MANAGEMENT and Science University (MSU) is strengthening its transition towards becoming a global, comprehensive, research-driven dual-sector university through the rebranding and realignment of eight Centres of Excellence (COEs).
The initiative reflects MSU’s evolution from a teaching-focused institution into a university that integrates academic excellence, technical education, industry engagement and research, in alignment with its strategic pillars, international priorities and the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs).
MSU president and founder Prof Tan Sri Dr Mohd Shukri Ab Yajid said MSU had grown from a college into a global university serving students from 79 nationalities and offering more than 200 programmes.
“Teaching remains important, but research must now become an equally strong component of our university,” he said.
“If we want to be truly global and comprehensive, we must be good at teaching and research.”
The eight rebranded COEs will focus on specialised areas while promoting interdisciplinary and transdisciplinary research, collaboration, innovation and commercialisation. Their research areas provide opportunities to advance multiple SDGs, from quality education, health and well-being to climate action, sustainable communities and global partnerships.
The seven research-focused centres comprise the Centre for Applied Intelligence (CAI), MSU Centre for Climate Resilience and Strategy (M-CREST), Centre for Life Enhancing Eye Care Innovation and Rehabilitation (CLEAR), Neuroscience and Mental Wellbeing Centre (NeuroMIND), MSU Centre for Environmental, Social and Governance (ESG) and the Global Health Centre (G1) while the International Centre for Halal Studies (ICHLAS) will expand MSU’s halal expertise beyond food and services into broader areas of research, education and development.
Supporting the university’s wider ecosystem is service-focused Software Engineering and Digital Innovation Centre (SenDI) which will continue as MSU’s technology hub to provide digital and technological solutions across the university.
Prof Mohd Shukri emphasised that the rebranding goes beyond changing names, establishing research priorities, areas of expertise and dimensions of collaboration.
“We must look beyond what we are doing and identify the areas in which MSU can excel over the next 10 to 20 years,” he said.
The new COE structure is designed to break down traditional academic boundaries by bringing together expertise from different disciplines to address complex challenges.
With MSU’s goal of developing partnerships with more than 300 universities, the COEs will contribute to stronger international research networks and global collaboration, directly supporting SDG 17 (Partnerships for the Goals).
The COEs are expected to serve as role models for faculties, helping establish a stronger research culture throughout MSU.
The university’s research agenda will focus not only on publications and citations, but also on innovation, commercialisation and meaningful impact.
“What matters is whether our research can create value, solve industry problems and produce meaningful outcomes,” said Prof Mohd Shukri.
This approach positions research as a driver of positive change across society, supporting the SDGs through stronger education, healthier communities, technological innovation, environmental sustainability, responsible governance and inclusive economic development.
Through the new COE structure, MSU aims to develop research that is strategically aligned, interdisciplinary, collaborative, industry-connected, globally focused, innovative and commercially relevant.
The rebranding marks more than an organisational change. It represents a transformation in MSU’s approach to research and supports the university’s next stage of growth as a global, comprehensive research university committed to creating meaningful impact locally and globally.
To learn more, log on to https://www.msu.edu.my/
