <strong>and</strong> Multimedia<br />
Commission), IPv6 deployment Pilot Project for MEGTW (Ministry of<br />
Energy Green Technology <strong>and</strong> Water), National Strategic IPv6 Roadmap<br />
for MICC (Ministry of Information, Communication <strong>and</strong> Culture) <strong>and</strong> a Study<br />
Government<br />
& Community
on IPv6 address allocation <strong>and</strong> distribution for ITU (International Telecommunication<br />
Union). Consultancy has been a major source of funding followed by grants which has<br />
sustained NAv6 so far <strong>and</strong> will continue to do so well into the future.<br />
NAv6 is an appointed consultant on IPv6 matters to MICC <strong>and</strong> has become a national<br />
<strong>and</strong> regional referral centre for IPv6 expertise. Apart from consultancy on IPv6 projects<br />
for MCMC <strong>and</strong> the MICC, NAv6 also conducts numerous workshops, training <strong>and</strong><br />
awareness programs on IPv6 <strong>and</strong> other areas of interest in Next Generation Networks<br />
to the Internet savvy <strong>and</strong> the public at large. Professional Certification courses offered<br />
by NAv6 includes CNE6 (Certified Network Engineer in IPv6) <strong>and</strong> CNP6 (Certified<br />
Network Programmer in IPv6) at three levels, endorsed by the Global IPv6 Forum <strong>and</strong><br />
WIDE Project Consortium, Japan.<br />
NAv6 is also recognised by the international community by taking active role in Asia<br />
Pacific Advanced Network (APAN), Asian Internet Interconnection Initiatives (AI3)<br />
which is a part of the Japanese WIDE project, <strong>and</strong> IPv6 Global Forum. NAv6 holds<br />
the positions of Director of AI3, Technology Area Director for APAN, Head of AI3 for<br />
<strong>Malaysia</strong>, Head of APAN <strong>Malaysia</strong>, Chairman of Multimedia working group for APAN,<br />
Chairman of Security working group for APAN <strong>and</strong>, Head of IPv6 research domain for<br />
MYREN (<strong>Malaysia</strong> <strong>Research</strong> <strong>and</strong> Educational Network), NAv6 is the secretariat for the<br />
Asia Pacific IPv6 Task Force (AP-IPv6TF) for the period 2008-2010 <strong>and</strong> the Director<br />
of NAv6 is the Chairman.<br />
NAv6 Centre has been fostering <strong>and</strong> developed research collaborations with researchers<br />
from research institutions <strong>and</strong> centre’s locally <strong>and</strong> internationally. This includes IMPACT<br />
(International Multilateral Partnership Against Cyber Threats), Hanoi National University<br />
of Education (HNUE), Vietnam, Mlabs Sdn.Bhd, iNetmon, TM R&D <strong>and</strong> etc.<br />
NAv6 was formalised as a <strong>Research</strong> Centre functioning directly under the University<br />
(USM) since 19 November 2008. As such students can pursue their postgraduate<br />
research studies with the Centre leading to Masters <strong>and</strong> PhD. Currently, NAv6 has<br />
about 41 active postgraduate students who are working towards their Masters <strong>and</strong><br />
PhDs by research mode. Recently NAv6 has extended its postgraduate research studies<br />
to Collaborative Postgraduate Program (CPP), facilitating students to do their research<br />
studies remotely at fulltime aligned to their nature of work in the area of Next<br />
Generation Internet.<br />
NAv6 has won numerous awards on R&D nationally <strong>and</strong> internationally that<br />
includes the National Academic award for the category of Product Innovation<br />
& Commercialisation awarded to Prof. Dr. Sureswaran Ramadass at Kuala<br />
Lumpur on 5 th August 2009. NAv6 won 1 Gold <strong>and</strong> 1Silver for their research<br />
products at the <strong>Malaysia</strong> Technology Expo 2009 (MTE’09) held in Kuala<br />
Lumpur in Feb ‘09 <strong>and</strong> 1 Gold in the International Exposition of <strong>Research</strong><br />
<strong>and</strong> Innovation of Institutions of Higher Learning (PECIPTA) 2009 held at
the Kuala Lumpur Convention Centre in Oct ‘09. NAv6 has 8 patents filed <strong>and</strong> pending<br />
to be awarded with another 4 on the pipeline to be filed.<br />
NAv6 has been self sufficient in terms of funding facilitated through grants <strong>and</strong> consultancy for its<br />
research programs <strong>and</strong> activities. For the year 2009, NAv6 has about RM 2.6 million as a whole in terms<br />
of active grants, <strong>and</strong> about RM2 million in terms of consultancy <strong>and</strong> training excluding equipments.<br />
Director<br />
Prof. Sureswaran Ramadass<br />
Deputy Director<br />
Selvakumar Manickam<br />
Deputy Director<br />
(<strong>Research</strong> <strong>and</strong> Inovation)<br />
Dr. Ahmed Mansour Manasrah<br />
Lim Say Khiam<br />
Academic Staff<br />
Dr. Chai Kok Soon Dr. Laheeb Mohammad Ibrahim<br />
Dr. Omar Abouabdalla Dr. Wan Tat Chee (Joint-Staff)<br />
Azlan Osman (Joint-Staff) Rosnah Idrus (Joint-Staff)<br />
Industry & Commercialisation<br />
Networks & Systems Support Team<br />
Hairul Nizar Ibrahim Kunalan Dava Rajoo Mohd Syahiran Abdul Malik<br />
Jayaseelan Vejayon Maznizam Mazal<strong>and</strong> Syaiful Azim Abdul Wahab
<strong>Research</strong> & Development Team<br />
Next Generation Multimedia Communications <strong>and</strong> Telemedicine<br />
Ahmad Taqiyuddin Muhamad Ammar Waysi Mahmood Ayad H.Abdulqadar<br />
Foo Fong Yee Iznan Hussainy Hasbullah Khairul Effendy Zainal Abidin<br />
Manjur Kolhar Norayu Abdul Talib Ooi Khai Chin<br />
Salah Noori Saleh Siah Bing Keong<br />
Advanced Internet Security <strong>and</strong> Monitoring<br />
Ahmad Al Madi Ashraf H. Rashid Aljammal Homam El Taj<br />
Hussien Al Bazar Karim Hashim Kraidi Loai Kayed Hassan Bani Melhim<br />
Moein Mayeh Mohammad Al Halabi Muhammad Fermi Pasha<br />
Mustafa Mahmood Abdat<br />
Next Generation Internet <strong>and</strong> IPv6<br />
Adil Hidayat Rosli Benjamin Yeoh Chia Liang Hemananthan Palakarnim<br />
Pradeep Isawasan Raja Kumar Murugesan<br />
Advanced Virtual Reality<br />
Wong Hooi Ten<br />
Wireless <strong>and</strong> Satellite Communication<br />
Anas Fouad Hussein Rayan Ang Way Chuang Chong Yung Wey<br />
Imad Jasim Mohammed Muhammad Imran Sarwar Yeong Shoa Yei<br />
Web Designers<br />
Adrian Hor Yew Choon Chew Wei Choon Lim Soo Ling<br />
Teoh Khah Swee<br />
Contact:<br />
Director<br />
National Advanced IPv6 Centre of Excellence<br />
6th Floor, School of Computer <strong>and</strong> Mathematical Sciences building<br />
<strong>Universiti</strong> <strong>Sains</strong> <strong>Malaysia</strong><br />
11800 Pulau Pinang, <strong>Malaysia</strong><br />
Phone:+604-6533005/6594757<br />
Fax: +604-6533001<br />
Website: www.nav6.org
National Higher Education<br />
<strong>Research</strong> Institute (IPPTN)<br />
Institut Penyelidikan Pendidikan Tinggi Negara (IPPTN), <strong>Malaysia</strong> or the National Higher<br />
Education <strong>Research</strong> Institute, <strong>Malaysia</strong> was formally established by the National Council<br />
on Higher Education (MPTN) <strong>and</strong> officially launched on 21stAugust 1997. Since its<br />
establishment, IPPTN is hosted by <strong>Universiti</strong> <strong>Sains</strong> <strong>Malaysia</strong>, Penang <strong>and</strong> is accountable<br />
to the Ministry of Higher Education <strong>Malaysia</strong> (MOHE) <strong>and</strong> the Vice-Chancellor, <strong>Universiti</strong><br />
<strong>Sains</strong> <strong>Malaysia</strong>.<br />
IPPTN was established to strengthen <strong>and</strong> exp<strong>and</strong> research efforts in all aspects of<br />
higher education research concerning education policy, curriculum, administration,<br />
human resources <strong>and</strong> manpower, infrastructure <strong>and</strong> their joint involvement. In addition,<br />
IPPTN is active in its participation of international programmes <strong>and</strong> is often invited<br />
by research centres for higher education <strong>and</strong> other institutions from abroad to be<br />
involved in comparative research.<br />
<strong>Research</strong> Activities<br />
As an important research institution central to MOHE’s “Pursuing Excellence in Higher<br />
Education” <strong>and</strong> “Regional Higher Education Hub” objectives, IPPTN’s research activities<br />
are propelled to focus on improving <strong>Malaysia</strong>’s higher education policies. For this, IPPTN<br />
has to continuously monitor both the national <strong>and</strong> global higher education l<strong>and</strong>scapes.<br />
IPPTN has, after ten years’ involvement in higher education policy research, developed<br />
expertise in the analysis of several aspects of higher education encompassing;<br />
• Curriculum development <strong>and</strong> the preparation of an entry-level workforce (including<br />
employability <strong>and</strong> skill competencies studies)<br />
• Governance of public universities<br />
• Changing condition for academic work career<br />
• Growth <strong>and</strong> development of transnational higher education services (including<br />
international higher education scenario)<br />
• Higher education <strong>and</strong> urban/regional engagement (including education cities)<br />
• Higher education systems (<strong>Malaysia</strong>, China, Japan, United Kingdom, Australia, USA,<br />
ASEAN countries in particular Cambodia, Lao PDR, Cambodia <strong>and</strong> Vietnam)<br />
IPPTN gives priority to research that explores emerging possibilities that will result in<br />
a new higher education l<strong>and</strong>scape in <strong>Malaysia</strong> within the context of the two objectives<br />
for higher education noted earlier.
Networking, Partnerships, Collaborations<br />
IPPTN endeavours to internationalise <strong>and</strong> engage in quality higher education policy<br />
research at the national <strong>and</strong> global levels through links, partnerships <strong>and</strong> collaborations<br />
with international researchers <strong>and</strong> research centres. IPPTN’s involvements in the<br />
Changing Academic Profession (CAP) project involving higher education institutions<br />
from no less than 22 countries provides an excellent opportunity for it to initiate<br />
comparative higher education policy research in the future. As of now, IPPTN has<br />
already established active partnerships, collaboration <strong>and</strong> links with the following<br />
institutions <strong>and</strong> the list is exp<strong>and</strong>ing:<br />
• Centre for Asia Pacific Social Transformation Studies, University of Wollongong,<br />
Australia (CAPSTRANS)<br />
• <strong>Research</strong> Institute for Higher Education (RIHE), Hiroshima University, Japan<br />
• Consortium of Higher Education <strong>Research</strong>ers, Germany (CHER)<br />
• Centre for International Cooperation in Education (CICE), Hiroshima University,<br />
Japan<br />
• Centre for the Study of Higher Education (CSHE), University of Melbourne, Australia<br />
• Boston College Centre for International Higher Education (CIHE), USA<br />
• SEAMO-Regional Centre for Higher Education <strong>and</strong> Development (SEAMO-<br />
RIHED), Thail<strong>and</strong><br />
• Asia Pacific Regional Bureau for Education (UNESCO, Bangkok)<br />
• ASEAN University Network (AUN), Bangkok, Thail<strong>and</strong><br />
Links <strong>and</strong> collaborations with higher education research institutes overseas would<br />
necessarily focus on IPPTN’s coreareas of expertise <strong>and</strong> interest, namely futures of<br />
higher education, higher education <strong>and</strong> university system, governance of higher education<br />
institutions, <strong>and</strong> the academic profession.<br />
IPPTN’s Achievements<br />
IPPTN has started engagement activities on higher education with Cambodia, Lao PDR,<br />
Myanmar <strong>and</strong> Vietnam (CLMVCountries) through workshops <strong>and</strong> dialogue sessions.<br />
These activities emphasise on the exchange of knowledge, experience <strong>and</strong> information<br />
on higher education policies. It also aims to explore opportunities for research<br />
collaborations to enhance the ties between <strong>Malaysia</strong> <strong>and</strong> CLMV Countries. IPPTN is<br />
now working to explore research collaborations with other countries in South East<br />
Asia, such as Timor Leste <strong>and</strong> Papua New Guinea.<br />
IPPTN is also organising a collaborative project between IPPTN, SEAMEO-RIHED <strong>and</strong><br />
other partners from Asia. The University Rating System for ASEAN/Southeast Asia<br />
project is aimed to develop a conceptual framework <strong>and</strong> methodology for rating the<br />
achievements of universities in areas relating to nation <strong>and</strong> capacity building.
Other external grants:<br />
1. Employability of University Graduates (<strong>Malaysia</strong>/Indonesia/Philippines), UNESCO<br />
Jakarta.<br />
2. Employability of ICT Graduates (Indonesia/Philippines/<strong>Malaysia</strong>/India/Korea),<br />
UNESCO Bangkok.<br />
3. Building Asia-USA-Europe Collaborative Knowledge, Learning, Innovation,<br />
Capacity <strong>Research</strong> for a Sustainable Development: Bridging the Divide. Funded<br />
by UMAP <strong>Research</strong>-Net (URN), Bangkok.<br />
4. Diversification of Post-Secondary Education to Exp<strong>and</strong> Access <strong>and</strong> Improve<br />
Relevance. Funded by Governance <strong>and</strong> Management in Education, International<br />
Institute for Educational Planning (IIEP/UNESCO).<br />
Director<br />
Prof. Morshidi Sirat<br />
Deputy Director<br />
Prof. Fauziah Md. Taib<br />
<strong>Research</strong>ers <strong>and</strong> Associate <strong>Research</strong> Fellows:<br />
Name <strong>Research</strong> Interests on Higher<br />
Education<br />
Prof. Ambigapathy P<strong>and</strong>ian<br />
<strong>Universiti</strong> <strong>Sains</strong> <strong>Malaysia</strong><br />
ambiga@usm.my<br />
Prof. Fauziah Md. Taib<br />
<strong>Universiti</strong> <strong>Sains</strong> <strong>Malaysia</strong><br />
mfauziah@usm.my<br />
Prof. Ibrahim Che Omar<br />
<strong>Universiti</strong> <strong>Malaysia</strong> Kelantan<br />
ibrahim@umk.edu.my<br />
Prof. Morshidi Sirat<br />
<strong>Universiti</strong> <strong>Sains</strong> <strong>Malaysia</strong><br />
morshidi@usm.my<br />
Prof. Muhamad Jantan<br />
<strong>Universiti</strong> <strong>Sains</strong> <strong>Malaysia</strong><br />
mjantan@usm.my<br />
• Language <strong>and</strong> Internationalisation<br />
• Teaching/Learning in Higher Education<br />
• Financing of Higher Education<br />
• Governance of Higher Education<br />
• Strategic Market Analysis of Higher<br />
Education<br />
• Internationalisation of Higher Education<br />
• Industrial Chemistry<br />
• Microbiology<br />
• Fermentation And Enzyme Technology<br />
• Comparative <strong>and</strong> International Higher<br />
Education<br />
• Higher Education Policy <strong>and</strong> Systems<br />
• Constructing Knowledge Spaces<br />
• Statistics<br />
• Operation <strong>Research</strong><br />
• Operation Management <strong>and</strong> <strong>Research</strong><br />
Methodology
Prof. Vincent Pang<br />
<strong>Universiti</strong> <strong>Malaysia</strong> Sabah<br />
pvincent@ums.edu.my<br />
Assoc. Prof. Abdul Razak Ahmad<br />
<strong>Universiti</strong> Pertahanan Nasional <strong>Malaysia</strong><br />
delpiso2000@yahoo.com<br />
Assoc. Prof. Ahmad Nurulazam<br />
Md. Zain<br />
<strong>Universiti</strong> <strong>Sains</strong> <strong>Malaysia</strong><br />
anmz@usm.my<br />
Assoc. Prof. Dr. Aida Suraya Md.<br />
Yunus<br />
<strong>Universiti</strong> Putra <strong>Malaysia</strong><br />
aida@educ.upm.edu.my<br />
Assoc. Prof. Dr. Koo Yew Lie<br />
<strong>Universiti</strong> Kebangsaan <strong>Malaysia</strong><br />
kooyl@pkrisc.cc.ukm.my<br />
Assoc. Prof. Munir Shuib<br />
<strong>Universiti</strong> <strong>Sains</strong> <strong>Malaysia</strong><br />
munir@usm.my<br />
Assoc. Prof. Dr. Norzaini Azman<br />
<strong>Universiti</strong> Kebangsaan <strong>Malaysia</strong><br />
norzai12@ukm.my<br />
Assoc. Prof. Rozinah Jamaludin<br />
<strong>Universiti</strong> <strong>Sains</strong> <strong>Malaysia</strong><br />
rozinah@usm.my<br />
• Curriculum Innovation<br />
• Teaching And Learning in Higher Education<br />
• Quality Assurance in Higher Education<br />
• International Economic Law<br />
• Public International Law<br />
• Non Traditional Security Issues <strong>and</strong> Strategic<br />
Studies<br />
• <strong>Research</strong> <strong>and</strong> Development Interests, Including<br />
Integrating Computers in Teaching of Science<br />
• Employing New Approaches In Teaching of<br />
Science,<strong>and</strong> also in Higher Education<br />
• Comparative <strong>and</strong> International Higher<br />
Education<br />
• Teaching <strong>and</strong> Learning of Mathematics,<br />
Computer Applications in Teaching <strong>and</strong> Learning<br />
• Issues Pertaining to Teaching <strong>and</strong> Learning in<br />
Higher Education<br />
• Teaching <strong>and</strong> Learning in Multilingual Contexts<br />
• The Role of Language <strong>and</strong> Culture in Higher<br />
Education: Innovation <strong>and</strong> Transformation<br />
• Sustaining Local <strong>and</strong> Global Knowledge in<br />
Glocal Economies <strong>and</strong> Communities in Higher<br />
Education<br />
• Cultural Politics of Internationalisation <strong>and</strong><br />
Globalisation in Developing Countries<br />
• Teaching And Learning of English in Higher<br />
Education<br />
• Comparative Studies <strong>and</strong> Internationalisation of<br />
Higher Education<br />
• Systems <strong>and</strong> Governance of Higher Education<br />
• Higher Education for Sustainable<br />
Development(HESD)<br />
• Instructional Technology <strong>and</strong> E-Learning<br />
• Taught PGT 201E Instructional Technology <strong>and</strong><br />
Practices<br />
• QIM323E Web-Based Design <strong>and</strong> Development<br />
forthe Undergraduate Level<br />
• For Master Level, Taught QIM507 Web Training<br />
And Management <strong>and</strong> QIM509 Web-Based<br />
Programming
Assoc. Prof. Sarjit Kaur<br />
<strong>Universiti</strong> <strong>Sains</strong> <strong>Malaysia</strong><br />
sarjit@usm.my<br />
Assoc. Prof. Dr. Shukran Abdul<br />
Rahman<br />
International Islamic University <strong>Malaysia</strong><br />
shukran@iiu.edu.my<br />
Dr. Melissa Ng Lee Yen Abdullah<br />
<strong>Universiti</strong> <strong>Sains</strong> <strong>Malaysia</strong><br />
melissa@usm.my<br />
<strong>Research</strong> Officers<br />
Noraini Mohamad Yusof<br />
Ooi Poh Ling<br />
Contact:<br />
Director<br />
National Higher Education <strong>Research</strong> Institute<br />
Suite 109, Level 1, EUREKA Complex<br />
<strong>Universiti</strong> <strong>Sains</strong> <strong>Malaysia</strong><br />
11800 Penang,<br />
<strong>Malaysia</strong><br />
Tel: +604-659 0534 / +604- 653 3888 ext. 4090<br />
Fax: +604-659 0532<br />
Website: www.usm.my/ipptn<br />
E-mail: ipptn@usm.my<br />
• Globalisation <strong>and</strong> Internationalisation of Higher<br />
Education<br />
• Issues in Postgraduate Education<br />
• Interdisciplinary Higher Education<br />
• Transnational Education<br />
• Graduates, Career Development, Graduate<br />
Employment, Employability, Tracer Study<br />
• Self-Regulated Learning in Higher Education<br />
• Mental Health Issues <strong>and</strong> Policy in Higher<br />
Learning Institution<br />
• Needs of Students With Disabilities in Higher<br />
Education
National Poison Centre<br />
The National Poison Centre, or more popularly known as Pusat Racun Negara (PRN),<br />
celebrates its 16 th year in 2010. PRN was set up in 1994 with a primary function to<br />
serve as a referral centre for drug <strong>and</strong> poison information to support the national<br />
health service <strong>and</strong> general public. Over one-<strong>and</strong>-a-half decade later, PRN’s services has<br />
exp<strong>and</strong>ed to include providing training, consultancy services to both local <strong>and</strong> foreign<br />
agencies on health-related matters, using ICT to enhance multimedia products <strong>and</strong><br />
educational tools, research studies, <strong>and</strong> other related activities in support of the national<br />
<strong>and</strong> institutional aspirations. While continuing to provide consultations for drug <strong>and</strong><br />
poison, which remains the centre’s core business, PRN’s more contemporary activities<br />
are geared towards engagements with the public, industry, private <strong>and</strong> government<br />
organisations, schools <strong>and</strong> other educational institutions.<br />
Mission<br />
“To reduce the morbidity, mortality, cost <strong>and</strong> occurrence of poisoning in a manner that<br />
strives for excellence, compassion <strong>and</strong> innovation.”<br />
Some of PRN’s projects, past <strong>and</strong> present, include:<br />
1.The setting up of the Clearinghouse for Tobacco Control <strong>and</strong> <strong>Research</strong> Network<br />
for Tobacco Control to strengthen tobacco control advocacy work. The project<br />
was funded by the Rockefeller Foundation, New York.<br />
2.Commissioned by the Cancer Council Victoria, Roswell Park Cancer Institute <strong>and</strong><br />
University of Waterloo to conduct a 5-year (2005 – 2010) cohort study to evaluate<br />
the behavioral <strong>and</strong> psycho-social impact of smokers alongside other countries which<br />
include Thail<strong>and</strong>, USA, Australia, UK, Irel<strong>and</strong>, Mexico, Uruguay, China, Korea <strong>and</strong> Sudan.<br />
3.PRN is also a prime mover of ‘Program Intervensi Mengurangkan Tabiat Merokok<br />
untuk pelajar IKBN (Institut Kemahiran Belia Negara)’. This pilot program aims to<br />
help students in the said institute to quit smoking in a targeted period between<br />
September 2009 to March 2010.<br />
4.PRN also provides training to WHO Fellows on toxicology <strong>and</strong> drug information<br />
service. Since 1995, dozens of health personnel from China, Vietnam, Pakistan,<br />
India, Bangladesh, Mongolia, Nepal, Fiji, Indonesia, Sri Lanka, Tanzania, have benefitted<br />
from such training <strong>and</strong> interactions. Similar training is also provided to local health
professionals <strong>and</strong> medical students <strong>and</strong> has heightened in popularity over the years<br />
based on the increased number of requests <strong>and</strong> trainees received yearly.<br />
5. As a WHO designated Collaborating Centre for Drug Information (Western Pacific<br />
Region), PRN’s expertise in specialised areas are continually utilised to support the<br />
Organisation’s various projects. These include:<br />
a) The development <strong>and</strong> field-testing of an Information Exchange System for Drug<br />
Information/Drug Therapeutic Committee for countries identified BY WHO in<br />
the Western Pacific Region.<br />
b) The designing <strong>and</strong> development of a Training Kit for pesticide use for WHO-IPCS.<br />
c) The development of multimedia interactive CDs on “Toxicology in the Classroom”.<br />
The product was officially launched in Geneva in May 2009 during the 2nd<br />
Session of the International Conference on Chemical Management (ICCM2).<br />
d) The development of an MPOWER Training Package for WHO-Tobacco Free<br />
Initiative including training selected tobacco control personnel from Bloombergfunded<br />
countries, namely, China, Vietnam & Philippines.<br />
e) The planning <strong>and</strong> implementing of a WHO-funded pilot project to create youth<br />
leaders among university undergraduates in tobacco control. The capacitybuilding<br />
project involved undergraduates from <strong>Universiti</strong> Malaya, <strong>Universiti</strong><br />
Putra <strong>Malaysia</strong>, <strong>Universiti</strong> Kebangsaan <strong>Malaysia</strong>, <strong>Universiti</strong> Islam Antarabangsa<br />
<strong>and</strong> <strong>Universiti</strong> <strong>Sains</strong> <strong>Malaysia</strong>. A spin-off from this project led the birth of the<br />
“Green Lung Project”, an awareness campaign to transform the USM campus<br />
into a 100 per cent TOBACCO-FREE CAMPUS.<br />
f) PRN is in collaboration with the Division of Food Safety <strong>and</strong> Quality to research<br />
on marine toxins, including the monitoring of marine-based products, particularly<br />
those derived from puffer fish.<br />
g) Besides routine testing <strong>and</strong> analysis, PRN’s Toxicology Laboratory has also<br />
developed analytical methods to determine the adulteration of sildenafil <strong>and</strong><br />
its analogues in foods. PRN has entered into an agreement with a company to<br />
test for this adulteration in their health products <strong>and</strong> anticipates more requests<br />
from other food manufacturers.<br />
h) PRN continues to provide short-term training <strong>and</strong> attachment in ICT/ multimedia<br />
<strong>and</strong> laboratory instruments for students from both public <strong>and</strong> private colleges.<br />
i) PRN recent acquisition of an ‘Eye-Tracking’ machine has enabled new researches<br />
on visual literacy, communication <strong>and</strong> product design. The equipment is the first<br />
of its kind to be used in <strong>Malaysia</strong>.<br />
j) PRN is the recipient of the inaugural USM Quality Award for the Service<br />
Sector in 1998 <strong>and</strong> has also earned a place in <strong>Universiti</strong> <strong>Sains</strong> <strong>Malaysia</strong> Hall<br />
of Fame for Quality Service. PRN is networked globally through its website<br />
“prnweb”(http://prn.usm.my).
Assoc. Prof. Razak Hj. Lajis<br />
Director<br />
Academic Staff<br />
Prof. Rahmat Awang Dr. Maizurah Omar<br />
Assoc. Prof. Foong Kin<br />
Haslina Hashim<br />
[a] Drug <strong>and</strong> Poison Information Unit<br />
Assoc. Prof. Syed Azhar Syed Sulaiman*<br />
(Programme Coordinator)<br />
Asdariah Misnan<br />
(Pharmacist)<br />
[b] Education <strong>and</strong> Prevention Unit<br />
Assoc. Prof. Foong Kin<br />
(Programme Coordinator)<br />
Nur Afni Amir<br />
(Pharmacist)<br />
[c] Toxicology Laboratory Unit<br />
Assoc. Prof. Gam Lay Harn*<br />
(Programme Coordinator)<br />
Norjuliana Mohd Noor<br />
(Science Officer)<br />
Azhar Ramli<br />
(Laboratory Assistant)<br />
Noor Khairiena Mohamad<br />
(Laboratory Assistant)<br />
Senior Assistant Director (Pharmacy)<br />
Academic <strong>and</strong> Support Staff<br />
Adilah Mohamed Ariff<br />
(Pharmacist-in-charge)<br />
Azaharudin Awang Ahmad<br />
(Pharmacist)<br />
Sulastri Samsudin<br />
(Pharmacist-in-charge)<br />
Mohamed Nazri Mohamed Tahir<br />
(Science Officer)<br />
Che Nin Man<br />
(Officer-in-charge)<br />
Siti Salwa Sabran<br />
(Assistant Science Officer)<br />
Mohd Zainudin Md. Rashid<br />
(Laboratory Assistant)
[d] <strong>Research</strong> <strong>and</strong> Documentation Unit<br />
Professor Rahmat Awang<br />
(Programme Coordinator)<br />
Sazaroni Md. Rashid<br />
(Pharmacist)<br />
[e] ICT <strong>and</strong> Multimedia Unit<br />
Dr. Maizurah Omar<br />
(Programme Coordinator)<br />
Mohd. Zulhamiros Mohamed Amir<br />
(System Analyst)<br />
Muhammad Hafizullah Mohamad<br />
(Multimedia)<br />
[h] WHO Collaborating Centre for Drug Information<br />
Prof. Rahmat Awang<br />
(Head)<br />
Advisor<br />
Halilol Rahman Mohamed Khan<br />
(Officer-in-charge)<br />
Ahmad Shalihin Mohd Samin<br />
(<strong>Research</strong> Officer)<br />
Rosman Ahmad<br />
(Officer-in-charge)<br />
Lenny Esma Tomadi<br />
(Programmer)<br />
Natrah Mustapha<br />
(Computer Technician)<br />
Prof. Tan Sri Dato’ Dzulkifli Abdul Razak
<strong>Research</strong> <strong>and</strong> Education for Peace<br />
(REPUSM)<br />
The <strong>Research</strong> <strong>and</strong> Education for Peace Unit (REPUSM) was formally created in July<br />
1995 under the auspices of the School of Social Sciences, <strong>Universiti</strong> <strong>Sains</strong> <strong>Malaysia</strong>. The<br />
formation of the Unit was based on a need to create awareness of solving conflict<br />
by peaceful means. It was noted that this awareness was lacking among universities,<br />
particularly in <strong>Malaysia</strong>, judging from the course <strong>and</strong> academic programmes offered<br />
as well as research work undertaken. In establishing REPUSM, USM became the first<br />
institute of higher learning in the country to explore Peace Studies <strong>and</strong> Conflict<br />
Resolution through research, education, <strong>and</strong> training. The REPUSM envisions itself as<br />
a center of excellence in the study of human conflict <strong>and</strong> peaceful living. It aims to<br />
actively contribute to the promotion of peace through it various work.<br />
Objectives:<br />
• To carry out research <strong>and</strong> education activities aimed at peace empowerment<br />
<strong>and</strong> to publish <strong>and</strong> disseminate these findings for the academe <strong>and</strong> general<br />
community purpose<br />
• To engage in international exchange study program, thus facilitating the cooperation<br />
of experts in the field<br />
• To provide advisory <strong>and</strong> consulting services in the fields of peace research, peace<br />
education <strong>and</strong> professional peace building skills<br />
• To develop <strong>and</strong> implement peace education program at various community levels<br />
• To organise seminars, workshop <strong>and</strong> provide professional training in pursuance<br />
of the above aims<br />
Academic course <strong>and</strong> training workshop :<br />
Through the School of Social Sciences, REPUSM offers academic courses <strong>and</strong> training<br />
workshop within <strong>and</strong> outside the university. They are as follows :<br />
• Peacebuilding Strategies (Undergraduate Course)<br />
• Skills & Strategies of Conflict Resolution (Undergraduate Course)<br />
• Theories <strong>and</strong> Practices of Conflict Resolution (Undergraduate Course)<br />
• Masters <strong>and</strong> Doctorial Degree in Philosophy by research (Conflict <strong>and</strong> Peace<br />
Studies)<br />
<strong>Research</strong> programs <strong>and</strong> other projects :<br />
• Southeast Asian Conflict Studies Network (www.seacsn.net)<br />
• Aceh Peace Program, now developed into a fully independent Aceh Institute<br />
(www.acehinstitute.org)<br />
• Acehnese Refugee Program with UNHCR<br />
• Post-Tsunami Humanitarian Relief Project
• Mindanao Peace Program<br />
• Southern Thail<strong>and</strong> Peace Program<br />
• USM Peace Week<br />
• USM Student Peace Club (KeDAMAI-USM)<br />
• Mediation & Reconciliation Services (MARS) program<br />
• Mediation Training for Rukun Tetangga Learders with the Department on<br />
National Unity<br />
• REPUSM <strong>and</strong> the Southern Thail<strong>and</strong> <strong>Universiti</strong>es for Peace (STUfPeace)<br />
• Consolidation for Peace Program with Japan International Cooperation Agency<br />
(JICA) for Aceh, Southern Thail<strong>and</strong>, <strong>and</strong> Mindanao<br />
• Publications<br />
Links / Partnership :<br />
• Global Partnership for the Prevention of Armed Conflict (GAPPAC)<br />
• Action Asia<br />
• SEA Human Rights Network<br />
• Action Muslim Action Network (AMAN)<br />
Coordinator<br />
Assoc. Prof. Kamarulzaman Ask<strong>and</strong>ar<br />
(Political Sciences <strong>and</strong> Regional Coordinator Southeast Asian Conflict Studies Network<br />
[SEACSN])<br />
Dr. Azeem Fazwan Ahmad Farouk<br />
(Political Science)<br />
Dr. Intan Hashimah Mohd. Hashim<br />
(Sociology)<br />
Dr. Mohammad Zaini Abu Bakar<br />
(Political Science)<br />
Dr. Zulkarnain A. Hatta<br />
(Social Work)<br />
Contact :<br />
<strong>Research</strong> <strong>and</strong> Education for Peace<br />
<strong>Universiti</strong> <strong>Sains</strong> <strong>Malaysia</strong> (REPUSM)<br />
School of Social Sciences<br />
11800 Penang, <strong>Malaysia</strong><br />
Tel: +604-653 2123/ 2658<br />
Fax: +604-657 7070<br />
Committee Members<br />
Dr. Hafizah Selamat<br />
(Sociology)<br />
Dr. Mohammad Reevany Bustami<br />
(Sociology)<br />
Dr. Salfarina Abd. Gapor<br />
(Development Planning <strong>and</strong><br />
Management)<br />
Email: zam@usm.my<br />
Website: www.seacsn.net
River Engineering <strong>and</strong><br />
Urban Drainage <strong>Research</strong> Centre<br />
River Engineering <strong>and</strong> Urban Drainage <strong>Research</strong> Centre (REDAC) was the first<br />
research centre at the Engineering Campus USM which was established on May 31,<br />
2001. REDAC, formerly known as River Engineering <strong>and</strong> Urban Drainage Unit (UKSSB),<br />
has been active in research <strong>and</strong> consultancy projects in urban drainage management<br />
since 1997. Among the project sponsors are Ministry of Science, Technology <strong>and</strong> the<br />
Innovation (MOSTI), Department of Irrigation <strong>and</strong> Drainage <strong>Malaysia</strong> (DID), Economic<br />
Planning Unit, Prime Minister’s Department, Seberang Perai Municipal Council (MPSP)<br />
<strong>and</strong> Sarawak Rivers Board (SRB).<br />
A sustainable urban drainage system (SUDS) known as Bio-Ecological Drainage<br />
Systems (BIOECODS) was designed by REDAC <strong>and</strong> subsequently constructed at the<br />
USM Engineering Campus, Penang in 2002. BIOECODS attempts to solve three major<br />
problems commonly encountered in <strong>Malaysia</strong> namely flash floods, river pollution<br />
<strong>and</strong> water scarcity. By implementing BIOECODS, it will help preserve the natural<br />
characteristics of the existing river ecosystem. A presentation on BIOECODS was made<br />
at the 11 th International Conference on Urban Drainage, Edinburgh, United Kingdom<br />
(UK) in September 2008.<br />
REDAC has also been very active in promoting sustainable river management through<br />
applied research on sediment transport in rivers. River models such as FLUVIAL-12,<br />
HEC-RAS <strong>and</strong> INFOWORK-RS are used to study river morphology <strong>and</strong> the consequences<br />
for river equilibrium to be attained. A guideline titled “River S<strong>and</strong> Mining Management”<br />
was recently approved by DID for use in <strong>Malaysia</strong>. The guideline was produced after<br />
an intensive field work <strong>and</strong> river modeling for three rivers namely Sungai Muda, Sungai<br />
Langat <strong>and</strong> Sungai Kerian. Several articles based on the conducted research in urban<br />
drainage <strong>and</strong> river engineering were published in acclaimed international journals such<br />
as Journal of Hydraulic Engineering, American Society of Civil Engineers (ASCE), <strong>and</strong><br />
Water Management Journal, Institution of Civil Engineers (ICE), UK.<br />
A triennial international conference has been organised by REDAC on Managing Rivers<br />
in the 21 st Century, Rivers’04 from 21 st – 23 rd September 2004 at Penang <strong>and</strong> Rivers’07<br />
at Kuching, Sarawak from 6 th – 8 th June 2007. The International Journal of River Basin<br />
Management published a special issue on Rivers’04 containing 10 selected papers from<br />
the proceedings of Rivers’04 <strong>and</strong> another special issue for Rivers’07 was published in<br />
Water Management Journal.
REDAC offers postgraduate studies via research (M.Sc., Ph.D.) in specialised areas of<br />
Urban Drainage Management, River Management, Hydro Informatics <strong>and</strong> Environmental<br />
Hydraulics Management. Effective Academic Session 2008/2009, an M.Sc. mix-mode<br />
programme on Sustainable River Management was introduced. Further information<br />
on research activities of REDAC can be obtained from the following website:<br />
http://redac.eng.usm.my.<br />
R & D Objectives<br />
The research activities at REDAC are conducted with the following objectives:<br />
1.To accelerate the realisation of urban drainage metamorphosis in order to<br />
transform the quality of life in urban areas.<br />
2.To undertake holistic research <strong>and</strong> to develop new technology in River Engineering<br />
<strong>and</strong> Urban Drainage.<br />
3.To become a Centre of Excellence in River Engineering <strong>and</strong> Urban Drainage for<br />
engineers <strong>and</strong> scientists from <strong>Malaysia</strong> <strong>and</strong> the South East Asian region.<br />
4.To promote research network <strong>and</strong> international cooperation in River Engineering<br />
<strong>and</strong> Urban Drainage <strong>Research</strong>.<br />
<strong>Research</strong> Facilities<br />
REDAC facilities consist of an office <strong>and</strong> several laboratories in the USM Engineering<br />
Campus. REDAC is going to have the following laboratories equipped with basic as<br />
well as sophisticated instrumentation in RMK10:<br />
• Sediment Transport Lab<br />
• Physical Modeling Lab<br />
• Geo-Environmental Lab<br />
• Limnology Lab<br />
• Design Lab<br />
• Micro-Electronic Lab<br />
• Information Technology Lab<br />
• Hydro-Informatics Lab<br />
R&D, Postgraduate Studies, <strong>and</strong> Consultancies Services<br />
• REDAC is offering R&D, Postgraduate Studies <strong>and</strong> Consultancies Services in the<br />
following fields:<br />
• Urban Drainage Management<br />
• River Management<br />
• Hydro-Informatics<br />
• Environmental Hydraulics Management
Director<br />
Prof. Nor Azazi Zakaria<br />
redac01@eng.usm.my<br />
Deputy Director<br />
Prof. Aminuddin Ab. Ghani<br />
redac02@eng.usm.my<br />
Prof. Koh Hock Lye<br />
hlkoh@cs.usm.my<br />
Zorkeflee Abu Hasan<br />
redac04@eng.usm.my<br />
Dr. H. Md. Azamathulla<br />
redacazamath@eng.usm.my<br />
Chang Chun Kiat<br />
redac10@eng.usm.my<br />
Leow Cheng Siang<br />
redac21@eng.usm.my<br />
Muhamad Nurfasya Alias<br />
redacfasya@eng.usm.my<br />
Syafiq Shaharuddin<br />
redacsyafiq@eng.usm.my<br />
Academic Staff<br />
Professor<br />
Senior Lecturer<br />
Lecturers<br />
Technical Staff<br />
<strong>Research</strong> Officers<br />
Dr. Lai Sai Hin<br />
redaclai@eng.usm.my<br />
Khairul Rahmah Ayub<br />
redac03@eng.usm.my<br />
Mohd Fazly Yusof<br />
redac07@eng.usm.my<br />
Muhammad Zaki Mohd Kasim<br />
redaczaki@eng.usm.my
Social Transformation<br />
<strong>Research</strong> Platform<br />
The Social Transformation <strong>Research</strong> Platform is committed to promoting:<br />
(i) interdisciplinary research in the Humanities, Arts <strong>and</strong> Social Sciences, <strong>and</strong><br />
(ii) trans disciplinary research between the sciences <strong>and</strong> the non-sciences.<br />
This platform works closely with other research centers, schools (science <strong>and</strong> nonscience)<br />
across <strong>Universiti</strong> <strong>Sains</strong> <strong>Malaysia</strong> to collaborate <strong>and</strong> work as research teams<br />
(or pre-clusters). These research teams will, over time, transform into research<br />
clusters. At the moment, there are four research teams or pre-clusters being<br />
nurtured at this platform namely, Tourism Development; Environmental Humanities;<br />
Islamic Development Management; Spatial Social Science <strong>and</strong> GIS-related research.<br />
The Social Transformation Platform is now engaging other universities <strong>and</strong> research<br />
institutes in <strong>Malaysia</strong> <strong>and</strong> overseas with a view to undertaking research collaborations<br />
that cross faculties, disciplines <strong>and</strong> institutions. Such an engagement will simulate fresh<br />
thinking <strong>and</strong> initiatives in <strong>and</strong> beyond the Arts, Humanities <strong>and</strong> Social Sciences <strong>and</strong> to<br />
reach out to new collaborators.<br />
In advancing the wider objective of this platform, we depend on the goodwill <strong>and</strong><br />
hard work of researchers <strong>and</strong> administrators involved in the Arts, Humanities, Social<br />
Sciences, <strong>and</strong> the Sciences at <strong>Universiti</strong> <strong>Sains</strong> <strong>Malaysia</strong>.<br />
For details, contact:<br />
Prof. Badaruddin Mohamed<br />
<strong>Research</strong> Dean<br />
Social Transformation <strong>Research</strong> Platform<br />
Office of <strong>Research</strong> Platforms<br />
<strong>Universiti</strong> <strong>Sains</strong> <strong>Malaysia</strong>,<br />
11800 Penang, <strong>Malaysia</strong><br />
Tel: 04-6533086<br />
Fax: 04-6584149<br />
Website: http://www.usm.my/pelantar
Vector Control <strong>Research</strong> Unit<br />
The School of Biological Sciences, <strong>Universiti</strong> <strong>Sains</strong> <strong>Malaysia</strong> (USM) has been conducting<br />
research activities on vector biology <strong>and</strong> control especially those of mosquitoes <strong>and</strong><br />
urban insect pests since 1972. Special attention was given to mosquito species which<br />
are vectors of many dreaded diseases of mankind such as dengue, filariasis, malaria<br />
<strong>and</strong> Japanese encephalitis. Due to the growing importance <strong>and</strong> awareness of crawling<br />
insect pests in the country in recent years, research have exp<strong>and</strong>ed to include studies<br />
in urban entomology. Molecular <strong>and</strong> biochemical research have also been initiated.<br />
Since 1975, the Unit has received more than 80 research grants totalling more than<br />
US$6 million from governmental <strong>and</strong> international organisations such as the World<br />
Health Organisation (WHO) <strong>and</strong> multinational pesticide industries. These grants are<br />
used to conduct basic <strong>and</strong> applied researches on vectors <strong>and</strong> urban insect pests. In<br />
recognition of the research <strong>and</strong> training activities, the university established a separate<br />
entity for the research group <strong>and</strong> named it the VECTOR CONTROL RESEARCH<br />
UNIT (VCRU) at the Penang Campus, <strong>Universiti</strong> <strong>Sains</strong> <strong>Malaysia</strong> as of 1 October 1991.<br />
Facilities<br />
• VCRU is based in a 3½ storey building (1824.5m²). The administrative office, a<br />
molecular entomology laboratory <strong>and</strong> an urban pest laboratory are located on<br />
the first floor with a bioassay lab located on the ground floor.<br />
• WHO drug resistance kit laboratory, an insect museum <strong>and</strong> three insectariums<br />
(for the culture of eight species of mosquitoes, seven species of cockroaches, ants,<br />
houseflies <strong>and</strong> more than 60 insecticide-resistant strains of German cockroaches)<br />
are located on the second level.<br />
• Laboratory for the preparation <strong>and</strong> distribution of WHO test kits for monitoring<br />
insecticide resistance, household insecticide testing laboratory with test chambers<br />
<strong>and</strong> an insecticide analysis laboratory (equipped with gas chromato-graphy <strong>and</strong><br />
other related analysis equipments) are located on the third level.<br />
• VCRU is well equiped with:<br />
I. Pesticides spraying equipment: space spray (cold fogger: ULV/Thermal fogging)<br />
<strong>and</strong> larvicides spray (pressurised knapsack sprayers)<br />
II. Equipment for biochemical <strong>and</strong> molecular studies (electrophoresis, centrifuge,<br />
PCR machine <strong>and</strong> other biochemical equipment).<br />
III. Equipment for environmental parameter studies (water quality analysis kit,<br />
anaemometer, thermo-hygrometer <strong>and</strong> others).<br />
• Three vehicles.
• Eight computers with relevant software <strong>and</strong> printers for reference search, data<br />
analysis <strong>and</strong> information storage.<br />
• A reference library with more than 800 books <strong>and</strong> a 50,000 reprints collection on<br />
the subjects of biology <strong>and</strong> control of vectors <strong>and</strong> urban pest.<br />
Current <strong>Research</strong> Activities<br />
Biology <strong>and</strong> control of vector mosquitoes<br />
• Systematic <strong>and</strong> ecology of Aedes, Culex, Anopheles <strong>and</strong> Mansonia mosquitoes<br />
• Screening novel, formulated insecticides (adulticides <strong>and</strong> larvicides), insect growth<br />
regulators (IGRs), attractants <strong>and</strong> repellents against Aedes, Culex <strong>and</strong> Mansonia<br />
mosquitoes<br />
• Integrated control approaches through the combination of chemical, biological<br />
agents <strong>and</strong> other control approaches for the control of mosquitoes<br />
• Efficacy <strong>and</strong> performance of space spray (ULV/ thermal fogging) machines<br />
• Molecular studies on the resistance of vector mosquitoes against insecticide <strong>and</strong><br />
parasitic infection<br />
• Sublethal effects of space spray <strong>and</strong> household insecticide products in vector<br />
mosquitoes<br />
• Biochemical studies on insecticide resistance (baseline level <strong>and</strong> resistance mechanisms<br />
especially elevated esterases) in vector mosquitoes<br />
Cockroach/ant/termite biology <strong>and</strong> control<br />
• Survey of domiciliary cockroach/ant populations in Northern Peninsular <strong>Malaysia</strong><br />
• Insecticide resistance (baseline level, resistance mechanisms <strong>and</strong> gene frequency<br />
estimates) in the German cockroach from hotels, restaurants <strong>and</strong> food industries<br />
in <strong>Malaysia</strong><br />
• Screening of novel insecticides (baits <strong>and</strong> residual insecticides) for cockroaches<br />
<strong>and</strong> ants<br />
• Ecology of peridomestic cockroaches <strong>and</strong> ants in Northern Peninsular <strong>Malaysia</strong><br />
• Impact of sanitation on the cockroach population in households<br />
• Foraging behavior of odorous house ants <strong>and</strong> ghost ants<br />
• Systematics of subterranean termite, Coptotermes sp<br />
• Systematics of urban pest ants in <strong>Malaysia</strong><br />
• Foragging territory, population characterization <strong>and</strong> control of subterranean termites<br />
• Glucose-aversion in field populations of German cockroaches<br />
Household insecticides<br />
• Laboratory <strong>and</strong> field bioefficacy testings of new formulations of household insecticide<br />
products (mosquito coil, aerosol, mat <strong>and</strong> liquid vaporizer)<br />
• Product development <strong>and</strong> quality control of common household insecticide products
WHO test kits<br />
• WHO test kits for susceptibility resistance studies of pests of public health importance:<br />
Global distribution, preparation, storage <strong>and</strong> improvement.<br />
• Drug Resistance Test Kit: Global distribution, preparation, storage <strong>and</strong> improvement.<br />
Training<br />
Training of graduate students has always been the pride of VCRU. Since 1975, more<br />
than 65 graduate students, both local <strong>and</strong> international, have completed their M.Sc./<br />
Ph.D in the field of vector biology/control <strong>and</strong> urban entomology. Also, more than 225<br />
undergraduates have conducted their honours year projects with VCRU since 1975.<br />
Since 1992, VCRU has been conducting an annual short-term workshop on the biology<br />
<strong>and</strong> control of urban pests with participants from government institutions <strong>and</strong> the<br />
pesticide industries from Asian countries.<br />
<strong>Research</strong> Collaboration<br />
VCRU is actively seeking collaboration with local, regional <strong>and</strong> international research<br />
institutions <strong>and</strong> industries. Those interested, please contact:<br />
Assoc. Prof. Zairi Jaal<br />
Coordinator<br />
Vector Control <strong>Research</strong> Unit<br />
School of Biological Sciences<br />
<strong>Universiti</strong> <strong>Sains</strong> <strong>Malaysia</strong><br />
11800 Penang, <strong>Malaysia</strong>.<br />
Tel: 604-657 4776/ 657 7888 ext. 3048<br />
Fax: 604-657 7200<br />
E-mail: zairi@usm.my.
Coordinator<br />
Assoc. Prof. Zairi Jaal<br />
(Medical Entomology)<br />
Prof. Abdul Wahab Abdul Rahman<br />
(Parasitology)<br />
Prof. Lee Chow Yang<br />
(Urban Entomology)<br />
Assoc. Prof. Sharul Anuar Md. Sah<br />
(Zoology)<br />
Academic Staff<br />
<strong>Research</strong> Associates<br />
<strong>Research</strong> Officers<br />
Prof. Abu Hassan Ahmad<br />
(Medical Entomology)<br />
Assoc. Prof. Siti Azizah Md Nor<br />
(Population Genetics)<br />
Mohamad Hifni Mohd. Baharuddin<br />
(Zoology)<br />
Adanan Che Rus Azlinda Abu Bakar<br />
Hasniza Hasni Mohd Firdaus Ansuar<br />
<strong>Research</strong> Assistant<br />
Abdul Malik Yahaya Haslan Salim<br />
<strong>Research</strong> Technicians<br />
Mohd Nasir Hassan Mohd Nasir Mohd Nor<br />
Mohd Noor Hisham Nurul Mazni<br />
Rohaizat Baba Shamsul Ahmad Shah Azmi
Women’s Development<br />
<strong>Research</strong> Centre (Kanita)<br />
KANITA achieved its current status as an autonomous research centre within the<br />
university on 17 April 2001. The endorsement by the University Senate of KANITA’s<br />
position demonstrates USM’s commitment to lead in the exploration of new thinking<br />
<strong>and</strong> knowledge that considers gender as an important analytical framework for theory<br />
<strong>and</strong> research <strong>and</strong> it reflects the university’s commitment as the APEX university to<br />
meeting the needs by Bottom Billion. KANITA`s commitment is to the Bottom half<br />
– Billion. It also reflects converging efforts <strong>and</strong> dedication of academic members from<br />
various disciplines towards championing gender equality, equity <strong>and</strong> justice in the<br />
society, both theoretically <strong>and</strong> in practice.<br />
Today, KANITA is more matured in issues related to gender <strong>and</strong> women. Besides,<br />
active in the academe, KANITA is also working closely with other organisations <strong>and</strong><br />
bodies that are championing women issues as a way of KANITA’s commitment <strong>and</strong><br />
contribution towards the advancement of women in society.<br />
As a centre that aims at influencing policies <strong>and</strong> programmes KANITA focuses on six<br />
core/thrust areas:<br />
a. Sustainable Development<br />
b. Economic & Social Development<br />
c. Policy <strong>and</strong> Law<br />
d. Health<br />
e. Family<br />
f. Media & Culture<br />
POSTGRADUATE PROGRAMMES<br />
KANITA offers a graduate programme for those interested in pursuing women<br />
or gender studies by research. Upon completion, they will be awarded a Master<br />
of Social Science (Gender Studies) or a Doctor of Philosophy. Programmes are<br />
designed to produce graduates who are gender-sensitive in various work cultures <strong>and</strong><br />
organisations, operating at different levels of planning <strong>and</strong> management. Graduates<br />
should be competent <strong>and</strong> comfortable working both in local <strong>and</strong> foreign organisations.
All Masters <strong>and</strong> Ph.D. c<strong>and</strong>idates are required to pass two pre-requisite courses as<br />
listed below:<br />
1. SGS501 - Gender Theories<br />
2. SGS502 - <strong>Research</strong> Methods <strong>and</strong> Analysis for Gender Studies<br />
<strong>Research</strong> projects for these courses may be based on theoretical or academic<br />
discourses on feminism or founded on practical work settings or grounded in real<br />
life experiences. The projects may emphasise local, national or global women/gender<br />
issues that focus on policy <strong>and</strong> advocacy, or development <strong>and</strong> management strategies<br />
relating to training <strong>and</strong> employment. Students may research issues related to any of<br />
the six core areas of KANITA.<br />
Achievements 2009<br />
1. <strong>Research</strong><br />
KANITA`s core business is research, in 2009 there were research 12 projects being<br />
conducted covering a range of topics which are linked to the thrust areas. Three<br />
collaborative research projects received external funding from the research partners.<br />
<strong>Research</strong> topics were strategically chosen for their relevance to women <strong>and</strong> their<br />
potentials for policy impact. KANITA is marking on a strategic plan which will launch<br />
it as a Centre of Excellence in research on women <strong>and</strong> gender issues.<br />
Another success story is in getting the university to approve a transdisciplinary<br />
research cluster called GLIDE which is an acronym for “Gender, Livelihood, (In)<br />
equality, Development <strong>and</strong> Women”. This cluster is a platform to bring transdisiplinary<br />
perspectives to research cross-disciplines, such as health <strong>and</strong> poverty.<br />
2. Sexual Harassment Polic<br />
KANITA takes pride that its initiative in drafting a sexual harassment policy <strong>and</strong><br />
protocol for the university was finally accepted 27 th July 2009 by the University Exco.<br />
This is in line with the University’s healthy campus policy within the framework of<br />
sustainable development, gender <strong>and</strong> rights.<br />
3. Professorial Lecture<br />
On 17 July 2009, 600 guests from all over <strong>Malaysia</strong> filled the Dewan Budaya, USM, to<br />
witness Professor Datin Rashidah Shuib deliver her professorial lecture, “Engendering<br />
Health: A Strategic Investment”, the first since KANITA achieved its Centre Status.<br />
On 14 th May, SocTrans, in acknowledgement of the importance of a gender<br />
perspective in research selected GLIDE as a cluster under its portfolio. A<br />
representation of the GLIDE framework is included below.
Contacting <strong>and</strong> Accessing KANITA:<br />
Prof. Datin Rashidah Shuib<br />
Director<br />
Women’s Development <strong>Research</strong> Centre (KANITA)<br />
<strong>Universiti</strong> <strong>Sains</strong> <strong>Malaysia</strong><br />
11800 USM, Pulau Pinang<br />
<strong>Malaysia</strong><br />
Tel: +604-6532678/6533436<br />
Fax: +604-6566379<br />
Email: rashidahshuib@usm.my<br />
Website: http:/www.usm.my/kanita