Foreword by Vice President (RDC)

Recognising the importance and critical role of R&D for a country’s well-being and economic growth, UTAR has emphasised on R&D as one of the focused areas. Since its establishment in 2002, UTAR has created the necessary ecosystem to inculcate the culture of research among its community by introducing UTAR Research Roadmap, UTAR Research Fund policy, UTAR Research Scholarship Scheme, UTAR Global Research Network, establishment of Research Centres and the emphasis on research collaborations with local industry partners and renowned institutions. Roadmaps for faculties and research centres were introduced in 2021 to further enhance R&D activities in UTAR. This is a continuation of the UTAR Research Roadmap which ended in 2014. 

Currently, there are 35 research centres in UTAR to spearhead R&D activities from various disciplines involving more than 1,300 academic staff. With continuous support from the management and dedication of the researchers, UTAR has strong research teams in the field of Renewable Energy, Stem Cell, Cybersecurity, Smart Agriculture, Wastewater Treatment, Cancer Research, E-Commerce, IoT, Artificial Intelligence, Behavioural Science, Plant Physiology, Chinese Studies, Construction Management, Traditional Chinese Medicine and Sensor Research. 

This R&D Annual Report attempts to showcase the University’s efforts and achievements in high impact R&D projects, Research Publications, Research Collaborations, activities by UTAR Research Centres, Consultancies and Awards received. It represents the research portfolio of UTAR, and the effort by the University in creating new talents through R&D. It is UTAR’s aim to be a global university of educational excellence with transformative societal impact. 

 “Intellectual Pursuit through Sustainable Research”

Professor Ts Dr Faidz bin Abd Rahman
Vice President R&D and Commercialisation