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Universiti Sains Malaysia (USM) offers excellent opportunities for research, innovation and education to both local and foreign undergraduates and post-graduates. The University’s core competencies remain unchanged in its 40 years of establishment: teaching, research and consultancies, which relate directly to the advancement of human resource development and capacity building, knowledge and industrial competitiveness.

USM, which was granted the APEX status in 2008 has now made it a priority to steer its research capabilities towards reaching out and impacting the community. Research at USM aims to touch base with the need of the poor and vulnerable. Above and beyond that, the University wants to be at the forefront of providing local solutions for global problems. At present, USM continues to address a wider range of problems in order to benefit society at large, besides striving to exercise open mindedness in its research work at the theoretical level.

The University has been actively developing broad-based research infrastructure involving the acquisition of a wide range of equipment, laboratory facilities and library holdings. It has also established new research institutes, centres and units, which are mostly located at USM’s rapidly developing Science and Arts Innovation Space, or better known as sains@usm. At the core of these research entities is one of academic excellence and through these entities, research talent and expertise are mobilised from different disciplines and segments of the University in line with its efforts in promoting trans-disciplinary research.

Research at USM is managed by its Research Management and Creativity Office (RCMO), in charge of overseeing matters pertaining to research information, grants, university facilities, equipment and human resources. The office was set up to be the bridge between USM researchers, grants financiers and the industry. There is also an Innovation Office, tasked with bringing the products, innovations, services and knowledge created by its researchers to the marketplace and end-users in an efficient manner.

USM’s research strengths are split into four categories, namely in the fields of Science, Medical Health, Engineering and Arts. The 25 Schools spread out on three campuses each have its own niche area of research. Its research strengths

Research Institutes, Centres and Units

include environmental science, aquaculture, biomedical and pharmaceutical studies, information technology, food technology, polymer science, biotechnology, distance education, materials science, surface chemistry and robotic vision. To tie up all of the University’s research efforts, seven research platforms have been identified – Biomedical and Health Sciences, Fundamental Sciences, Social Transformation, Life Sciences, Engineering Science and Technology, ICT and Clinical Sciences.

Recognising that its manpower is its main asset, researchers at the USM are duly honoured at the Sanggar Sanjung Awards night which is held annually. USM’s research personnel have made the University proud in bringing home awards and accolades won at various local and international exhibitions including the Malaysian Technology Expo, International Exhibition of Invention New Techniques & Products (Geneva), International Invention, Innovation, Industrial Design & Technology Exhibition (ITEX) and PECIPTA.

USM has also become an importance resource centre for the industry with university-industry links established via its holding company USAINS Holding Sdn. Bhd. which provide services such as consultancy, contract research, joint research and development initiatives, professional upgrading, rental of R&D spaces, as well as access to research equipment and laboratory facilities.

Advanced Medical and Dental Institute (AMDI)

The Malaysian cabinet ministers in its meeting on the 16th October, 2002 formally approved the memorandum(Memorandum No. 650/2343/2002) from the Ministry of Education (MOE) to set up The Advanced Medical & Dental Institute (AMDI). The memorandum also mentioned that the AMDI would be situated in Bertam, Kepala Batas, Penang and the building and the operating of this institute would be put under the care of Universiti Sains Malaysia(USM) on this memorable day in history.

AMDI have three main activities namely clinical services, collaborative research and post-graduate degree programmes. A Clinical Trial Centre has been set up with clinical expertise and research laboratories to equip the needs of clinical services. It was officially opened in September, 2004 inside 3 lots of double storey shop-houses inTaman Bertam Indah, Kepala Batas. Among the services offered are Healthy Women’s Clinic, Specialist Medical Clinic, Specialist Dental Clinic, Clinical Research Clinic and Advanced Clinical Diagnostic Laboratory.

Other than clinical services offered, AMDI also offers post graduate academic programmes (Masters inScience/Masters in Medicine/Doctor of Philosophy). Among the courses offered are Masters in Medicine (TransfusionMedicine), Masters in Medicine (Nuclear Medicine), Masters in Science (Transfusion Science) and Masters inScience (Medical Research). It is hoped that AMDI can produce clinical specialists and local scientists together with locally sourced commercialized medicines and treatments products through the courses offered.

The first successful students intake process was conducted on June 2004 and the pioneer batch of AMDI students graduated in August 2005. In the year 2006, AMDI created history again when it became the first institution in the country to offer The Masters in Medical Transfusion programme. A group of Doctor of Philosophy (Ph.D) students registered in May 2006 and is currently following the programme. The latest courses offered by AMDI are Masters inScience (Oral Science) and Masters in Science (Health Toxicology).

Research activities are an important component of AMDI after its academic programmes. Realising this importance, AMDI has fully equipped a research environment in the field of medicine and dentistry. The main activity of AMDI isfocus on advanced research elements to train and to develop individuals that excel in the fields of medicine and

dentistry. It is hoped that these individuals will become the pioneers and new technologies developers in these two fields and will also contribute meaningfully to the nation’s economical development. In order to achieve these goals, AMDI is building the latest and most advance research facilities to help mold these individuals. These top notch facilities includes a main laboratory for the field of selomic, proteomic, therapeutic, animal laboratory and clinical research centre. For research utilising animals, AMDI is in the process of developing avivarium to place the various types of laboratory animals to be tested with newly developed treatment products andmedicines. These new treatment products and medicines are developed by AMDI and USM research. AMDI has thelofty goal of making itself the first and the sole animal research centre in Malaysia to be accreditated by world accreditation quality bodies like the Association for Assessment and Accreditation for Laboratory Animal Care(AAALAC) through the development of the vivarium and the quality of animal care during research. This is in line with the vision of AMDI to lead the world in producing newly develop treatments and medicines.

AMDI is also in the process of developing a main facility to focus on the work of translational research which is aresearch to develop a basic form of treatment that can be applied to the patient. Other than research work, this laboratory facility can be use to develop therapeutic and diagnostic products for industrial usage. Thus, every patient that comes to AMDI will contribute to the collection of information to create a patients’ disease database for detailed research to be done. Every staff and students of AMDI will also be absorbed with this research mentality to fulfill the entrepreneurship, training and research mission of AMDI.

Specific clusters have been set up by AMDI to thrust forward the research activities and to produce more scientists and medical specialists in the fields such as Oncology, Cardiovascular, Integrative medicine, Infectious disease, Mental Science and Behavioural Science, Immunology, Oral Science, Transfusion medicine, Nuclear medicine,Toxicology and Healthy Living. The set up of these clusters will hopefully increase the production of new valuable invention to be used for the well-being of the general public and society at large. In terms of infrastructure, AMDI is fast tracking the building of the Clinical Trial Centre (CTC) and the Animal Houseon a 112 acres piece of land in the district of Bertam, Kepala Batas. AMDI’s development projects have been listed under the 9th Malaysia Plan with the total cost of RM199 million and in the 10th Malaysia Plan, AMDI has applied forthe additional allocation to add an extra 200 beds for patients. CTC will also be equipped with medical research laboratories, operational theatres and the latest and most sophisticated medical tools in line with the rapid development of technologies in the field of patient treatment. This exciting ongoing project is expected to be completed by December 2010.

AMDI had just celebrated its seventh birthday and has contributed largely to the increment of the local community’s health level. Thus, due to the medical expertise and the advantage that AMDI has. AMDI deserves to be the top landmark in Bertam, Kepala Batas.

Academic ProgrammeThe Advanced Medical and Dental Institute (AMDI) of Universiti Sains Malaysia offers higher degree programmes in various innovative and integrative fields of Medical and Dental Sciences incorporating Oncology, Surgery, Infectious Diseases, Clinical Pharmacology, Molecular Haematology, Transfusion Medicine and Transfusion Science leading to the award of the Master of Science (M.Sc.) and Doctor of Philosophy (Ph.D.) degrees which are currently offered through the research mode.

Mixed-Mode Programme

Master of Science(Medical Research)

Master of Science(Transfusion Science)

Master of Science(Oral Science)

Master of Science(Health Toxicology)

Coursework Programmes

Master of Medicine(Transfusion Medicine)

Master of Medicine(Nuclear Medicine)

Research Programmes

Master of Science Doctor of Philosophy

List of Programs and Research Fields

Code Research Program Research Field

IPT02 Clinical Science - Haematology • Haematology, Transfusion Medicine

IPT03Clinical Science - Internal Medicine

• Clinical Trials in Internal Medicine, Clinical Evaluation of Traditional / Complementary Medicine

IPT04 Clinical Sciences - Paediatrics• Paediatrics, Paediatric Cardiology &

Cardiac Intervention

IPT06 Clinical Sciences - Radiology• Musculoskeletal Radiology, Oncologic

Radiology, Health Informatics

IPT07 Clinical Sciences - Radiotherapy • Oncology & Radiotherapy

IPT08 Community Medicine

• Public Health / Community Medicine

• Public Health / Community Medicine (Oral Health)

• Hospital Administration, Management & Training

IPT09 Immunology

• Tumor Immunology, Study of Thymus and T Cell Development, Autoimmunity, Immunomodulations

• Infectious Immunity, Transplantation Immunology, Oncology

• Immunogenetics

IPT10 Medical Genetic• Genomic, Cancer

• Clinical Genetics

IPT11 Microbiology• Molecular Virology and Oncology

• Molecular Biology

IPT12 Pathology• Histopathology, Cytology, Gastrointestinal

Pathology

• Nephropathology, Electron Microscopy

IPT13 Pharmacology • Clinical Pharmacology and Therapeutics

IPT14 Pharmacy• Pharmaceutical Biotechnology, Molecular

Pharmacology

Academic Staff

DirectorDr. Haji Ramli Saad(Radiology)ramli_saad@amdi.usm.edu.my

Deputy Director (Academics)Dr. Norehan Mokhtar(Orthodontic)norehan@amdi.usm.edu.my

Deputy Director (Clinical Services)Assoc. Prof. Dr. Narazah Mohd. Yusof(Haematology)narazah@amdi.usm.edu.my

Deputy Director(Engineering & Maintainance)N. Sihamuddin N. Md. Mohyddinnik_sihamuddin@amdi.usm.edu.my

Deputy Director (Financial)Salwa Ab. RazakE-mail: salwa@amdi.usm.edu.my

Deputy Director (Management)Mohd Saad Hj. Dinmsaad@amdi.usm.edu.my

Deputy Director (Research and Innovation)Dr. Bakiah Shaharuddin(Ophthalmology)bakiah@amdi.usm.edu.my

Lecturers

Prof. Abdel Hamid Zaki(Biochemistry)e-mail: abdelhamid@amdi.usm.edu.my

Prof. Ibrahim Lutfi Shuaib(Radiology)ibrahim@amdi.usm.edu.my

Prof. Lokman Mohd Noh(Paediatric [Immunology])lokman.m.noh@amdi.usm.edu.my

Prof. Rabindarjeet Singh(Sports Science)rabindar@amdi.usm.edu.my

Assoc. Prof. Dr. Gurjeet Kaur(Patology)gurjeet@amdi.usm.edu.my

Assoc. Prof. Dr. Ishak Mat(Immunology)ishak@amdi.usm.edu.my

Assoc. Prof. Dr. Tang Thean Hock(Molecular Medicine Diagnostic)tangth@amdi.usm.edu.my

Dr. Ahmad Saleem Salem Alzoubi(Medical Physics)e-mail: saleem@amdi.usm.edu.my

Dr. Aishah Knight @ Abd Shatar(Public Health)aknight@amdi.usm.edu.my

Dr. Ban Ahmed Abdul(Prosthodontic)drban@amdi.usm.edu.my

Dr. Muhammad Nahar Bin Md Shahid(Anaesthesiology)nahar@amdi.usm.edu.my

Dr. Naseer Abbas Abd El Aziz(Prosthetic Dentistry)nasser@amdi.usm.edu.my

Dr. Nor Aini Saidin(Toxicology)nor_aini_saidin@amdi.usm.edu.my

Dr. Ruzita Binti Ahmad(Food Technology)ruzita@amdi.usm.edu.my

Dr. Siti Nor Fazliah Mohd Noor(Paediatric Dentistry)fazliah@amdi.usm.edu.my

Dr. Sohair Aly Aly Hassan(Physiology)sohair@amdi.usm.edu.my

Dr. Tan Mei Lan(Pharmacy)tanml@amdi.usm.edu.my

Dr. Zainoodin Sheikh Abdul Kader(Medical Microbiology and Vaccinology)zainoodin@amdi.usm.edu.my

Jahangir Kamaldin(Entomology Laboratory Management)jahangir@amdi.usm.edu.my

Dr. Faisal Muti Al-Hassan(Haematology)faisal@amdi.usm.edu.my

Dr. Hasnah Hashim(Community Dentistry)hasnah@amdi.usm.edu.my

Dr. Huda Salman Baqir(Haematology)e-mail: huda@amdi.usm.edu.my

Dr. Muhammad Kamil Sheikh Abdul Shakoor(Internal Medicine, Medical Oncology)kamil@amdi.usm.edu.my

Animal Research and Wellness Unit (ARWU)

Animal Research and Wellness Unit (ARWU) previously known as Laboratory Animal Research Unit (LARU) in Health Campus, Animal House in Main Campus, and Animal Research Centre (under construction) in Bertam has been established for better standardisation and coordination of laboratory animals management and research. This is to provide high quality animals models and exceptional humane animals care in support of the research and teaching programs of the Universiti Sains Malaysia (USM), consistent with legal requirements, agency guidelines, institutional policy and ethical imperatives.

ARWU is responsible for:

•Provide competent, courteous technical support for procedures using animals.

•Provide training and instruction to USM researchers and animal care staff in the appropriate care and use of research and teaching animals.

•Promote and seek resources for improvements, renovation and expansion of laboratory animal facilities, and additions to equipment inventory to meet research and teaching needs.

•Ensure compliance with the animal care regulations of the Animal Ordinance and Public Health Service Policy on Human Care and Use of Laboratory Animal.

Chief Coordinator

Dr. Rumaizi Shaari

Health Campus

Coordinator Dr. Rumaizi Shaari

Veterinary OfficersDr. Noziah GhaniDr. Rosilawati Kamaruddin

ManagerMa’arof Salleh

Breeding & Purchasing Nur Mohamad Makhatar

Laboratory & SurgeryMd. Faizul Ismal Che Adam

Main Campus

CoordinatorDr. Nor Aini Saidin

Veterinary OfficerDr. Nor Azlina Khalil

For further information for Health Campus please contact:Animal Research & Wellness UnitUniversiti Sains Malaysia Health CampusKubang Kerian, 16150 Kelantan

Tel: 09-767 1221(office) /1212/1223/1224 Fax: 09-7671222

For further information for Main Campus please contact:Animal Research & Wellness UnitAdvanced Medical and Dental InstituteUSM, Bandar Putra Bertam13200 Kepala Batas,Penang

Tel: 04-5622097(office)Fax: 04-5622462

Astronomy and Atmospheric Science Research Unit

The Astronomy and Atmospheric Science Research Unit (AASRU) was established in August 1990 to undertake an integrated research programme in the fields of applied astronomy and atmospheric science, expanding the research projects that had been conducted at USM in earlier years.

The research is complemented by post-graduate research programme (Ph.D. and Masters) and undergraduate Students Research Projects. It also has an active publications programme and a service providing information on astronomical and atmospheric data to the public as well as to other scientists and organises public viewing of special events like eclipses and comets.

The scientific research programme has two areas of focus: Atmospheric Science and Applied Astronomy. The 5-year experimental research project (1995-2000) which established a benchmark data for global change studies included ozone layer studies, solar ultraviolet radiation studies, solar radiation and meteorological parameters. Studies on lunar calendrical astronomy, sky brightness, atmospheric extinction and sun-spot activity are basically the main areas in applied astronomy research and are currently the on going research themes.

Sheikh Tahir Astronomical Center (STAC) was equipped with a 12” Schmidt-Cassergrain telescope and a 3.5 metre observatory dome as well as a high quality CCD imager and SSP7 photometer, together with a few telescopes for research and outreach programme purposes.

This Unit also in-charge of the first observatory in the Northern region, Sheikh Tahir Astronomical Center (STAC) located at Pantai Acheh, Balik Pulau, Penang. STAC is the official station for the new moon/cresent sighting in Penang.

The Unit has an active programme of seminars/conferences and publications; in the past 10 years it has organised more than 20 seminars/conferences including some in association with the UNEP. A number of international agencies and projects have been associated with the development of the projects undertaken by the Unit over the years such as the Glonet Project (IGAC), SPARC (WRCP).

Locally, the unit works closely with national organisations including the National Space Agency (ANGKASA), PETROSAINS, Malaysia Islamic Development Department, Islamic Religious Council of Penang and Mufti’s Department of Penang, with whom a few local seminars have been organised in the past 8 years. We are actively involved in providing research data on twilight studies (for Isya and Fajr prayer times) and on crescent visibility criterion.

Currently we host a dynamic internet based almanac for obtaining accurate solar and lunar ephemeris. The site can be reached at http://www.falak.usm.my/almanak/. This web site also contains information on global prayer times, Islamic Calendar and direction of Qibla from anywhere in the world.

The Unit recently is conducting a remote sensing research project involving studies of earth’s climate. As for the outreach programme, this Unit is actively conducted astronomy camp, stargazing, planetarium and exhibition in various schools and agencies throughout the region. In early 2005 AASRU was certified in the Malaysia Book of Records for organising the first and largest stargazing event held in Malaysia in conjunction with the first astronomy convention ever held in Malaysia. This Unit is the main organiser for the National Astronomy Convention which is the University’s annual event.

Achievements

1. The main organiser of the annual astronomical event since 2005.The event attracts 15,000 people yearly.

2. Certified in Malaysian Book of Record as the largest and first stargazing event in Malaysia in year 2005.

3. Pioneering in holding the National level water rocket competition.4. As the consultant for other government agencies and NGO’s in organizing

Astonomical events around Malaysia.5. Participated in total solar eclipse observation in China year 2009.

Equipments

1. MEADE ET-X 4” Telescope2. GENESIS 4” Telescope3. ORION 5” Telescope4. HEQ5 Sky Watcher GOTO 5”5. CORONADO EQ Mount Telescope6. EADE LX200 12” (Classic)

7. MEADE LX200 10” (GPS)8. CELESTRON C8 (Optical Tube)9. Sky Watcher Maksutov 5”10. Saturn 3” Telescope11. Research-grade photometer12. SBIG CCD Camera

Coordinator

Assoc. Prof. Nasirun Mohd. Saleh

Researchers

Assoc. Prof. Abdul Halim Abdul Azizabdul@usm.my

Assoc. Prof. Nasirun Mohd Salehnasirun@usm.my

Assoc. Prof. Chong Hon Yewhychong@usm.my

Dr. Lim Hwee Sanhslim@usm.my

Assoc. Prof. Khiruddin Abdullahkhirudd@usm.my

Dr. Norhaslinda Mohamed Tahrinhaslinda@usm.my

Assoc. Prof. Mohd Zubir Mat Jafrimjafri@usm.my

Basic Education Research Unit(BERU)

The Basic Education Research Unit (BERU) had it conception under the patronage of the School of Educational Studies, Universiti Sains Malaysia on the 21st of February, 1990. This unit has its origins in Project InSPIRE and has since extended and continued on the research tradition in both scope and function paving the way to establish itself as a center of excellence in carrying out basic educational research. The main focus of this unit is basic education. Basic education is defined as the education for values, knowledge, basic skills as well as the development of cognitive skills, and aspects of psychology and sociology at the school level.

The main objectives of this unit are to conduct research, evaluation and development of resource materials to raise the quality of teaching and learning, to offer consultancy and advisory services in the field of basic education, to assist in the human resource development of teachers and education personnel, and to disseminate information to meet the current need of nation.

In response to the changing landscape of education, BERU’s projects are now more diversified and are steered towards meeting the current needs of the nation. The R&D projects currently conducted by the Unit are such as development of resources materials to enhance the quality of teaching and learning under Project InSPIRE II, Psychological Norms, Literacy and Numeracy in Schools, Diagnostic Testing Projects, The Teaching of Science and Mathematics in English, Innovation in Flexibly Adaptive e-Learning System as well as Sustainability Education. There are also strategic partnership and linkages with other Malaysian public universities, The Malaysian Syndicate, several Non-Governmental organisations and the Sabah Foundation as well as with international institutions such as the Faculties of Education of Deakin University, University of Chulalongkorn and Universitas Pendidikan Indonesia. These and other collaborations with UNESCO-Bangkok and Comenius Network of Europe promise to invigorate and enhance our research activities. Our current endeavours are in line with sustainability education research emerging as a response to the United Nations “Decade of Education for sustainable Development (2004-2015)”.

As for today, BERU’s are now managing and coordinating various types of grant such as Short Term Grants, Research University Grants, Fundamental Research Grants Schemes, Science Fund and also Special Grants. Total amount of the grants under coordination of BERU is RM8,192,827.27. Furthermore, under coordination of BERU, there are

many short courses and seminars have been organised. Among them are International Counseling and Social Work Symposium (ICSWS), Post Symposium, Challenges in Helping the Relapsing Client and the Collapsing Counselor Seminar, English Tuition Class with Thailand, Indonesian International School Teachers’ Pedagogy Workshop, Rasch Model Data Analysis Technique to Develop Questionnaire for Social Science, Educational and Psychological Research Workshop, Preschool Teachers Program, Basic Teaching Certificated Program in Southern Thailand, Greening The Teacher Education Program Workshop, Excellent Program with UMW and Affin Bank.

The unit is ever prepared to undertake educational projects commissioned by various local, national and international organisations, especially in areas of special interest as in early childhood as well as primary and secondary school education, life long education, special education, numeracy and literacy issues, issues pertaining to the environment and sustainability, and the use of information technology in teaching and learning.

For details contact:

Dr. Hashimah Mohd YunusCoordinatorBasic Education Research UnitUniversiti Sains Malaysia11800, PenangMalaysia

Tel: +604-6533231Fax: +604-6572907E-mail: www.usm.my/education/

Biomedical & Health Sciences Research Platform

Biomedical and health research is one of the main niche research areas in USM. For many years, USM researchers within the biomedical research area, comprising mainly of those from the School of Medical Sciences, School of Health Sciences and School of Dental Sciences have garnered various national and international recognition.

In 2001, an internal research assessment exercise carried out by the Advisory Committee to the Vice - Chancellor concluded that the Medical Biotechnology group is the only research group that can be considered to have attained a “World Class” status based on a set of criteria, although the impact of the research group is still at a moderate level. To further strengthen and promote this area as a major niche research area for USM, the university established the Institute for Research in Molecular Medicine or INFORMM in 2002.

Members of INFORMM are co-opted from various Schools, thus strengthening the cross-disciplinary concept of research within the biomedical and health fields. This cross-disciplinary concept helps extract the best of people and pulmogorate the exchange of expertise amongst each other and cross border activities.

The success of the Medical Biotechnology group lies in the strong collaboration between its members and between its graduate students. They share facilities, reagents and the lecturers even informally co-supervise each other’s students – negative competition between individual researchers is therefore at a very minimum. Thus the concept of cross-disciplinary research and the spirit of working and thinking as a group are already deeply rooted within the medical biotechnology research group.

Furthermore, this “research culture” is readily extended to other researchers who intend to venture into the medical biotechnology or biomedical fields. Various research clusters such as the tuberculosis research cluster, the cervical cancer research cluster, and recently the neuronetwork cluster have been created. Therefore it can be said that a major part of the “Biomedical and Health Sciences Research Platform” concept is already ongoing and functioning even before the “research platform” structure is formally set up.

In other words, the concept of cross-disciplinary research was established for many years at Health Campus, USM. It has benefited from the successes of such collaboration from other Schools including those from the Engineering Campus are already working in concert with researchers in the Health Campus and have secured many research grants and had achieved many awards.

Some of the awards are:

School of Health Science•Cornsilk Biscuit - Silver Medal MTE 2009 •Cornsilk Images - Best and Second Best Photomicrographs 6th ASEAN

Microscopy Conference 2007 •An Optical Sensing Material for Glutamate Detection in Food – Silver Medal

MTE 2007

Institute for Research in Molecular Medicine (INFORMM)•PCRDisk - IENA Special Award for Best Invention dan JIPA Award for the

Best Invention in Biotechnology ITEX2009•EZTYPHI CARRIER DNA - Geneva 2006•EZCAMPY DNA - Geneva 2006•TYPHIrapid – Ministry of Science, Technology and Innovation (Malaysia)•Wbrapid: a test for the rapid, sensitive and specific detection of Wucherreria

bancrofthi filaria infection - ITEX 2006

School of Pharmacy•Eurynones: A Potential Herba-Based Anti Malarial Product – Gold Medal

PECIPTA 2007 •Haruan Spray for Burns and Wound – Bronze MTE 2007•Metabolite Fingerprinting for Standardising Tongkat Ali Herbal Products – Bronze

MTE 2007

School of Medical Sciences•Cholera Genosensor: A DNA-Based Kit for the Rapid Detection of Vibrio

Cholerae – Gold PECIPTA 2007 •Innovative Hip Spica Brace – Gold The British Innovation and Technology

Show (BIS 2007), London

School of Chemical Engineering•Ncmem-Indigenous Biomedical lateral Flow Membrane – GOLD ITEX 2009

For More Details Contact:

Prof. Dr. Syed Mohsin Sahil JamalullailResearch Dean, Biomedical & Health Sciences Research Platform,Universiti Sains Malaysia16150, Kubang KerianKelantan, MALAYSIA

Tel: +609-767 2362(office), +609-767 2363(direct line)Fax: +609-764 8064Email: smohsin@kb.usm.my

Visit more on:http://www.research.kk.usm.my/index.htm

Centre for Drug Research

The Centre for Drug Research (CDR) was established in 1985 to undertake research in socio-medical, clinical pharmacological and health areas which require resources and facilities that cross academic and professional boundaries. Research focus is on major health issues – drug dependence and tropical health particularly indigenous diseases. Both basic and applied studies are conducted to attain proper understanding of, and the eventual resolution of these health problems. In fulfilling national needs, CDR undertakes research to generate new knowledge on non-medical and illicit use of drugs and to ensure effective dissemination and use of the research results to reduce drug abuse, improve addiction prevention, treatment and policy.

The Centre collaborates with various agencies of the Federal and State Governments in its efforts under the Youth Outreach Programme, to organise talks on the dangers and adverse health effects of abusing drugs, promote tobacco-free and drug-free lifestyles, as well as prevention approaches for the drug abuse problem.

CDR also collaborates with international agencies such as WHO, DNDi and ILO to execute research and training projects on behalf of these agencies.

Among the awards and recognition attained by the Centre are:• WHO recognised analytical laboratory• Recognition as the “Bioequivalence Study Centre” by the National Pharmaceutical

Control Bureau, Ministry of Health, Malaysia• Bionexus Partners Programme for Biomedical Analysis• DNDi (Drugs for Neglected Diseases Initiative) Regional Office for Asia• Recognition by USM in 2002 under the World Class Research Programmes• Audited for MOHE COE (Ministry of Higher Education Centre of Excellence)

in October 2008

Some of the major research projects conducted by CDR include:• Analytical and extraction studies of drugs for tropical diseases• Clinical pharmacokinetic and pharmacological studies of drugs• Quality assurance and bioequivalence of pharmaceuticals especially antimalarial drugs• Fixed-Dose Artesunate/Mefloquine and Artesunate/Amodiaquine Combination

Therapy• Pharmacotherapy studies on medications as adjunct treatment in drug rehabilitation

programs

• Research into the genetic and environmental factors in drug addiction• Rapid assessment studies of injecting drug users and their health consequences• Absorption, distribution, metabolism, excretion and toxicological evaluations of

drugs for neglected diseases• Study of the transition behaviour of illicit buprenorphine monotablet use to

buprenorphine-naloxone use among opiate addicts• Drug discovery, design and development of potential opioid agonist and analgesic

lead compounds from plants• Discovery and development of new anti-cancer compounds• Behavioural Pharmacology Studies of Mitragynine and its Derivatives

The Centre possesses various types of research facilities at its laboratories which include microplate reader, FTIR spectrometer, scintillation counter, spectrophotometer, HPLC with ultra-violet, fluorescence and electro-chemical detectors, GC with FID, ECD and NPD detectors, HPLC with mass spectrometer, GC with mass spectrometers, PCR, LC-MS/MS, ultra centrifuge, AAS and extraction technology equipments. The computer facilities host Linux based workstations, Silicon Graphics workstations, and computers equipped with various biostatistical software packages.

CDR also provides practical training to post-graduate students who undertake graduate work leading to a higher degree.

Academic Staff

DirectorAssoc. Prof. Abas Hj. Hussin(Pharmacology)dir_cdr@usm.my

Deputy DirectorProf. Sharif Mahsufi Mansor(Pharmacology [Pharmacokinetics/Drug Metabolis], Pharmaceutical Analysis)E-mail: smahsufi@usm.m

Lecturers

Prof. Emeritus V. Navaratnam(Drug Evaluation Research, Pharmaceutical Product Development, Addiction Research, Clinical Epidemiology)E-mail: nava@usm.my

Dr. Mohd. Nizam Mordi(Medicinal Chemistry, Pharmaceutical Analysis)E-mail: mnizam@usm.my

Assoc. Prof. Sabariah Ismail(Biochemical Pharmacology, Herb-Drug Interaction)E-mail: sabaris@usm.my

Dr. B. Vicknasingam(Addiction Research, Behavioral Sciences)E-mail: vickna@usm.my

Assoc. Prof. Surash Ramanathan(Pharmaceutical Analysis, Pharmacokinetics)E-mail: srama@usm.my

Centre for Education, Training and Research in Renewable Energy and Energy Efficiency (CETREE)The Centre for Education, Training and Research in Renewable Energy and Energy Efficiency (CETREE) was set up under the 8th Malaysian Plan. CETREE main objectives are to enhance awareness and initiate the utilisation of Renewable Energy (RE) and Energy Efficiency (EE) in Malaysia. This objective meets the sustainable tomorrow which is the main pillar of the APEX university. RE and EE also applies the Green Technology element which has been highlighted by the government. In order to achieve that, CETREE improves and increases its energy learning programme in primary and secondary schools, universities and among the energy professionals as well as disseminating information and showcasing viable on RE and EE to general public.

The core activity of CETREE since her inception in year 2000 has been infusing energy conservation of “how and what” into the Malaysian education system, involving pre-school, primary school and secondary school curriculum and co-curriculum through teacher training and providing teaching aids such as students activity modules, teachers guide modules and hands-on-kits.

CETREE’s achievements :

•Strategic planning of ‘Pusat Tanggungjawab’ through her involvement in PIMPIN USM as the key facilitator of ‘Logical Framework Analysis’.•Energy auditing of government buildings.•Developed an integrated 5-year solar curriculum program and associated solar

self-construct activity kits for 37 Terengganu Elite, Premier, Imtiaz and State Religious Schools.•New Mobile Unit Exhibition, CETREE Solar 2U bus was launched.•Published 17 modules of Renewable Energy and Energy Efficiency for Primary School.

CETREE also collaborates with the following organisation for research and consultation

•Ministry of Energy, Green Technology and Water (KeTTHA)•Malaysian Electricity Supply Industries Trust (MESITA)•Ministry of Education Malaysia•Sime Darby Plantation•Malaysia Energy Centre•PHILIPS

AdvisorProf. Hj. Kamarulazizi Ibrahimkamarulazizi@usm.myActing DirectorAssoc. Prof. Haslan Abu Hassanhaslan@usm.myDeputy DirectorDr. Mohd. Rodzi Ismailrodzi@usm.my

AwarenessAssoc. Prof. Dr. Hasrina Mustafahasrina@usm.myDr. Jamilah Ahmadjamilah@usm.myAhmad Zulman Mohd Zainzulman@usm.my

EducationAssoc. Prof. Munirah Ghazalimunirah@usm.myAssoc. Prof. Nur Hashimah Hashimshimah@usmy.myDr. Nur Hashimah Mohd. Yunusmyshima@usm.my

ResearchAssoc. Prof. Soib Taibsoibtaib@usm.my

Task ManagerMobile Exhibition UnitAssoc. Prof. Faridah Ibrahimfaridah@usm.myBadrol Hisham Mohd. Nowanibadrul@cetree.edu.my

WebsiteAmran Abdul Samadamran@cetree.edu.my

Centre for Global Archaeological Research

The Centre for Archaeological Research Malaysia, established in 1995, was officially launched by the Honorable Minister of Higher Education Malaysia as Centre for Global Archaeological Research in recognition of its global contribution in 2009. The Centre is the only one in the country which offers a minor package in archaeology and has a multi-disciplinary team of archaeologists who are actively conducting excavations and research throughout the country.

The Centre has generated a considerable amount of new knowledge on the prehistory of Malaysia and Southeast Asia by its major discoveries. It is also actively training young students from the arts and pure sciences, and staff from other universities, the Department of National Heritage, Museum Departments and other relevant institutions in various aspects of archaeological research and work. In 1998, the Centre was instrumental in the establishment of a consortium between Universiti Sains Malaysia and the Silpakorn University of Thailand, Universitas Gadjah Mada of Indonesia and University of Philippines which undertakes training courses and research activities in the field of archaeology.

Goal and Objectives1. To plan and intensify systematic research programmes in building new knowledge

not only on Malaysia and Southeast Asian prehistory, but also contributing to the global archaeological data.

2. To offer undergraduates a minor package in archaeology and also postgraduate training and degree courses in archaeology.

3. To train and upgrade knowledge and technical skills among local and foreign heritage and museum staff in the field of archaeology.

4. To provide advisory and consultancy services in the preservation and conservation of our cultural heritage through research, establishment of exhibitions and museums, and EIA (Environmental Impact Assessments) studies.

Research ActivitiesThe Centre was designed for a multi-disciplinary research through collaborations with local and foreign scientists, postgraduate training, and nurturing research cooperation and collaborations with other institutions in Southeast Asia, China, Japan and Australia, United Kingdom and the United States of America.

This systematic research programme has extended the knowledge of prehistory in Malaysia by more than 1.83 million years through the discovery of a handaxe in Bukit Bunuh, Lenggong, Perak in 2009. Other important sites discovered include Bukit Jawa (about 200,000 years ago), Kota Tampan (a 74,000-year-old lithic workshop), Gua Gunung Runtuh (where a 10,000-year-old skeleton was excavated), Gua Harimau (a burial ground yielding the earliest evidence of bronze age technology in Malaysia) and Sungai Batu (where current research is being done on the discovery of a 300AD structure. The Centre’s research programmes in Sarawak (Kakus, Bau, and Niah), and Sabah (Bukit Tengkorak, Melanta Tutup, Bukit Kamiri, Balambangan, Tingkayu, Mansuli, Samang Buat and Kinabatangan) have also yielded fruitful results which contribute the data pertaining to both Malaysian and Southeast Asian prehistory.

The Centre currently generates more than 90% of new data and knowledge on the prehistory of the country and contributes towards rewriting many sections of Malaysian prehistory through revised interpretations of numerous earlier works done during the colonial times.

ConsultancyThe Centre has been involved in various EIA projects such as the Petronas Gas Pipeline Project, the Bakun Hydroelectric Project and the latest in 2009 is the Cultural and Archaeological Impact Assessment in Murum Dam Belaga Sarawak.

Besides that, the Centre is also actively involved in planning numerous exhibitions in archaeology at local museums and some of our findings have found their way into international exhibitions such as the exhibition on Early Man held at the National Science Museum in Tokyo, Japan. Our research has also led to the establishment of archaeological museums in the country such as the Lenggong Archaeological Museum in Kota Tampan, Lenggong, Perak and the Megalith Park in Putrajaya.

Public EducationThe Centre has been actively promoting and creating public awareness of archaeology in Malaysia through newspapers, TV programmes and talk shows, both local and foreign media (the London Times, Asia Week, Science, Discovery Channel), as well as public talks in universities, schools, and interest groups. New knowledge on Malaysian archaeology is also channeled to the public through school textbook and encyclopedia.

Courses in ArchaeologyA minor package programme as well as elective/optional courses in archaeology is offered to all undergraduates in USM. These include: Introduction to Archaeology, Ascent of Man and Civilisations; Archaeological Excavations; Science in Archaeology; and Southeast Asian Archaeology. Students are taken on site visits and excavations as well as hands-on laboratory work for a more complete understanding of evidence gathering, environment reconstruction, and archaeological interpretation.

For postgraduate studies, the Centre offers both M.A. and Ph.D degrees courses in Archaeology and has links with numerous foreign universities (ASEAN region, Japan, Australia, United States of America, and United Kingdom) for the training of Southeast Asian archaeologists in areas relevant to our needs.

Achievements in 2009

1. Upgraded and officially launched as Centre for Global Archaeological Research (PPAG) on 26thth Feb. 2009 by the Honourable Minister of Higher Education Malaysia.

2. The CHT Essenze Pursuit of Excellence Archaeology Award on 1st Ogos 2009. Awarded by the CHT Network.

Research Affiliates

Prof. Ruslan Rainis,rruslan@usm.my

Prof. Sam Teng Wahtwsam@usainsgroup.com

Assoc. Prof. A. Rahman Haji Mohamed,manhaji@usm.my

Assoc. Prof. Mohd Nawawi Mohd Nordin,mnawawi@usm.my

Assoc. Prof. Wan Mohd Fauzy Wan Ismail,fauzy@usm.my

Academic Staff

Assoc. Prof. Stephen Chia Ming Soonstephen@usm.my

Jeffrey Abdullahjeff@usm.my

Hamid Mohd Isa,hamid@usm.my

Director

Assoc. Prof. Mohd Mokhtar Saidinmmokh@usm.my

For further information about the Centre, please contact:Sharifah Hasnah Syed HassanTel: 04-6533357 orVisit our Homepage at: http://www.usm.my/arch

Centre for Global Sustainability Studies (CGSS)

It is now clear that the development models of the past have so stretched the tolerance margins of nature that they are seen to be depleting scarce resources and degrading the global environment. With the full realisation that environmental problems are closely linked to economic and socio-cultural problems, a great change is required in the stewardship of the earth and the life on it to move away from paradigms that rely exclusively on concepts of continuous economic growth, corporate profit, and consumer avarice.

Universities everywhere are beginning to realise that their roles too are changing rapidly in a globalising world. We have to redirect our intellectual enterprise to develop capacity to understand, anticipate and act on the basis of global challenges. Convinced that building capacity for making decisions that consider the long-term future of economy, ecology, and equity is a key task of education Universiti Sains Malaysia (USM) has embraced the vision of becoming a sustainability-led university of world-class standing as part of its APEX initiative. While the APEX award is a fitting recognition for the university’s wide–ranging and remarkable accomplishments of the past, it is also a call to excel in addressing the sustainability challenges of the future.

In order to achieve the broad APEX vision, USM has embarked on a range of missions which through their specific objectives and activities are expected to contribute to the achievement of the overall sustainability vision. One such mission of great significance is the decision to establish a Centre for Global Sustainability Studies (the Centre, CGSS) to mainstream sustainability into the entire fabric and rubric of the university. This Centre is designed to work with all other relevant sections of the University, regional and international sustainability organisations, national and regional governments, private sector, civil society groups and NGOs to promote sustainable development, paying particular attention to the disempowered bottom billion.

BackgroundWorldwide there is increasing awareness of the global challenges that face us all – ranging from preventing conflict, to feeding an expanding population, to helping the poor, to fostering health, and protecting the environment in particular global warming and ecosystem degradation. These challenges are at the heart of sustainable development – meeting the needs of the present without compromising the ability of future generations to meet their own needs.

Sustainable development is about alleviating poverty and narrowing the gap between the rich and the poor while ensuring the sustainable functioning of the Earth’s ecosystems. It is apparent that if we are to find new and imaginative solutions to these problems, all the countries and peoples of the world will need to work together.

Malaysia and the individual countries in the South-East Asian region have made a strong commitment to international efforts to prevent further irreversible environmental change and to promote sustainable development by becoming party to numerous Multi-lateral Agreements such as Agenda 21, the Rio conventions (1992), Millennium Development Goals (MDGs, 2000) and Johannesburg Plan of Implementation (WSSD-JPOI, 2002) - all of which emphasise the need for development to be more sustainable, particularly in developing nations with limited natural resources and skill base. Among these, the MDGs, focus on the central challenges of our time. At its core are the eight Development Goals, which range from halving extreme poverty to halting the spread of HIV/AIDS and providing universal primary education, all to be met by the target date of 2015. They form a set of simple but powerful objectives that every man and woman in the street, from Brasilia to New York to Putrajaya and Penang, can easily support and understand.

Each of society’s stakeholders; political, business, civil society, media and higher educational institutions has a role to play here. Universities are expected to make investments in their curricula, research and outreach. There is increasing global acknowledgement that building capacity for making decisions that consider the long-term future of economy, ecology and equity is a key task of education. USM, in particular, should be in the forefront to assess the situation and find new and imaginative solutions to these problems. Specifically it should position itself in addressing these problems at the local/national and regional levels.

MissionThe mission of CGSS@USM is to contribute, through education for sustainable development, scientific assessment, policy research and capacity-building, to efforts to resolve pressing problems confronting Malaysian society and the global community today and in the future.

One of the top priorities of the CGSS@USM is in addressing the problems of global change such as global warming and degradation of biodiversity and ecosystem services

and how these changes would impact on the socio-economic wellbeing of developing countries. The Centre is also focusing on the plight of the bottom billions through improvement in ecosystem services upon which the poor depends (water, energy, health, agriculture and biodiversity - WEHAB). An important research component at the Centre is the elucidation of what constitute a sustainability university.

CGSS@USM intends to provide a strong institutional framework which could be a conduit between science and policy; to forge and promote a dialogue between the academic community and the policymakers in an effort to formulate better national policies, strategies and programmes.

CGSS@USM is envisaged as an international centre. It will bring together international expertise as well as knowledge from within USM and Malaysia. It will adopt a multidisciplinary approach to research problems. It will engage experts from traditional disciplines such as economics, education, law, biology, political science, physics and chemistry and ask them to pool their specific knowledge and expertise in a focused attempt to understand and resolve some of the key challenges to sustainable development.

VisionAn Advanced Studies Centre to propel Universiti Sains Malaysia as a renowned sustainability-lead university based on the fusion of the sciences and humanities in our strive for global sustainability and poverty alleviation of the bottom billions.

Key role• Serve as a forum for dialogue and creative new ideas.• Serve as a hub for the international community of scholars.• Serve as a bridge between the national and international academic community on

one hand and the policymakers, the corporate sector and civil society on the other.• Contribute to capacity building, particularly in Malaysia and the developing countries,

focusing on individual, institutional and systemic capacity concerns.• To internalise the power of the principles and practices of education for sustainable

development as the best means for building capacity and changing the mindset

necessary for the sustainability transition visioned by USMAPEX.• To play the role of a catalyst in facilitating interdisciplinary and multidisciplinary

initiatives needed for the promotion of sustainability studies.• To promote synergy by consciously avoiding duplication, filling gaps and promoting

team spirit.• To carefully profile and position the Centre to become a leader in SD/ESD matters

at a variety of levels.

ScopeIn the long run, the Centre will be instrumental in mainstreaming SD/ESD at USM. This involves the informed inclusion of relevant SD concerns into the strategies, policies and rules of USM as an institution and applying ESD principles and practices to build capacity for action. The Centre is expected to develop into a major one-stop-shop for all things SD/ESD at USM.

For further information, please contact:Emeritus Prof. Dato’ Zakri A. HamidDirectorCentre For Global Sustainability Studies (CGSS)Universiti Sains Malaysia11800, Penang,Malaysia

Tel: +604-6532461Website: http://www.usm.my/CGSS/

Centre for Islamic Development Management Studies (ISDEV)

The Centre for Islamic Development Management Studies, or ISDEV, was founded in 1995 at the School of Social Sciences, Universiti Sains Malaysia, Penang, Malaysia. Its name devolved from the original International Project for Islamic Political Economy (IPIPE), to Islamic Development Management Project (IDMP) in 1997, and finally, to its current, Centre for Islamic Development Management Studies (ISDEV) in September 2005.

As a research and educational centre, ISDEV gathers its academic members from various disciplines and schools within the University. It aims at pioneering an initiative to broaden the field of Islamic development management beyond its current confines of development and management. It adopts a trans-disciplinary approach to development and management, integrating social, economic, and political tools of analysis to understand development management in an integrative and holistic manner based on Islamic principles.

ISDEV proposes to scrutinise and construct a conceptual and practical framework for managing development from an Islamic perspective. As development is seen as embracing all aspects of life, from the spiritual to the material and physical, from the individual level to that of society, from the context of state to that of the global, ISDEV intends to pioneer a comprehensive vision of human development. Hence, it proposes the formulation of a new integrated discipline, called Islamic Development Management.

ISDEV attempts to accomplish this objective through research and consultancies, publications, supervision of graduate students, and organisation of academic meetings such as conferences, seminars, workshop, in-house seminars, and study groups. ISDEV also helps the School of Social Sciences in designing proposals for Major in and Master of Islamic Development Management programs as proposed by the University Senate.

Currently, ISDEV members and Research Associates (graduates) undertake research and consultancy projects on Islam Hadhari, Foundations of Islamic Development, Islamic Research Methodology, Islamic Capital Market, Zakat Accounting, Islamic Consumer Behaviour, Islamic Project Management System, Islamic Code of Ethics, Management of Islamic Development Institutions, Tazkiyah an-Nafs in Islamic Development, Cash Waqf and Waqf Delivery Systems. These research and consultancy projects are funded by both internal and external sources.

ISDEV also publishes two regular publications, i.e., ISDEV Paper Series and ISDEV Lecture Series, apart from occasional publications in the form of books and journal articles that originate from researches and academic discourses. On Tuesdays and Fridays, ISDEV holds study sessions and in-house seminars respectively, while every month, it organises a collective graduate supervision-cum-lecture series. ISDEV also organises annual events such as the Islamic Development Management Seminar, ISDEV Lecture Series and ISDEV International Graduate Workshop. ISDEV also awards the ISDEV Best Master Thesis Award and the ISDEV Best PhD Thesis Award annually to excellent Islam related theses produced by Malaysian graduates completing their studies at any university worldwide.

Director:Prof. Muhammad Syukri Salleh

Contacts:Centre for Islamic Development Management Studies (ISDEV)School of Social SciencesUniversiti Sains Malaysia11800 PenangMalaysia

Tel: +604-653 2656 / 3422 / 4601Fax: +604-653 2124E-mail: isdev@usm.myURL: www.isdev.usm.myBlog: http://isdevnews07.blogspot.com

Centre for Marine & Coastal Studies (CEMACS)

The Centre for Marine and Coastal Studies (CEMACS) was established in August 1991 to undertake research and post-graduate training in Marine Science and Coastal Ecosystems. It provides the institutional mechanism for mobilizing and integrating the University’s considerable expertise and resources in marine science (which are currently spread over a number of science and non-science teaching schools). The main objective of CEMACS is to enhance the capability of conducting integrated inter- and multi-disciplinary studies leading towards solving problems related to marine and coastal ecosystems.

CEMACS is located at Teluk Bahang on the northwest coast of Penang Island in the Penang National Park. The centre is served by a number of core academics working in collaboration with research associates identified from other teaching schools as well as from outside the University. The Centre has a number of key academics working in collaboration with research associate identified from other teaching schools as well as from outside the University. The centre’s international associate includes those from Canada, Australia, USA, UK, Japan, Cambodia, Indonesia, India, Iran, Australia, China and Singapore. Associates of CEMACS are provided with direct access to the Centre’s considerable research and training facilities.

Presently, research and training conducted at the Centre is focused on the following areas, namely mariculture, intertidal and coastal ecosystem, coastal forest ecosystem and mangrove ecosystem.

Mariculture ResearchMariculture or marine aquaculture is the main research activity. Culture on shrimp is now being carried at the hatchery scale. The research focus on an integrated culture of biofilter microalgae with shrimp as a novel approach Running seawater is provided to hatchery as well as to laboratories that support the culture of both larvae and adult broodstock.

CEMACS has its own algae culture collection and this collection includes few strains of commercial living algae, representing most major algal taxa. The phytoplankton laboratory where live algae being culture maintains pure line cultures for larval feed. The algae culture in the collection is primary used for research, teaching, biotechnology development and various other projects.

Intertidal and Coastal EcosystemThe public and the state government of Penang is concerned with the high numbers of jellyfish now found in Penang watersas this affect the beach activities of the coastal areas. Penang and more specifically the Penang National Park at Teluk Bahang has high tourist visitation and these numbers are expected to rise over the coming years. The high infestation of poisonous jellyfish in the waters is detrimental to the tourism activities here and has also received a wide press attention. Following this concern a study on the monthly distribution and abundance of jellyfish (Medusae) species in the coastal waters of Penang National Park was carried out to look at the seasonal distribution and abundance pattern, identify the jellyfish species and provide the information to the public. The jellyfish identified were from Family Mastigiidae (Phyllorhiza punctata),Family Pelagiidae (Chrysaora quinquecirrha) and Family Stomolophidae (Nemopilema sp).

Other areas of research include the abundance and diversity of intertidal organisms such as the benthos, crustaceans,molluscs and echinoderms.

Coastal Forest StudiesPenang National Park forms the backdrop of CEMACS. The lush shore forests have been our study sites for more than 25 years. Here, research into growth of trees, nutrient and carbon budgets and primary production are carried out.

A small plot has been set up at the Centre as a pharmacological arboretum. Here local plants used in traditional medicine are grown. Some of these plants are also found wild within the Penang National Park forest. Botanists and pharmacists have the chance to study these plants in their natural habitat.

Mangrove EcosystemUSM’s researchers have worked extensively on various aspects of the dynamics operating in this complex ecosystem such as biological productivity, estuarine hydrodynamics and nutrient fluxes using multidisciplinary approaches involving inputs from the biologists, chemists, geomorphologists, physical oceanographers as well as mathematical modelers, economists and planners. Large and unique data sets on the physical and biological aspects of the mangrove forests in the Merbok River estuary have been built, providing an invaluable database for ongoing and future studies

Marine BiotechnologyThe area of Marine Biotechnology is fast gaining popularity. Its growing importance is seen in the field of population studies and mariculture. One of the research being funded by National Oceanography Directorate (NOD), Ministry of Science, Technology and Innovation, Malaysia is the Commercial Development of Marine Algae Biotechnology with a total allocation of approximately RM2 million. The main objectives of this research were to produce high nutritional algae as aquaculture feeds and also to provide bioactive compounds from local marine macroalgae.

The Reference Collection MuseumThe Malaysian sea (areas of the Straits of Malacca, the South China Sea and Sulu Sea) are known to be one of the richest areas of marine biodiversity. More than seventy genera of corals and many more species of fish are found here. The Reference Collection Museum was started in 1998. Its main objective is to study the biodiversity of the marine areas in Malaysia. The assistance rendered by classical taxonomists from British Museum, the Natal Museum and the Japanese Museum of Natural History were instrumental in the Museum’s establishment. Both dry and wet specimen collections are maintained here.

The main groups of taxonomy kept here are the mollusks (gastropods, bivalves and nudibranchs), echinoderms (holothurians, asteroids and echinoids), hexacorals and octocorals.

The herbarium collection comprises the flora around Penang National Parks and the flora of Merbok Mangrove Forest were collected and kept here.

Public Awareness ProgramECOCAMP an ecology camp is one of the awareness program initiated by CEMACS focusing on environmental conservation. ECOCAMP involved the scientific study of nature to understand nature’s richness; the fauna and flora and their relationship with human. The program is designed to enable participants to gain experience in nature to mould holistic citizens, not only for themselves but also for their family, community and future generation.

Briefing by CEMACS Science Officer for ECOCAMP nature activitiesCEMACS have also initiated the first International Coastal Cleanup Penang (ICCP) in Penang National Park coastal areas. The cleanup work coincides with the World International Coastal Cleanup (ICC) that fall on any date in September.

Physical FacilitiesCEMACS is located at Teluk Bahang on the northwest coast of Penang Island is equipped with teaching laboratories, a wet laboratory, a number of hatcheries and small dedicated laboratories for phytoplankton culture, microbiology and a medium kitchen. Most of the laboratories are supplied with high quality running seawater, compressed air and standard laboratory equipment and computer facilities.

This centre is also well equipped for conducting training courses/workshops for group of 25 scientists or 60 students. Accommodation facilities include self-contained flatlets and dormitories. The marine centre is a venue that offers Wi-Fi access.

Major equipment available in CEMACS includes spectrophotometers, a gas chromatograph, HPLC, nutrient auto-analyzers, and research microscope systems. Field equipment include wave and tide recorders, flourometer, echo sounders, current meter, SCT meters, DO meters and a global positioning system.

EquipmentFor underwater research, the CEMACS has several scuba diving equipments. CEMACS has several small boats including a 45-foot research boat for coastal work and sampling activities.

FundingResearch in CEMACS has received funding support from both international and local agencies such as Tenaga Nasional Berhad (TNB), ACIAR, DANCED, ASEAN-Australia, IFS of Sweden, IDRC, CIDA of Canada, Toray Foundation of Japan, SARCS/LOICZ, and the Netherlands Foundations for Tropical Research (WOTRO), UNDP-SG Programme, the Malaysian Government and USM in terms of short grants.

TrainingThe Centre offers training at the postgraduate level. Students can pursue M.Sc. and Ph.D. degrees by research in any of the five main research areas stated above. Short courses and workshop are also offers periodically.

Academic Staff

DirectorDr. Khairun Yahya(Mangrove and Marine Ecology)

CEMACS Committee Members

Assoc. Prof. Alexander Chong Shu-Chien(Molecular Biology, Aquaculture)

Malaysia Institute of Pharmaceuticals & Nutraceuticals(IPHARM) &School of Biological Sciences

Assoc. Prof. Shaida Fariza Sulaiman(Phytochemistry and Molecular Taxonomy)

School of Biological Sciences

Assoc. Prof. Siti Azizah Mohd. Nor(Molecular Ecology and Population Genetics)

School of Biological Sciences

Assoc. Prof. Wan Ruslan Ismail(Catchment Hydrology; Fluvial Geomorphology;Soil Erosion; Wetlands)

School of Humanities

Dr. Mansor Mat Isa(Fish Population Dynamics)

School of Biological Sciences

Dr. Wan Maznah Wan Omar(Limnology, Alga Ecology and Taxonomy)

School of Biological Sciences

Dr. Latiffah Zakaria(Plant Pathology and Mycology)

School of Biological Sciences

Assoc. Prof. Misni Surif (Physiology of Aquatic Plants, Algology, SeaweedCulture)

School of Distance Education

Dr. Anita Talib (Ecological Modelling/ Ecoinformatics[Environmental Biology])

School of Distance Education

Rosnah Idrus (Information Systems Development, ComputerEthics & Digital Library )

School of Computer Sciences

Mohd Azam Osman (Distributed Shared Memory Systems)

School of Computer Sciences

Senior Science Officers

Sazlina Md. SallehWan Mustaffa Wan Din

Science Officers

Kumaradevan SaminathanMahadi MohamadOmar AhmadSim Yee Kwong

Centre for Policy Research and International Studies (CenPRIS)

CenPRIS is a research centre, serving as the focus of the University’s efforts in applied social research, consultancy services and post-graduate supervision related to public policy and international studies. The Centre was established in 2007 from the amalgamation of two existing Centres of Excellence of the University: the Centre for Policy Research (CPR), which was established in 1974, and the Centre for International Studies (CIS), which was established in 2004. With the amalgamation, in the context of increasing globalisation and Malaysia being a highly open economy, the public policy aspect of the Centre’s activities now has an international dimension to it. Nation building, which is the key research theme of the Centre, will have both domestic and international perspectives.

Research focus areas at CenPRIS are (in the area of public policy): public private sector collaboration policies, social sustainability policies, urban growth and rural modernisation policies, science and technology policies, ethnic and cultural policies; and (in the area of international studies): globalisation and regionalism, global political reform, international political economy and international relations. Two highly celebrated institutions are housed in CenPRIS – The Noordin Sopiee Chair in Global Studies and the Right Livelihood College. The Noordin Sopiee Chair in Global Studies, established in 2007, has as its current theme, “The Role of Religion in a Globalising World”, thus giving CenPRIS an additional research focus area. The Right Livelihood College was officially established in January 2009 with the signing of a Memorandum of Understanding between USM and the Right Livelihood Awards Foundation of Sweden (RLAF).

The Centre’s post-graduate studies program prepares candidates for scholarly and leadership roles in government, universities, research organisations, and other settings where knowledge and research skills in public policy and international studies are needed. The Centre is committed to accomplishing this mission by creating an intellectually vibrant atmosphere for scholarship involving an active faculty from a broad spectrum of academic disciplines and extensive interaction with government agencies and community groups.

Achievements

The Centre’s key achievements to date include: – The establishment of two national microfinance institutions – Amanah Ikhtiar

Malaysia (AIM) and Tabung Ekonomi Kumpulan Usaha Niaga (TEKUN);– The organisation of the USM Ambassadorial Lecture Series, the Malaysian Foreign

Policy Roundtable, and the Malaysia-Australia Dialogue on Asian Futures;– The initiation of the Right Livelihood College Laureates Fellowship Program;– The publication of the “Religion in the Globalising World” (Monograph) Series

and the USM-APEX Intellectual Discourse (Monograph) Series;– The implementation of the Penang Malays Heritage Project and the Endangered

Languages Research Project

Study/Course/Service OfferingsMaster Of Arts And Doctor Of Philosophy (Research)Research Thrust Areas

•Political Economy - Indigenous Knowledge•Development Economics & Finance - Social Sustainability Studies•Science & Technology Policies - International Relations & Area Studies•Ethnic & Cultural Studies - Local Government Studies•Public-Private Partnership Policies - Public Institutions Impact Studies

Admission RequirementsApplicants should possess one of the following:For M.A. - A Bachelors degree in related areasFor Ph.D. - A Masters or Bachelors (First Class Honours / CGPA >3.67) degree

in related areas.

DurationM.A. - Full-time : Min 12 months / Max 36 months Part-time : Min 24 months / Max 72 monthsPh.D. - Full-time : Min 24 months / Max 60 months Part-time : Min 36 months / Max 90 months

Director Assoc. Prof. Mohd. Azhari Abdul Karim(International Relations, Foreign Policy Analysis, Conflict Resolution, Preventive Diplomacy, Negotiation Management, Strategic Thinking)dir_cpr@usm.my

Deputy DirectorAssoc. Prof. Suhaimi Shahnon(Public Financial Management, Public-Private Partnership Strategies, Social Sustainability, New Public Management)sshahnon@usm.my

Academic Staff

Prof. Muhamad Jantan(Statistics, Operations Research, Operations Management & Research Methodology)mjantan@usm.my

Distinguished FellowEmeritus Prof. Mohamad Haji Salleh(Malay and Indonesian Comparative Literature)muhd@usm.my

Assoc. Prof. Kamarudin Ngah(Urban & Regional Planning, Social Landscape Development, Policy Evaluation Studies, Local Government Studies)kngah@usm.my

Visiting Research FellowsProf. Willem Arnoldus Laurens Stokhof (Linguistics, Islamic Studies, Asia Studies)stokhofwal@hotmail.com

Dr. Hermann J. Tillmann (Indigenous Knowledge and Endogenous Development, Affirmation of Bio-cultural Diversity, Peace-Building and Democratization of Local Development/Administration)Tillmann2003@gmx.net

Dr. Goh Soo Khoon(International Economics, International Finance and Applied Economics)skgoh@usm.my

Dr. Maria A. Salas (Social Anthropology)mas49@gmx.net

Dr. Yohei Kobayashi(Experimental Economics, Computational Intelligence and Systems Science)kobapie@cc.kyoto-su.ac.jp

Dr. Suzyrman Sibly(Labour Economics, Development Economics, Personnel Economics, Event History Analysis)suzyrman@usm.my

Director, Right Livelihood CollegeDato’ Prof. Anwar Fazal(Peace-keeping and Peace-building, Intermediary Organisations, Non-Governmental Organisations, Civil Society, Civil Service Good Governance and Integrity)anwarfazal@usm.my

Dr. Tan Yao Sua(Educational Policy Analysis, Bilingual Education, Minority Education, Politics of Education, Sociology of Education)yaosua@usm.my

Noordin Sopiee Professor of Global StudiesDr. Chandra Muzaffar(Globalisation, International Politics, Intercivilisational Dialogue, Religion in the Contemporary World, Human Rights and Human Dignity, Malaysian Politics, Ethnic Relations in Malaysia)muza@usm.my

Research FellowDr. Takemi Fujikawa(Experimental Economics, Behavioural Economics, Behaviourmetrics, Applied Microeconomics, Judgment and Decision Making)takemi@usm.my

Clinical Science Research Platform

The scope of this research platform is to mobilise and facilitate research involving human subjects, human samples, data derived from humans and research using biological or non-biological products which are tested on human. The key element of this research platform is to ensure researches on humans are conducted according to ethics guideline outlined by the Helsinki Declaration.

The thrust of Clinical Science Research Platform in USM is promotion of research which would benefit patients and their community. Trans-disciplinary researches are highly encouraged. Various research clusters are formed by researchers with similar research interest yet different professional backgrounds. They collaborate to produce inventions and innovations which would improve patient care or prevent certain diseases. Some of the examples are software developed by electrical and electronic engineers based on artificial intelligence system for application in medical fields. These are products from collaborative effort of Schools of Medical Sciences and School of Electrical and Electronic Engineering. There are studies using biological/natural materials for therapeutic purposes such as reformulated calcium harvested from corals in place of natural bone. Other natural and biological materials being researched extensively for clinical purposes include extracts from numerous natural plants, sea and land creatures available in abundance in our country. Some of extracts of these natural chemical compounds and pharmaceutical products are at phase 3 clinical trials.

This research platform also promotes collaboration between the arts-based and the science-based researchers such as using music as healing agent for certain chronic illnesses. We partake in researches that improve lifestyle and healthy living using ‘western- science-based’ approach such as various intervention tools to reduce obesity and tobacco addiction. We also employ ‘eastern-spiritual-based’ approach such as using biological materials for healing and disease prevention subscribed in the Holy book. An example of the latter is using honey in improving immune system in patients with systolic lupus, HIV and cancer patients and as agent in combating prevalent respiratory infections among hajj pilgrims.

For more details contact:

Prof. Nor Hayati OthmanResearch DeanClinical Science Research Platform Universiti Sains Malaysia16150 Kubang Kerian Kelantan, MALAYSIA

Tel: +609-767 2350(office), +609-767 2353(direct line), +609-765 8371 Fax: +609 765 6291Email: crp_dean@kck.usm.my

Visit more on: http://www.research.kk.usm.my/index.htm

Collaborative Micro-ElectronicDesign Excellence Centre (CEDEC)

Collaborative Micro-Electronic Design Excellence Centre, or CEDEC as it is generally called, is a Ministry of Finance approved Centre of Excellence located at Universiti Sains Malaysia to coordinate an important area of microchip design and research, in particular on human capital development. The scarcity of local designers is seen as one of the main obstacles of substantial investment in value-added activities, which is design and fabrication of electronic products in Malaysia. Already CEDEC oversees the enhancement of microelectronic design among seven local universities and presently working with two silicon foundries (MIMOS and Silterra) for free microchip fabrication services. Completing the microchip production flow, packaging service is provided free by SHRDC (Selangor Human Resource Development Centre) through AIC in Kulim. All these complimentary arrangements have been agreed upon through meeting at the Ministry of Finance level for the benefit of the nation. Till now the intended role of CEDEC for national initiatives on value-added activities of electronics have been mentioned in the IMP3, Economic Report 2007/2008 and recently in the NCER.

Core Activities at CEDECSome of the core activities at CEDEC include:-

1.Training and Human Resource Development2.Design Consultancy Services3.Testing and Measurement Services4.Research and Development

Through the usage of industry-standard IC Design sofware, training and seminars are being continously conducted for undergraduate and postgraduate students, lecturers and engineers from the industry. CEDEC also provide design services related to three main focused area: IC, MEMS and Microelectronic system. On the national scenario, CEDEC is affiliated to the Malaysian IC Design Association (MICDA), association recently formed for local design houses. CEDEC also have some state-of-the-art characterization equipments for use in test and measurement of fabricated microchip functionalities.

Research ActivitiesCEDEC focus on 3 major areas:

Integrated Circuit DesignResearch in this area including modeling, designing, fabricating and characterization of microelectronic device and circuit with improved performance in terms of speed and power consumption.

MEMS (Micro-Electro Mechanical System) Sensor DesignCEDEC is very interested doing research in MEMS sensor related to environment, medical and consumer products applications.

Microelectronic System DesignResearch focus in microelectronic system design are: Embedded system, Wireless Sensor Network, RFID and consumer application.

Academic Staff

DirectorAssoc. Prof. Othman Sidek

Associate Research Fellows

Prof. Syed Idris Syed Hassan Arjuna Marzuki

Dr. Bakhtiar Affendi Rosdi Norlaili Mohd Noh

Dr. Tun Zainal Azni Zulkifli Zulfiqar Ali Abdul Aziz

Dr. Zaini Abdul Halim Dr. Zuraini Dahari

Research Officers

Khairu Anuar Mohamed Zin(Microelectronic System)

Rafidah Ahmad(IC Design)

Muhammad Azman Miskam(MEMS)

Ruhaifi Abdullah Zawawi(IC Design)

Muhammad Azwan Nasiruddin(Microelectronic System)

Shukri Korakkottil Kunhi Mohd(Test & Measurement)

Technical Staff

Abdullah Sanusi Husain Mohd Fazlan Md. Radzi

Faisal Mohamad Mohd Hasnirol Baharom

Mohammad Nazer Abdul Hadi Mohd Kusairay Musa

Doping Control Centre

The Doping Control Centre is one of 35 laboratories worldwide that holds WADA (World Anti-Doping Agency) accreditation and one of 5 laboratories in the Asian region with this credential. The presence of this facility within the country has significantly enhanced opportunities for Malaysia to bid for major international sporting events in view of the successful conduct of dope testing during the Sixteenth Commonwealth Games in Kuala Lumpur in 1998. The Centre has expanded three times in terms of laboratory space and facilities while manpower has doubled over the last 10 years. It has shown increasing commitment to research and development in order to ensure that the services rendered to its customers are of the highest quality.

The Doping Control Centre is a research and service Centre providing organic and inorganic analyses for various local and international authorities requiring evidential and forensic testing for regulatory purposes. It was founded on the commitment of the country to initiate comprehensive athletics doping control at both national and international sports events. Indeed, its reputation as a reliable testing laboratory has evolved from the experience of providing drug testing to various sport communities, fulfilling the standards and guidelines set then by the IOC and later in 2004 by the World Anti-Doping Agency (WADA). The Doping Control Centre is the only University facility that holds ISO17025 accreditation from NATA (National Association of Testing Authorities, Australia) for various scopes of testing. As an accredited laboratory, the centre conducts analysis according to the highest standards and guidelines, and therefore holds legal responsibility for the conduct of validated testing in the laboratory and the reporting of results. To maintain these high standards, the staff is continually subjected to external audit for their technical and management competency.

The reputation of the Centre has evolved through its commitment to expand its scope to incorporate (1)analytical services built on the expertise gained from the development of the Centre, (2)applied research to develop analysis techniques necessary to expand service capacity and (3)scholarly research, education and skills development to train students and analysts in leading edge research technologies as well as extend the reach of chemical analysis into new application areas. Hence, enhancement and diversification of the services has become a vital activity in achieving the goals and objectives of the centre, post 1998. Today it stands as a self-sustaining Centre, generating revenue that is utilised by the Centre to procure consumables and small equipment, maintain its instruments, provide for ongoing staff and student training and the general conduct of its day to day operations.

In order to achieve the ever more stringent analysis requirements of IOC/WADA, the Doping Control Centre has equipped itself with the latest breakthrough instrumentation and developed the manpower skills needed in order to fulfill the high technological demands of today’s testing protocols. With core competencies that are uniquely dedicated to trace analysis and scholarly life sciences research, the centre continues to expand its function to provide analytical solutions for several government authorities. Many of these current routine protocols began as problems in need of solutions. Indeed, the Doping Control Centre has a successful track record in responding rapidly with internationally recognized protocols to the regulatory and analysis needs of the Nation.

Analytical Services Provided by the CentreCurrently, the Centre operates 32 mass spectrometers of different configurations and capabilities that allow testing to be carried out with precise accuracy and sensitivity. These are well suited to meet the needs of drug analytical testing, food analysis, environmental testing and monitoring as well as medical and diagnostic testing. Indeed the Doping Control Centre, through research and development, can now provide numerous analytical techniques dedicated towards clients needs. They include eight High Performance Liquid Chromatograph-Tandem Mass Spectrometers (LCMS) with ion-trap and triple quadrupole technologies; ten Gas Chromatograph-Mass Spectrometers (GC/MS) including several ion-traps that allows for tandem MS analysis up to MS10; two High Resolution Mass Spectrometers (resolution > 60,000) for part per trillion level quantitation and compound identification; two Gas Isotope-Ratio Mass Spectrometer with the ability to differentiate various substances of natural and synthetic origins; one MALDI-TOF (Matrix-assisted Laser Desorption Ionisation Time-of-Flight) mass spectrometer for peptide mass finger printing and protein identification analyses; two tandem MS/TOF hybrid instrument for proteomics; and finally two ICP-TOF for elemental profiling and trace metals quantitation of various matrices ranging from biological fluids to environmental matrices like soil, water and air. The Centre also has acquired autoanalyzers and various automations for increased productivity, assuring a quick turn around time for its customers.

The availability of these mass spectrometers and staff expertise in their operation has enabled the centre to focus on several new areas of analysis in support of regulation enforcement and monitoring by governmental and private organisations. With a host of specialised analytical technologies in place, the Centre is uniquely positioned to make contributions in advanced R&D biotechnology research; the instrumentation, although designed for routine purposes, allows for potentially advanced research in functional

genomics and proteomics. Indeed mass spectrometry is regarded as the empowering technology in biotechnology research and mass spectrometers have become the key instrument in any biotech research facility. The post-genomic era has set the

platform for advanced proteomics incorporating protein identification, protein-protein interactions, post-translational modifications, biomarker discovery, and de novo sequencing in understanding protein function and its role in diseases. The direction of research in the centre has been actively pursued in this area

with a number of collaborative and joint research programs. The Centre is thus geared towards both practical and academic collaborations designed to create novel solutions for a diverse spectrum of analytical problems.

While its initial core business was directed towards sports dope testing, the Doping Control Centre has greatly expanded its client-base and analysis portfolio, assisting a growing number of clients to solve their needs for testing in order to comply with regulations or export requirements. The scope of testing has thus expanded to a host of routine activities including:

Workplace drug testing for major multi-national and domestic companies that routinely undertake pre-employment and random on-the-job testing for drugs of abuse. Drug testing for substances such as narcotics, stimulants, benzodiazepines, cannabis, and alcohol have been routinely done since 1996 and forms a considerable segment of the Centre’s service activities.

Determination of drug residues in feed and food; these include antibiotics, pesticides and -agonists. With the rising concern of the effect of these residues on human health, there is dire need for analytical techniques that are sensitive enough to detect trace amounts in food and food products.

Drug analyses for the purposes of quantification, identification and toxicological evaluation. Quality Assurance of pharmaceutical products and more recently adulteration of supplements, herbal preparations and natural remedies are of real concern as they present serious health risks to the user.

Analyses of 3-monochloropropane-1, 2-diol (3MCPD) in soya sauce and related products was initiated 5 years ago as this compound, a by product in the food manufacturing process is a known carcinogen.

Quantification of polychlorinated dibenzo-dioxins (PCDDs) and polychlorinated dibenzo-furans (PCDFs) as well as polychlorobiphenyls (PCBs) in various matrices including food, airborne particulates, meat and fish, soil and sediments, water, sludge and human milk. Continuous monitoring is needed as these chemicals are notoriously toxic and bio-accumulate in the body.

Workplace Safety Testing and Industrial Hygiene involving monitoring of exposure to chemicals at the workplace has become an increasingly important issue. The Centre can assist the industry in protecting their workforce and create a better controlled and safer working environment.

Monitoring of Inborn Errors of Metabolism (IEM) disorders in newborn infants through the utilisation of mass spectrometric techniques for the determination of amino acids and acylcarnitine profiles from infant blood samples.

With the range of expertise found at the Centre, it is committed to engage in areas that are new and challenging in the hope that it will continue to enhance its track record as a service and reference centre, providing analytical solutions for the nation and the region. Indeed this phase of its development promises to be most challenging to the personnel of the Doping Control Centre and USM, as the Centre progresses to become one of the most advanced analytical centres in the region.

Academic Staff

DirectorProf. Aishah Abdul Latiff(Pharmacology)

Research Fellow

Dr. Mohd Adi Firdaus Tan Abdullah(Biochemical Genetics)

Post-Doctoral

Dr. Gan Chee Yuen(Biomolecules and Functional Foods)

Science Officers

Ainol Syakira Mohd. Rodhi Hayati Muhamad Noh

Alyani Zainuddin Mohd. Azman Ibrahim

Azlina Mat Shariff Nor Farhana Mohd. Fazil

Chiang Pui Nyuk Noor Saerah Idris

Fazilah Mohd. Akir Normaliza Abdul Manaf

Haira Rizan Mokhtar Rudin Nur Shahila Ibrahim

Hajjaj Juharullah Hj. Jaafar Rozaiha Rahmat

Hami Mahayoo Kamarudin Sofiyatul Akmal Salim

Engineering Innovation and Technology Development Unit (EITD)

EITD was established in April 2000 with the primary aim of facilitating the commercialisation of research findings from Engineering Campus of Universiti Sains Malaysia. It has played the role of “bridging the gap” between researchers at the Campus, and commercial arm of USM, USAINS Sdn.Bhd.

ROLE•To assist in the promotion of research results •To create a conducive atmosphere for researchers to carry out potentially

commercialisable research activities •To assist researchers to commercialise their research results •To bridge researchers with the university mechanism in the commercialisation

procedures •To assist in the formations of smart partnerships with industries and outside

parties•To coordinate multi-disciplinary research/research cluster

FUNCTION AND ACTIVITIES

Functions Activities

Technological Development and Management

a. Formation of Partnership with Outside Partiesb. Technology Developmentc. Consultancy and Project Management

Research Administration and Management

a. Serves the Engineering and Technology Research Platformb. “One stop centre” for Research and Innovation at Engineering Campusc. Coordination of multi-disciplinary research / research cluster

Promotion of Research

a. Promotion and Publicityi.Innovation and Research Discourseii. Expo and Exhibition Organization

Website ManagementBulletin Publication

b. Strategic Planningi.Research Database Managementii. Research Audit

c. Acculturation of research-Workshop, dialog, seminar and etc.- Workshop, dialog, seminar and etc.

In 2004, the function of EITD was extended to support the entire Engineering and Technology Research Platform (EnTeRP) and continued to play the same role. When Innovation Office established on 1st August 2007, some of EITD activities pertaining to Technology Development and Management are handled by the Innovation Office. However, EITD still assists and supports to Intellectual Property, Technology Licensing and continuous nurturing the acculturation of innovation for, and amongst the researchers in Engineering Campus.

Contact:Professor Zainal Arifin Mohd IshakResearch DeanEngineering & Technology Research PlatformEngineering Innovation and Technology Development Unit (EITD)Universiti Sains Malaysia, Engineering CampusSeri Ampangan, 14300 Nibong Tebal, Pulau PinangMALAYSIA

Phone: +604-599 5999 ext: 5050 / 5051 / 5052 / 5053 / 5054 / 5055Phone: +604-594 2148 (Direct Line)Fax: +604-594 1037

Email: eitd@eng.usm.my; research_dean@eng.usm.myWebsite: http://eitd.eng.usm.my

Human Genome Centre

The Human Genome Centre (HGC) was established in the year 2001. It is a centre for innovative research and teaching in human/medical genetics for both undergraduates and postgraduates in USM. This centre also offers Genetic Testing Services for Hospital USM and other hospitals in Malaysia. It was formerly known as Medical Genetic Unit and has been in operation since 1994. Our centre is recognised as one of the Centres of Excellence in USM.

Mission:‘To raise the ability, strategy and consultation for human genome explorations towards the importance and advancement of science and technology in the era of human genomics in Malaysia.’

Main research areas of human/medical genetics:Population genetics, cancer genetics, molecular genetics of various genetic disorders and pharmacogenetics.

Genetic Testing Services:1. Diagnostic cytogenetic services2. Molecular cytogenetic services3. Molecular genetic services

Academic programmes/courses available in HGC:•By Research

Master of Science & Doctor of Philosophy•By Mixed Mode (4 years)

Master of Pathology (Medical Genetics) Contact:

Contact:DirectorHuman Genome CentreSchool of Medical SciencesUniversiti Sains MalaysiaHealth Campus16150 Kubang Kerian, KelantanMalaysia

Tel: 09-7676796; Fax: 09-7653370Email: pgen@kck.usm.myWebsite: http://www.medic.usm.my/~genom

Academic Staff

DirectorAssoc. Prof. Dr. Gan Siew Huashgan@kck.usm.my

Lecturers

Prof. Ravindran Ankathilaravi@kb.usm.my

Dr. Teguh Haryo Sasongkoteguhhs@kk.usm.my

Dr. Sarina Sulongssarina@kck.usm.my

Science Officers

Chia Boon Hockchiabh@kck.usm.my

Nor Atifah Mohd Adamnoratifah@kck.usm.my

Mohd Ros Sidek (Study Leave)mdros@kb.usm.my

ICT Research Platform is embracing on the idea of integrating science & arts with computing. ICT in the past have driven the changes in science, it enables and facilitates scientific discovery that can only be effectively done with the help of computers. In the next fifty years however, it is anticipated that science will drive changes in computing. Hence, it is apparent that interdisciplinary research in ICT is embarked to create innovative and creative solutions of computational resources to address forefront scientific problems. The ICT research platform are focusing on developing capabilities that are applicable to multiple disciplines, by undertaking specific, well defined projects, thereby developing tools and approaches that can be generalised and shared. The projects (or clusters) aim to bridge the gap (and thus making contributions in this unaddressed area) that left open by each discipline in their own right, and hence the focus of the projects undertaken will be on the interdisciplinary applicability of innovative computing across the scientific frontier.

One of such projects is the Grid Services and Application Research Cluster (GSARC), combining expertise from diverse scientific and engineering disciplines. The main aims of the project are to grid-enable six seed applications and to train human capital in grid computing. The integration of enhanced grid technology to solve computationally challenging problems (e.g. modeling and predicting the vector borne diseases) on reasonable time scales, and to solve combinatorial explosion of test cases for software testing requires close collaboration between the world of computer science and scientific disciplines. However, the bigger impact of this project is on the fundamental sharing of the experiences gain during the course of integrating grid technologies and applications. GeoHazard Research Mitigation Project (GHRMP) is another example of interdisciplinary research mooted under the ICT Platform. This problem oriented project is focusing on landslide hazard mitigation, it forges deep interdisciplinary collaboration between expertise in School of Physics, Mathematics Analysis, Civil Engineering, Distance Education, Educational Studies, Mass Communication and Computer Science. What special about this project is the inclusion of social sciences experts in a technical-based research; their role is to study the impacts of landslide events to the community in affected area, while another group look at the mechanism to effectively disseminate vital information to the community in the landslide prone area before, during and after the landslide disaster. Another cross disciplined research project is the Delineation & VRTS project which involves medical experts, pharmacists and computer scientists. The goal is to develop an extensible software platform that

Information Communication & Technology Research Platform

could be used by the radiologists to examine medical images and annotate these images, thereby transferring their expertise into a machine-readable format or by computer scientists to develop new image analysis and 3D visualisation algorithms that could be helpful in tumor delineation and quantification for clinical research and drug testing.

For details contact :Assoc. Prof. Bahari BelatonResearch DeanInformation & Communication Technology PlatformOffice of Research PlatformUniversiti Sains Malaysia11800 USM, Penang Malaysia

Tel : 604-653 3083 (Office), 019-5521109 (HP)Fax : 604-658 4149Email : bahari@cs.usm.my

Institute for Research in Molecular Medicine (INFORMM)

Institute for Research in Molecular Medicine (INFORMM) is USM’s first research institute that grew from a biotechnology cluster-based multi-disciplinary collaboration. Located in both the Penang Main Campus and the Kelantan branch Health Campus, INFORMM offers two working environments suited to staff and students preferences.

Research at INFORMM INFORMM is a research institute formed to promote research in molecular medicine. It owes its birth to an originating research by its Founding Director who brought research at USM to a new level, translating it from the bench to the bedside and proving the applicability of the “closed cycle, R-D-C-E-O concept”. Research at INFORMM is developed based on the clear local and global need for a more effective approach to prevent and manage human diseases yielding results and products that are of quality, affordable, accessible and sustainable.

Our research is built from the very fundamental beginnings like the identification of ‘novel’ constituents of putative molecules for the diseases as well as for the disease causing agents. For typhoid and filariasis for instance, molecular approaches are developed to improve characterization of the putative molecules that would be developed into cost-effective diagnostic investigations that would also result in diagnostic tests to identify individuals who are predisposed to the diseases so as to help develop a more effective preventive approach. Responses to treatment, including development of adverse events to drugs used in treatment, will also be linked to molecular mechanisms and diagnostic tests.

Achievements

Recognitions conferred on the Institute and its staff and students, as evidenced by the numerous awards and prizeswon, have instilled confidence and pride for the nation. In addition, staff achievements have raised the status of INFORMM to a world-class level. Some of the prestigious awards conferred on INFORMM include:

• Centre of Excellence of Ministry of Higher Education, Malaysia• Islamic Development Bank (IDB) Prizes for Science & Technology (Award for Islamic

Banking and Financing fromKing Abdullah), 2008

• Gold Medal for PCR Disc at International Exposition of Research and Invention of Institutions of HigherLearning (PECIPTA) 2009, Kuala Lumpur Convention Centre – Prof. Asma Ismail, Sugumar Dharmalingam, Lingxue Kong.

• Member of WHO Temporary Advisor for Vaccine (2002”– to date) and Diarrhoeal Diseases (2001 - todate) - Professor Asma Ismail

• WHO Country Expert on Harm Reduction, 2009 - Professor Rusli Ismail• Appointed as Ph.D. examiner in Pharmacogenomics at Cape Town University, Africa,

2009 - Prof. Rusli Ismail• Anugerah Khas oleh Ahli Jawatankuasa Pergerakan Wanita UMNO Malaysia, 2009

- Prof. Asma Ismail• Bronze Medal 37th International Exhibition of Invention New Techniques & Products

(Geneva 2009) held at theGeneva, Switzerland CIMS (Chemical Inventory Management System) - Assoc. Prof. Phua Kia Kien & Kamarulakmal Ab. Ghani

• GOLD AWARD - Asma Ismail, Sugumar Dharmalingam, Lingxue Kong PCR Disc at the 20th International Invention,Innovation & Technology Exhibition ITEX 2009

• The JIPA Award for the Best Invention in Biotechnology is awarded to Asma Ismail, Sugumar Dharmalingam,Lingxue Kong for the invention: Multiplex PCRDisc at the 20th International Invention, Innovation & TechnologyExhibition ITEX 2009

• iENA SPECIAL AWARD For The Best Invention of ITEX 09 - Inventor - Asma Ismail, Sugumar Dharmalingam,Lingxue Kong Invention: Multiplex PCRDisc at 20th ITEX 2009

• Distinguished Individuals Category (Anugerah Sanggar Sanjung), 2008, National Academic Award (Innovation & Commercialisation of Product 2006 from Ministry of Higher Education) - Prof. Asma Ismail

• Centre of Excellence by Ministry of Higher Education Malaysia, 2008 – INFORMM• ITEX GOLD MEDAL for the invention Chemical Inventory Management System

(CIMS) at the 19th InternationalInvention, Innovation & Technology Exhibition ITEX 2008

• Islamic Development Bank (IDB) Prizes For Science & Technology (Award for Islamic Banking and Financing fromKing Abdullah), 2008

• Anugerah Sanggar Sanjung 2008 – Kategori Anugerah PTJ Cemerlang bagi tahun 2008 – INFORMM

• Anugerah Sanggar Sanjung 2008 – Pencapaian Cemerlang dalam Kategori Penerbitan Journal - Chan Yean Yean

• Anugerah Sanggar Sanjung 2008 – Pencapaian Cemerlang dalam Kategori Penerbitan Journal - Prof. Rahmah Noordin

• Anugerah Sanggar Sanjung 2008 – Kategori Produk Penyelidikan – Assoc. Prof. Phua Kia Kien

• Member of the National Think-tank Committee, Ministry of Higher Education 2007• National Academic Award for Commercialisation of R&D product. Ministry of

Higher Education,2007• Gold medal award in conjunction with ICC Convention, East Cost Region, National

Productivity Center (NPC), 2007, Hotel Renaissance, Kota Bharu, Kelantan.• 3 star gold medal award in conjunction with National ICC Convention, National

Productivity Center (NPC), 2007,Persada Johor International Convention Centre, Johor Bharu.

• Anugerah Akademik Negara by Ministry of Higher Education Malaysia awarded to Prof. Asma Ismail, 2007

• Gold Medal, Cholera Genosensor: A DNA - Based kit for the rapid detection of Vibrio cholerae. InternationalExpossition of Research and INVENTIONS of Institutions of Higher Learning 2007, (PECIPTA)

• National Innovation Award 2006 (Anugerah Inovasi Negara), Ministry of Science, Technology and Innovation,Government of Malaysia.

• Gold medal with mention, 55th World Exhibition on Innovation, New Technology & Research, Brussels (2006);Brussels, Belgium.

• Special Award “WIPO Prize for a country in development”, 55th World Exhibition on Innovation, New Technology & Research (2006), Brussels, Belgium.

• National Innovation Award (Anugerah Inovasi Negara), Ministry of Science, Technology and Innovation, 2006

• Gold medal, IPTA Exhibition 2005, PWTC Kuala Lumpur. Ministry of Higher Education, Government of Malaysia

• Best biotechnology Invention 2005. Malaysian Invention and Design Society (MINDS) for EZTyphi carrier DNA

• Gold medal, International Exhibition of Ideas Inventions and Innovations, Nuremberg, Germany (2003)

• Malaysia’s 10 most prominent women, selected by Tun Siti Hasmah, OIC Summit,2003• Fellow Academy of Sciences (Medicine), Malaysia, 2003• MAMPU award for Research collaboration between public and private sector, 2002• Gold medal, EXPO Science and Technology 2002, Ministry of Science, Technology

and Environment, Government of Malaysia.• International Federation of Inventors Association (IFIA) Cup Award for outstanding

Malaysian Women Inventor2002. 13th International Invention, Innovation and Industrial Design and Technology Exhibition (ITEX), Kuala Lumpur.

• Khwarizmi International Award 2002 (Second winner), Iranian Research Organisation for Science & Technology(IROST), Ministry of Science and Technology, Tehran, Iran.

• Malaysian Toray Science and Technology Award for outstanding contribution in science, 2002

• National Inventor Award (Anugerah Perekacipta Negara), Ministry of Science, Technology and Environment, 2002

Quality AchievementsINFORMM has been certified by 2 International Accreditation bodies for the ISO 9001:2008 standard for Quality Management. It has also developed software to assist the management and safe disposal of chemicals according to the ISO regulatory requirements, which has been found to be effective and have been bestowed with a number of awards including the National Productivity Corporation Award for Quality. Attainment of ISO 9001:2000 is part of our strategy to secure good laboratory practice (GLP) and ISO 17025 accreditation for INFORMM laboratories. This is to ensure that our products meet world-class quality standards. INFORMM has recently been recertified for ISO 9001:2008 for the next three years.

International linkagesAs we gain the track record in technology innovation and product development, we have gained the attention of Finlay Institute, Havana, Cuba that would like to collaborate with us to develop diagnostics for third world countries. We currently sealed the collaboration by forming smart partnerships in the development of diagnostics for typhoid, cholera, dysentery and tuberculosis using monoclonal antibodies and Immunochromatography technology platforms. A grant of RM 3 million has been allocated to achieve these goals. In the quest of developing cheap micro-fluidicsdiagnostics in terms of a universal PCR disc, a device has been developed in collaboration with Deakin University, Australia. The device can be used to replace the conventional PCR machine for DNA diagnostics and deliver results within 30 minutes.

In terms of pharmacogenomics, we have a strong collaboration with Yale University in the development and advancement of pharmacogenomics especially in relation to AIDS. Other collaborations include with the University of Western Australia in Perth, African Institute of Biotechnology in Zimbabwe and Universitas Gadja Mada in Indonesia.

Grant AcquisitionsThus far based on our track record, we were able to acquire grants from national and international funding agencies and institutions. We were also fortunate to obtain recognition from the industry and the Malaysian Venture Capitalists. We have thus far been able to attain a total of USD 4 million from government grants, USD 368,000 from 3 European.

Union Grants and Bill and Melinda Gates Foundation at USD 65,000 . We have also created a mark with the local business community and received contract research grants of USD79,167 for bioequivalent studies.

Sustainable Health: Development of Rapid Diagnostics for Third World CountriesThe world market for in vitro diagnostics was about USD30 billion dollars in 2000 with nearly 50% based on biotechnology. (Technology Review, Helsinki). It has been predicted that molecular diagnostics and genomics will be seeing the greatest growth in the next 5-10 years time due to faster development turn around time, requires minimal regulatory barriers and can have competitive production cost. It is imperative to note that diagnostics developed canbe focused on diseases that would benefit Malaysia and the Asian region since the current diagnostics available do not focus on Asian needs. What is also important to note is that diagnostics made for Asian needs would also be required by the Latin American market. Hence diagnostics addressing Asian problems can also have high sales volume since half the world’s population is located in this region. Even though investigative diagnostics are important to find the infected individual so as to provide treatment and control the spread of an outbreak, yet annually, 1 million people die of malaria, 4.3 million of Acute respiratory infections, 2.9 million from enteric infections, 5 million of AIDS and tuberculosis. Millions still die

of these diseases simply because diagnostics are UNAVAILABLE or INACCESSIBLE to those in the underdeveloped or developing countries.

Despite decades of epidemics that we have experienced, we still do not have adequate number of diagnostic tests.The diagnostics developed also do not address the disease needs of developing and / or underdeveloped countries. Even if the diagnostics do exist, they are ill-adapted for countries that lack trained personnel and infrastructure

Science Officers

Badrul Syam Mat Zainuddin Norhalida Hashim

Wan Zainal Azman Wan Abdullah Zulkifli Sanip

Research Officers (Q)

Elis Rosliza Mohd. Adzmi Mohd. Hafiznur

Nur Fadhlina Musa Nor Dyana Zakaria

Lecturers

Prof. Asma Ismail Prof. Prabha Balaram Prof. Rahmah Noordin

Prof. Rusli Ismail Assoc. Prof. Hamid Fauzi Assoc. Prof. Phua Kia Kien

Dr. Aziah Ismail Dr. Chen Yeng Dr. Chew Ai Lan

Dr. Choon Yee Siew Dr. Khoo Boon Yin Dr. Lim Theam Soon

Dr. Maizan Mohamed Dr. Ong Ming Thong Dr. Rochman Naim

Dr. R. Amutha Dr. Sasidharan Sreenivasan Dr. Venugopal Balakrishnan

DirectorProf. Rusli Ismail

Deputy Director(Research and Innovation)Prof. Rahmah Noordin

Deputy Director(Quality and Sustainability)Assoc. Prof. Phua Kia Kien

Deputy Director(Postgraduate Affairs)Prof. Prabha Balaram

Life Sciences Platform

One can be forgiven to think that life science is the realm of biologists and thus only they contributed towards all the development in this field. In fact, behind it lies an entire group of scientists from all walks of science. The history of many of the discoveries that led to the much technological advancement had contributors from many disciplines of science. The life sciences platform intends to forge a collaborative effort among scientists in USM to catalyse such breakthroughs and technological advancement. One of the main objectives of Research Platfoms in USM is to form research clusters. Under the Life Sciences Platform the Biodiversity Development and Sustainability Cluster will be formed.

Biodiversity Development and Sustainability Cluster Beginning of the signing of the MOU between USM and Perbadanan Taman Negara Johor (PTNJ) on the 15th June 2009, USM represented by the Life Sciences Platform is initiating the formation of the Biodiversity Development and Sustainability Cluster. Inspired by our rich wetland, marine and terrestrial ecosystems,this research cluster have committed themselves towards studying the biodiversity, conservation and management of our precious natural heritage with the collaboration with PTNJ in Johor National Parks.

USM has been very active in exploring both the biodiversity and the environment of these surroundings. Population dynamics, behavioural, ecological and biodiversity surveys have become the foci of fauna study. In terms of flora, specimens from all parts of Malaysia have been collected and studied and these include terrestrial and aquatic weeds. All these represent the wide ranging research and academic interests of the USM community which has been going on since its inception. The effort of the biologists have been synergised by the presence of the researchers using the physical and chemical approach. Currently new directions in biodiversity research engaged both modern molecular techniques and classical taxonomic methods to solve the numerous taxonomic and biodiversity questions that still remain.

For details contact:Prof. Mohd. Nazalan Mohd. NajimudinResearch DeanLife Sciences PlatformUniversiti Sains Malaysia11800 Minden Penang

Tel: 04-6533080 (Direct), 04-6533086 (Office)Fax: 04-6584149E-mail: nazalan@usm.my

Healthcare biotechnology serves a pivotal role in realising the National Biotechnology Policy (NBP). Our abundant natural resources will drive biotechnology as a new economic engine in the near future. The Malaysian Institute of Pharmaceuticals and Nutraceuticals (IPharm) was established on 29th November 2006 under the Ministry of Science, Technology and Innovation in order to spearhead this initiative by delivering world-class R&D to accelerate the discovery, development and commercialisation of pharmaceutical and nutraceutical products. IPharm focuses on five major R&D thrust areas:

•Assay Development•Bio-screening•Hits-to-Lead•Lead Optimisation•Bioprocess

IPharm’s research laboratory houses some of the most advanced R&D facilities in the country, including a Bio-safety Class II laboratory and a new natural products compound repository.

CollaborationsIPharm aims to build strategic partnerships with local and international organisations in order to promote R&D and technology acquisition as well as human capital development. The Institute possesses firm ties with the World Health Organisation – Prof. Dato’ Dr. Mohamed Isa bin Abdul Majid, IPharm’s Director-General, is a two-time temporary advisor to the World Health Organisation. IPharm is also in public-private partnership with the Drugs for Neglected Diseases Initiative (DNDi) in an effort to develop new drugs and formulations of existing drugs for patients suffering from neglected communicable diseases worldwide.

Malaysian Institute of Pharmaceuticals and Nutraceuticals

Director-General

Prof. Dato’ Mohamed Isa Abd. Majid

Division Directors

Assay DevelopmentAssoc. Prof. Alexander Chong

Bio-screeningDr. Mohd. Ilham Adenan

BioprocessDr. Amirul Al-Ashraf

Hits-to-LeadAssoc. Prof. Habibah A. Wahab

Lead OptimisationDr. Tan Mei Lan

Postgraduate Program IPharm offers M.Sc. and Ph.D. in Healthcare Biotechnology and welcomes applications from highly motivated candidates who are keen on pursuing a career in healthcare biotechnology. Emphasising on human capital development, IPharm collaborates with a number of leading universities and research institutions around the world to provide its personnel with cutting edge skills through post-doctoral programs, attachments and internships in both academic institutes and industry.

Contact:Director General Malaysian Institute of Pharmaceuticals & Nutraceuticals Ministry of Science, Technology & Innovationsains@USM, Blok A, 10 Persiaran Bukit JambulUniversiti Sains Malaysia 11800 Penang, Malaysia

Phone: +604-6535600Fax: +604-6535604Email: admin@ipharm.gov.my

Website: http://www.ipharm.gov.my/

National Advanced IPV6 Centre (NAv6)

The National Advanced IPv6 Centre of Excellence (NAv6), with its profound research expertise and synergism in terms of Research, Development and Commercialisation is a matured research centre in the area of Next Generation Networks. Next Generation Networks is an effort to develop and deploy advanced network applications, services and technologies for educational and industrial purposes. The centre strives for excellence focusing on four major areas namely, Academic, Research & Development, Consultancy, and ‘Government and Community’. Emphasize and thrust will be on research and postgraduate development.

Functional Structure of NAv6 as a centre

NAv6’s areas of focus on R&D include Next Generation Multimedia Communications and Telemedicine, Advanced Internet Security and Monitoring Platform Development, IPv6, Satellite and Wireless Communication, Networked Virtual reality and Mobile Technologies/Applications. The above areas have niche market, with potential economic benefits and opportunity to gain technological edge in ICT expertise envisioning the future. Also, the above areas are aligned with the national priorities set by MyICMS 886 strategy, RMK-9 (2006-2010) and the National Broadband Plan.

NAv6 has garnered high repute in terms of consultancy with public and private organisation, both locally and internationally. Major consultancy includes the MCS (Multimedia Conferencing System) project for Mlabs System Bhd, AI3 Satellite Project, Video streaming for TM R&D, Malaysian ISP’s security audit for MCMC (Malaysian Communications and Multimedia Commission), IPv6 deployment Pilot Project for MEGTW (Ministry of Energy Green Technology and Water), National Strategic IPv6 Roadmap for MICC (Ministry of Information, Communication and Culture) and a Study

National AdvancedIPv6 Centre of

Excellence (NAv6)

Government& Community

Academic R & D Consultancy

on IPv6 address allocation and distribution for ITU (International Telecommunication Union). Consultancy has been a major source of funding followed by grants which has sustained NAv6 so far and will continue to do so well into the future.

NAv6 is an appointed consultant on IPv6 matters to MICC and has become a national and regional referral centre for IPv6 expertise. Apart from consultancy on IPv6 projects for MCMC and the MICC, NAv6 also conducts numerous workshops, training and awareness programs on IPv6 and other areas of interest in Next Generation Networks to the Internet savvy and the public at large. Professional Certification courses offered by NAv6 includes CNE6 (Certified Network Engineer in IPv6) and CNP6 (Certified Network Programmer in IPv6) at three levels, endorsed by the Global IPv6 Forum and WIDE Project Consortium, Japan.

NAv6 is also recognised by the international community by taking active role in Asia Pacific Advanced Network (APAN), Asian Internet Interconnection Initiatives (AI3) which is a part of the Japanese WIDE project, and IPv6 Global Forum. NAv6 holds the positions of Director of AI3, Technology Area Director for APAN, Head of AI3 for Malaysia, Head of APAN Malaysia, Chairman of Multimedia working group for APAN, Chairman of Security working group for APAN and, Head of IPv6 research domain for MYREN (Malaysia Research and Educational Network), NAv6 is the secretariat for the Asia Pacific IPv6 Task Force (AP-IPv6TF) for the period 2008-2010 and the Director of NAv6 is the Chairman.

NAv6 Centre has been fostering and developed research collaborations with researchers from research institutions and centre’s locally and internationally. This includes IMPACT (International Multilateral Partnership Against Cyber Threats), Hanoi National University of Education (HNUE), Vietnam, Mlabs Sdn.Bhd, iNetmon, TM R&D and etc.

NAv6 was formalised as a Research Centre functioning directly under the University (USM) since 19 November 2008. As such students can pursue their postgraduate research studies with the Centre leading to Masters and PhD. Currently, NAv6 has about 41 active postgraduate students who are working towards their Masters and PhDs by research mode. Recently NAv6 has extended its postgraduate research studies to Collaborative Postgraduate Program (CPP), facilitating students to do their research studies remotely at fulltime aligned to their nature of work in the area of Next Generation Internet.

NAv6 has won numerous awards on R&D nationally and internationally that includes the National Academic award for the category of Product Innovation & Commercialisation awarded to Prof. Dr. Sureswaran Ramadass at Kuala Lumpur on 5th August 2009. NAv6 won 1 Gold and 1Silver for their research products at the Malaysia Technology Expo 2009 (MTE’09) held in Kuala Lumpur in Feb ‘09 and 1 Gold in the International Exposition of Research and Innovation of Institutions of Higher Learning (PECIPTA) 2009 held at

Industry & Commercialisation

Lim Say Khiam

Networks & Systems Support Team

Hairul Nizar Ibrahim Kunalan Dava Rajoo Mohd Syahiran Abdul Malik

Jayaseelan Vejayon Maznizam Mazaland Syaiful Azim Abdul Wahab

the Kuala Lumpur Convention Centre in Oct ‘09. NAv6 has 8 patents filed and pending to be awarded with another 4 on the pipeline to be filed.

NAv6 has been self sufficient in terms of funding facilitated through grants and consultancy for its research programs and activities. For the year 2009, NAv6 has about RM 2.6 million as a whole in terms of active grants, and about RM2 million in terms of consultancy and training excluding equipments.

Academic Staff

DirectorProf. Sureswaran Ramadass

Deputy DirectorSelvakumar Manickam

Deputy Director (Research and Inovation)Dr. Ahmed Mansour Manasrah

Dr. Chai Kok Soon Dr. Laheeb Mohammad Ibrahim

Dr. Omar Abouabdalla Dr. Wan Tat Chee (Joint-Staff)

Azlan Osman (Joint-Staff) Rosnah Idrus (Joint-Staff)

Contact:DirectorNational Advanced IPv6 Centre of Excellence6th Floor, School of Computer and Mathematical Sciences buildingUniversiti Sains Malaysia11800 Pulau Pinang, Malaysia

Phone:+604-6533005/6594757 Fax: +604-6533001Website: www.nav6.org

Research & Development TeamNext Generation Multimedia Communications and Telemedicine

Ahmad Taqiyuddin Muhamad Ammar Waysi Mahmood Ayad H.Abdulqadar

Foo Fong Yee Iznan Hussainy Hasbullah Khairul Effendy Zainal Abidin

Manjur Kolhar Norayu Abdul Talib Ooi Khai Chin

Salah Noori Saleh Siah Bing Keong

Advanced Internet Security and Monitoring

Ahmad Al Madi Ashraf H. Rashid Aljammal Homam El Taj

Hussien Al Bazar Karim Hashim Kraidi Loai Kayed Hassan Bani Melhim

Moein Mayeh Mohammad Al Halabi Muhammad Fermi Pasha

Mustafa Mahmood Abdat

Next Generation Internet and IPv6

Adil Hidayat Rosli Benjamin Yeoh Chia Liang Hemananthan Palakarnim

Pradeep Isawasan Raja Kumar Murugesan

Advanced Virtual Reality

Wong Hooi Ten

Wireless and Satellite Communication

Anas Fouad Hussein Rayan Ang Way Chuang Chong Yung Wey

Imad Jasim Mohammed Muhammad Imran Sarwar Yeong Shoa Yei

Web Designers

Adrian Hor Yew Choon Chew Wei Choon Lim Soo Ling

Teoh Khah Swee

National Higher Education Research Institute (IPPTN)

Institut Penyelidikan Pendidikan Tinggi Negara (IPPTN), Malaysia or the National Higher Education Research Institute, Malaysia was formally established by the National Council on Higher Education (MPTN) and officially launched on 21stAugust 1997. Since its establishment, IPPTN is hosted by Universiti Sains Malaysia, Penang and is accountable to the Ministry of Higher Education Malaysia (MOHE) and the Vice-Chancellor, Universiti Sains Malaysia.

IPPTN was established to strengthen and expand research efforts in all aspects of higher education research concerning education policy, curriculum, administration, human resources and manpower, infrastructure and their joint involvement. In addition, IPPTN is active in its participation of international programmes and is often invited by research centres for higher education and other institutions from abroad to be involved in comparative research.

Research ActivitiesAs an important research institution central to MOHE’s “Pursuing Excellence in Higher Education” and “Regional Higher Education Hub” objectives, IPPTN’s research activities are propelled to focus on improving Malaysia’s higher education policies. For this, IPPTN has to continuously monitor both the national and global higher education landscapes. IPPTN has, after ten years’ involvement in higher education policy research, developed expertise in the analysis of several aspects of higher education encompassing;

•Curriculum development and the preparation of an entry-level workforce (including employability and skill competencies studies)•Governance of public universities•Changing condition for academic work career•Growth and development of transnational higher education services (including

international higher education scenario)•Higher education and urban/regional engagement (including education cities)•Higher education systems (Malaysia, China, Japan, United Kingdom, Australia, USA,

ASEAN countries in particular Cambodia, Lao PDR, Cambodia and Vietnam)

IPPTN gives priority to research that explores emerging possibilities that will result in a new higher education landscape in Malaysia within the context of the two objectives for higher education noted earlier.

Networking, Partnerships, CollaborationsIPPTN endeavours to internationalise and engage in quality higher education policy research at the national and global levels through links, partnerships and collaborations with international researchers and research centres. IPPTN’s involvements in the Changing Academic Profession (CAP) project involving higher education institutions from no less than 22 countries provides an excellent opportunity for it to initiate comparative higher education policy research in the future. As of now, IPPTN has already established active partnerships, collaboration and links with the following institutions and the list is expanding:

•Centre for Asia Pacific Social Transformation Studies, University of Wollongong, Australia (CAPSTRANS)•Research Institute for Higher Education (RIHE), Hiroshima University, Japan •Consortium of Higher Education Researchers, Germany (CHER)•Centre for International Cooperation in Education (CICE), Hiroshima University,

Japan •Centre for the Study of Higher Education (CSHE), University of Melbourne, Australia•Boston College Centre for International Higher Education (CIHE), USA •SEAMO-Regional Centre for Higher Education and Development (SEAMO-

RIHED), Thailand•Asia Pacific Regional Bureau for Education (UNESCO, Bangkok)•ASEAN University Network (AUN), Bangkok, Thailand

Links and collaborations with higher education research institutes overseas would necessarily focus on IPPTN’s coreareas of expertise and interest, namely futures of higher education, higher education and university system, governance of higher education institutions, and the academic profession.

IPPTN’s Achievements

IPPTN has started engagement activities on higher education with Cambodia, Lao PDR, Myanmar and Vietnam (CLMVCountries) through workshops and dialogue sessions. These activities emphasise on the exchange of knowledge, experience and information on higher education policies. It also aims to explore opportunities for research collaborations to enhance the ties between Malaysia and CLMV Countries. IPPTN is now working to explore research collaborations with other countries in South East Asia, such as Timor Leste and Papua New Guinea.

IPPTN is also organising a collaborative project between IPPTN, SEAMEO-RIHED and other partners from Asia. The University Rating System for ASEAN/Southeast Asia project is aimed to develop a conceptual framework and methodology for rating the achievements of universities in areas relating to nation and capacity building.

Other external grants: 1. Employability of University Graduates (Malaysia/Indonesia/Philippines), UNESCO

Jakarta.2. Employability of ICT Graduates (Indonesia/Philippines/Malaysia/India/Korea),

UNESCO Bangkok.3. Building Asia-USA-Europe Collaborative Knowledge, Learning, Innovation,

Capacity Research for a Sustainable Development: Bridging the Divide. Funded by UMAP Research-Net (URN), Bangkok.

4. Diversification of Post-Secondary Education to Expand Access and Improve Relevance. Funded by Governance and Management in Education, International Institute for Educational Planning (IIEP/UNESCO).

DirectorProf. Morshidi Sirat Deputy DirectorProf. Fauziah Md. Taib

Researchers and Associate Research Fellows:

Name Research Interests on Higher Education

Prof. Ambigapathy PandianUniversiti Sains Malaysiaambiga@usm.my

•Language and Internationalisation •Teaching/Learning in Higher Education

Prof. Fauziah Md. TaibUniversiti Sains Malaysiamfauziah@usm.my

•Financing of Higher Education•Governance of Higher Education•Strategic Market Analysis of Higher

Education• Internationalisation of Higher Education

Prof. Ibrahim Che Omar Universiti Malaysia Kelantanibrahim@umk.edu.my

• Industrial Chemistry •Microbiology•Fermentation And Enzyme Technology

Prof. Morshidi SiratUniversiti Sains Malaysiamorshidi@usm.my

•Comparative and International Higher Education

•Higher Education Policy and Systems •Constructing Knowledge Spaces

Prof. Muhamad JantanUniversiti Sains Malaysiamjantan@usm.my

•Statistics•Operation Research•Operation Management and Research

Methodology

Assoc. Prof. Abdul Razak AhmadUniversiti Pertahanan Nasional Malaysiadelpiso2000@yahoo.com

• International Economic Law•Public International Law•Non Traditional Security Issues and Strategic

Studies

Assoc. Prof. Ahmad Nurulazam Md. ZainUniversiti Sains Malaysiaanmz@usm.my

•Research and Development Interests, Including Integrating Computers in Teaching of Science

•Employing New Approaches In Teaching of Science,and also in Higher Education

Assoc. Prof. Dr. Aida Suraya Md. YunusUniversiti Putra Malaysiaaida@educ.upm.edu.my

•Comparative and International Higher Education

•Teaching and Learning of Mathematics, Computer Applications in Teaching and Learning

• Issues Pertaining to Teaching and Learning in Higher Education

Assoc. Prof. Dr. Koo Yew LieUniversiti Kebangsaan Malaysiakooyl@pkrisc.cc.ukm.my

•Teaching and Learning in Multilingual Contexts•The Role of Language and Culture in Higher

Education: Innovation and Transformation •Sustaining Local and Global Knowledge in

Glocal Economies and Communities in Higher Education

•Cultural Politics of Internationalisation and Globalisation in Developing Countries

Assoc. Prof. Munir ShuibUniversiti Sains Malaysiamunir@usm.my

•Teaching And Learning of English in Higher Education

Assoc. Prof. Dr. Norzaini AzmanUniversiti Kebangsaan Malaysianorzai12@ukm.my

•Comparative Studies and Internationalisation of Higher Education

•Systems and Governance of Higher Education•Higher Education for Sustainable

Development(HESD)

Assoc. Prof. Rozinah JamaludinUniversiti Sains Malaysiarozinah@usm.my

• Instructional Technology and E-Learning•Taught PGT 201E Instructional Technology and

Practices •QIM323E Web-Based Design and Development

forthe Undergraduate Level•For Master Level, Taught QIM507 Web Training

And Management and QIM509 Web-Based Programming

Prof. Vincent PangUniversiti Malaysia Sabahpvincent@ums.edu.my

•Curriculum Innovation •Teaching And Learning in Higher Education•Quality Assurance in Higher Education

Research OfficersNoraini Mohamad YusofOoi Poh Ling

Contact:DirectorNational Higher Education Research InstituteSuite 109, Level 1, EUREKA ComplexUniversiti Sains Malaysia11800 Penang, Malaysia

Tel: +604-659 0534 / +604- 653 3888 ext. 4090Fax: +604-659 0532

Website: www.usm.my/ipptnE-mail: ipptn@usm.my

Assoc. Prof. Sarjit KaurUniversiti Sains Malaysiasarjit@usm.my

•Globalisation and Internationalisation of Higher Education

• Issues in Postgraduate Education• Interdisciplinary Higher Education•Transnational Education

Assoc. Prof. Dr. Shukran Abdul RahmanInternational Islamic University Malaysiashukran@iiu.edu.my

•Graduates, Career Development, Graduate Employment, Employability, Tracer Study

Dr. Melissa Ng Lee Yen AbdullahUniversiti Sains Malaysiamelissa@usm.my

•Self-Regulated Learning in Higher Education •Mental Health Issues and Policy in Higher

Learning Institution •Needs of Students With Disabilities in Higher

Education

National Poison Centre

The National Poison Centre, or more popularly known as Pusat Racun Negara (PRN), celebrates its 16th year in 2010. PRN was set up in 1994 with a primary function to serve as a referral centre for drug and poison information to support the national health service and general public. Over one-and-a-half decade later, PRN’s services has expanded to include providing training, consultancy services to both local and foreign agencies on health-related matters, using ICT to enhance multimedia products and educational tools, research studies, and other related activities in support of the national and institutional aspirations. While continuing to provide consultations for drug and poison, which remains the centre’s core business, PRN’s more contemporary activities are geared towards engagements with the public, industry, private and government organisations, schools and other educational institutions.

Mission“To reduce the morbidity, mortality, cost and occurrence of poisoning in a manner that strives for excellence, compassion and innovation.”

Some of PRN’s projects, past and present, include:1.The setting up of the Clearinghouse for Tobacco Control and Research Network

for Tobacco Control to strengthen tobacco control advocacy work. The project was funded by the Rockefeller Foundation, New York.

2.Commissioned by the Cancer Council Victoria, Roswell Park Cancer Institute and University of Waterloo to conduct a 5-year (2005 – 2010) cohort study to evaluate the behavioral and psycho-social impact of smokers alongside other countries which include Thailand, USA, Australia, UK, Ireland, Mexico, Uruguay, China, Korea and Sudan.

3.PRN is also a prime mover of ‘Program Intervensi Mengurangkan Tabiat Merokok untuk pelajar IKBN (Institut Kemahiran Belia Negara)’. This pilot program aims to help students in the said institute to quit smoking in a targeted period between September 2009 to March 2010.

4.PRN also provides training to WHO Fellows on toxicology and drug information service. Since 1995, dozens of health personnel from China, Vietnam, Pakistan, India, Bangladesh, Mongolia, Nepal, Fiji, Indonesia, Sri Lanka, Tanzania, have benefitted from such training and interactions. Similar training is also provided to local health

professionals and medical students and has heightened in popularity over the years based on the increased number of requests and trainees received yearly.

5. As a WHO designated Collaborating Centre for Drug Information (Western Pacific Region), PRN’s expertise in specialised areas are continually utilised to support the Organisation’s various projects. These include:

a) The development and field-testing of an Information Exchange System for Drug Information/Drug Therapeutic Committee for countries identified BY WHO in the Western Pacific Region.

b) The designing and development of a Training Kit for pesticide use for WHO-IPCS.c) The development of multimedia interactive CDs on “Toxicology in the Classroom”.

The product was officially launched in Geneva in May 2009 during the 2nd Session of the International Conference on Chemical Management (ICCM2).

d) The development of an MPOWER Training Package for WHO-Tobacco Free Initiative including training selected tobacco control personnel from Bloomberg-funded countries, namely, China, Vietnam & Philippines.

e) The planning and implementing of a WHO-funded pilot project to create youth leaders among university undergraduates in tobacco control. The capacity-building project involved undergraduates from Universiti Malaya, Universiti Putra Malaysia, Universiti Kebangsaan Malaysia, Universiti Islam Antarabangsa and Universiti Sains Malaysia. A spin-off from this project led the birth of the “Green Lung Project”, an awareness campaign to transform the USM campus into a 100 per cent TOBACCO-FREE CAMPUS.

f) PRN is in collaboration with the Division of Food Safety and Quality to research on marine toxins, including the monitoring of marine-based products, particularly those derived from puffer fish.

g) Besides routine testing and analysis, PRN’s Toxicology Laboratory has also developed analytical methods to determine the adulteration of sildenafil and its analogues in foods. PRN has entered into an agreement with a company to test for this adulteration in their health products and anticipates more requests from other food manufacturers.

h) PRN continues to provide short-term training and attachment in ICT/ multimedia and laboratory instruments for students from both public and private colleges.

i) PRN recent acquisition of an ‘Eye-Tracking’ machine has enabled new researches on visual literacy, communication and product design. The equipment is the first of its kind to be used in Malaysia.

j) PRN is the recipient of the inaugural USM Quality Award for the Service Sector in 1998 and has also earned a place in Universiti Sains Malaysia Hall of Fame for Quality Service. PRN is networked globally through its website “prnweb”(http://prn.usm.my).

Director

Assoc. Prof. Razak Hj. Lajis

Academic Staff

Prof. Rahmat Awang Dr. Maizurah Omar

Assoc. Prof. Foong Kin

Senior Assistant Director (Pharmacy)

Haslina Hashim

Academic and Support Staff

[a] Drug and Poison Information Unit

Assoc. Prof. Syed Azhar Syed Sulaiman* (Programme Coordinator)

Adilah Mohamed Ariff (Pharmacist-in-charge)

Asdariah Misnan (Pharmacist)

Azaharudin Awang Ahmad (Pharmacist)

[b] Education and Prevention Unit

Assoc. Prof. Foong Kin (Programme Coordinator)

Sulastri Samsudin (Pharmacist-in-charge)

Nur Afni Amir (Pharmacist)

Mohamed Nazri Mohamed Tahir (Science Officer)

[c] Toxicology Laboratory Unit

Assoc. Prof. Gam Lay Harn* (Programme Coordinator)

Che Nin Man (Officer-in-charge)

Norjuliana Mohd Noor (Science Officer)

Siti Salwa Sabran (Assistant Science Officer)

Azhar Ramli (Laboratory Assistant)

Mohd Zainudin Md. Rashid (Laboratory Assistant)

Noor Khairiena Mohamad (Laboratory Assistant)

[d] Research and Documentation Unit

Professor Rahmat Awang (Programme Coordinator)

Halilol Rahman Mohamed Khan (Officer-in-charge)

Sazaroni Md. Rashid (Pharmacist)

Ahmad Shalihin Mohd Samin (Research Officer)

[e] ICT and Multimedia Unit

Dr. Maizurah Omar (Programme Coordinator)

Rosman Ahmad (Officer-in-charge)

Mohd. Zulhamiros Mohamed Amir (System Analyst)

Lenny Esma Tomadi (Programmer)

Muhammad Hafizullah Mohamad (Multimedia)

Natrah Mustapha (Computer Technician)

[h] WHO Collaborating Centre for Drug Information

Prof. Rahmat Awang (Head)

Advisor

Prof. Tan Sri Dato’ Dzulkifli Abdul Razak

Research and Education for Peace (REPUSM)

The Research and Education for Peace Unit (REPUSM) was formally created in July 1995 under the auspices of the School of Social Sciences, Universiti Sains Malaysia. The formation of the Unit was based on a need to create awareness of solving conflict by peaceful means. It was noted that this awareness was lacking among universities, particularly in Malaysia, judging from the course and academic programmes offered as well as research work undertaken. In establishing REPUSM, USM became the first institute of higher learning in the country to explore Peace Studies and Conflict Resolution through research, education, and training. The REPUSM envisions itself as a center of excellence in the study of human conflict and peaceful living. It aims to actively contribute to the promotion of peace through it various work.

Objectives:•To carry out research and education activities aimed at peace empowerment

and to publish and disseminate these findings for the academe and general community purpose

•To engage in international exchange study program, thus facilitating the co-operation of experts in the field

•To provide advisory and consulting services in the fields of peace research, peace education and professional peace building skills

•To develop and implement peace education program at various community levels•To organise seminars, workshop and provide professional training in pursuance

of the above aims

Academic course and training workshop :Through the School of Social Sciences, REPUSM offers academic courses and training workshop within and outside the university. They are as follows :

•Peacebuilding Strategies (Undergraduate Course)•Skills & Strategies of Conflict Resolution (Undergraduate Course)•Theories and Practices of Conflict Resolution (Undergraduate Course)•Masters and Doctorial Degree in Philosophy by research (Conflict and Peace

Studies)

Research programs and other projects :•Southeast Asian Conflict Studies Network (www.seacsn.net)•Aceh Peace Program, now developed into a fully independent Aceh Institute

(www.acehinstitute.org)•Acehnese Refugee Program with UNHCR•Post-Tsunami Humanitarian Relief Project

•Mindanao Peace Program•Southern Thailand Peace Program•USM Peace Week•USM Student Peace Club (KeDAMAI-USM)•Mediation & Reconciliation Services (MARS) program•Mediation Training for Rukun Tetangga Learders with the Department on

National Unity•REPUSM and the Southern Thailand Universities for Peace (STUfPeace)•Consolidation for Peace Program with Japan International Cooperation Agency

(JICA) for Aceh, Southern Thailand, and Mindanao•Publications

Links / Partnership :•Global Partnership for the Prevention of Armed Conflict (GAPPAC)•Action Asia•SEA Human Rights Network•Action Muslim Action Network (AMAN)

Coordinator

Assoc. Prof. Kamarulzaman Askandar(Political Sciences and Regional Coordinator Southeast Asian Conflict Studies Network [SEACSN])

Committee Members

Dr. Azeem Fazwan Ahmad Farouk(Political Science)

Dr. Hafizah Selamat(Sociology)

Dr. Intan Hashimah Mohd. Hashim(Sociology)

Dr. Mohammad Reevany Bustami(Sociology)

Dr. Mohammad Zaini Abu Bakar(Political Science)

Dr. Salfarina Abd. Gapor(Development Planning and Management)

Dr. Zulkarnain A. Hatta(Social Work)

Contact : Research and Education for PeaceUniversiti Sains Malaysia (REPUSM)School of Social Sciences11800 Penang, Malaysia

Tel: +604-653 2123/ 2658Fax: +604-657 7070

Email: zam@usm.myWebsite: www.seacsn.net

River Engineering and Urban Drainage Research Centre

River Engineering and Urban Drainage Research Centre (REDAC) was the first research centre at the Engineering Campus USM which was established on May 31, 2001. REDAC, formerly known as River Engineering and Urban Drainage Unit (UKSSB), has been active in research and consultancy projects in urban drainage management since 1997. Among the project sponsors are Ministry of Science, Technology and the Innovation (MOSTI), Department of Irrigation and Drainage Malaysia (DID), Economic Planning Unit, Prime Minister’s Department, Seberang Perai Municipal Council (MPSP) and Sarawak Rivers Board (SRB).

A sustainable urban drainage system (SUDS) known as Bio-Ecological Drainage Systems (BIOECODS) was designed by REDAC and subsequently constructed at the USM Engineering Campus, Penang in 2002. BIOECODS attempts to solve three major problems commonly encountered in Malaysia namely flash floods, river pollution and water scarcity. By implementing BIOECODS, it will help preserve the natural characteristics of the existing river ecosystem. A presentation on BIOECODS was made at the 11th International Conference on Urban Drainage, Edinburgh, United Kingdom (UK) in September 2008.

REDAC has also been very active in promoting sustainable river management through applied research on sediment transport in rivers. River models such as FLUVIAL-12, HEC-RAS and INFOWORK-RS are used to study river morphology and the consequences for river equilibrium to be attained. A guideline titled “River Sand Mining Management” was recently approved by DID for use in Malaysia. The guideline was produced after an intensive field work and river modeling for three rivers namely Sungai Muda, Sungai Langat and Sungai Kerian. Several articles based on the conducted research in urban drainage and river engineering were published in acclaimed international journals such as Journal of Hydraulic Engineering, American Society of Civil Engineers (ASCE), and Water Management Journal, Institution of Civil Engineers (ICE), UK.

A triennial international conference has been organised by REDAC on Managing Rivers in the 21st Century, Rivers’04 from 21st – 23rd September 2004 at Penang and Rivers’07 at Kuching, Sarawak from 6th – 8th June 2007. The International Journal of River Basin Management published a special issue on Rivers’04 containing 10 selected papers from the proceedings of Rivers’04 and another special issue for Rivers’07 was published in Water Management Journal.

REDAC offers postgraduate studies via research (M.Sc., Ph.D.) in specialised areas of Urban Drainage Management, River Management, Hydro Informatics and Environmental Hydraulics Management. Effective Academic Session 2008/2009, an M.Sc. mix-mode programme on Sustainable River Management was introduced. Further information on research activities of REDAC can be obtained from the following website:http://redac.eng.usm.my.

R & D ObjectivesThe research activities at REDAC are conducted with the following objectives:

1.To accelerate the realisation of urban drainage metamorphosis in order to transform the quality of life in urban areas.

2.To undertake holistic research and to develop new technology in River Engineering and Urban Drainage.

3.To become a Centre of Excellence in River Engineering and Urban Drainage for engineers and scientists from Malaysia and the South East Asian region.

4.To promote research network and international cooperation in River Engineering and Urban Drainage Research.

Research FacilitiesREDAC facilities consist of an office and several laboratories in the USM Engineering Campus. REDAC is going to have the following laboratories equipped with basic as well as sophisticated instrumentation in RMK10:•Sediment Transport Lab•Physical Modeling Lab•Geo-Environmental Lab•Limnology Lab•Design Lab•Micro-Electronic Lab• Information Technology Lab•Hydro-Informatics Lab

R&D, Postgraduate Studies, and Consultancies Services•REDAC is offering R&D, Postgraduate Studies and Consultancies Services in the

following fields:•Urban Drainage Management•River Management•Hydro-Informatics•Environmental Hydraulics Management

Academic Staff

DirectorProf. Nor Azazi Zakariaredac01@eng.usm.my

Deputy DirectorProf. Aminuddin Ab. Ghaniredac02@eng.usm.my

Professor

Prof. Koh Hock Lyehlkoh@cs.usm.my

Senior Lecturer

Zorkeflee Abu Hasanredac04@eng.usm.my

Lecturers

Dr. H. Md. Azamathullaredacazamath@eng.usm.my

Dr. Lai Sai Hinredaclai@eng.usm.my

Technical StaffResearch Officers

Chang Chun Kiatredac10@eng.usm.my

Khairul Rahmah Ayubredac03@eng.usm.my

Leow Cheng Siangredac21@eng.usm.my

Mohd Fazly Yusofredac07@eng.usm.my

Muhamad Nurfasya Alias redacfasya@eng.usm.my

Muhammad Zaki Mohd Kasim redaczaki@eng.usm.my

Syafiq Shaharuddinredacsyafiq@eng.usm.my

The Social Transformation Research Platform is committed to promoting:(i) interdisciplinary research in the Humanities, Arts and Social Sciences, and (ii) trans disciplinary research between the sciences and the non-sciences.

This platform works closely with other research centers, schools (science and non-science) across Universiti Sains Malaysia to collaborate and work as research teams (or pre-clusters). These research teams will, over time, transform into research clusters. At the moment, there are four research teams or pre-clusters being nurtured at this platform namely, Tourism Development; Environmental Humanities; Islamic Development Management; Spatial Social Science and GIS-related research.

The Social Transformation Platform is now engaging other universities and research institutes in Malaysia and overseas with a view to undertaking research collaborations that cross faculties, disciplines and institutions. Such an engagement will simulate fresh thinking and initiatives in and beyond the Arts, Humanities and Social Sciences and to reach out to new collaborators.

In advancing the wider objective of this platform, we depend on the goodwill and hard work of researchers and administrators involved in the Arts, Humanities, Social Sciences, and the Sciences at Universiti Sains Malaysia.

For details, contact: Prof. Badaruddin MohamedResearch DeanSocial Transformation Research PlatformOffice of Research PlatformsUniversiti Sains Malaysia, 11800 Penang, Malaysia

Tel: 04-6533086Fax: 04-6584149Website: http://www.usm.my/pelantar

Social Transformation Research Platform

Vector Control Research Unit

The School of Biological Sciences, Universiti Sains Malaysia (USM) has been conducting research activities on vector biology and control especially those of mosquitoes and urban insect pests since 1972. Special attention was given to mosquito species which are vectors of many dreaded diseases of mankind such as dengue, filariasis, malaria and Japanese encephalitis. Due to the growing importance and awareness of crawling insect pests in the country in recent years, research have expanded to include studies in urban entomology. Molecular and biochemical research have also been initiated.Since 1975, the Unit has received more than 80 research grants totalling more than US$6 million from governmental and international organisations such as the World Health Organisation (WHO) and multinational pesticide industries. These grants are used to conduct basic and applied researches on vectors and urban insect pests. In recognition of the research and training activities, the university established a separate entity for the research group and named it the VECTOR CONTROL RESEARCH UNIT (VCRU) at the Penang Campus, Universiti Sains Malaysia as of 1 October 1991.

Facilities•VCRU is based in a 3½ storey building (1824.5m²). The administrative office, a

molecular entomology laboratory and an urban pest laboratory are located on the first floor with a bioassay lab located on the ground floor.

•WHO drug resistance kit laboratory, an insect museum and three insectariums (for the culture of eight species of mosquitoes, seven species of cockroaches, ants, houseflies and more than 60 insecticide-resistant strains of German cockroaches) are located on the second level.

•Laboratory for the preparation and distribution of WHO test kits for monitoring insecticide resistance, household insecticide testing laboratory with test chambers and an insecticide analysis laboratory (equipped with gas chromato-graphy and other related analysis equipments) are located on the third level.

•VCRU is well equiped with:I. Pesticides spraying equipment: space spray (cold fogger: ULV/Thermal fogging)

and larvicides spray (pressurised knapsack sprayers)II. Equipment for biochemical and molecular studies (electrophoresis, centrifuge,

PCR machine and other biochemical equipment).III. Equipment for environmental parameter studies (water quality analysis kit,

anaemometer, thermo-hygrometer and others).•Three vehicles.

•Eight computers with relevant software and printers for reference search, data analysis and information storage.

•A reference library with more than 800 books and a 50,000 reprints collection on the subjects of biology and control of vectors and urban pest.

Current Research ActivitiesBiology and control of vector mosquitoes•Systematic and ecology of Aedes, Culex, Anopheles and Mansonia mosquitoes•Screening novel, formulated insecticides (adulticides and larvicides), insect growth

regulators (IGRs), attractants and repellents against Aedes, Culex and Mansonia mosquitoes

• Integrated control approaches through the combination of chemical, biological agents and other control approaches for the control of mosquitoes

•Efficacy and performance of space spray (ULV/ thermal fogging) machines•Molecular studies on the resistance of vector mosquitoes against insecticide and

parasitic infection•Sublethal effects of space spray and household insecticide products in vector

mosquitoes•Biochemical studies on insecticide resistance (baseline level and resistance mechanisms

especially elevated esterases) in vector mosquitoes

Cockroach/ant/termite biology and control•Survey of domiciliary cockroach/ant populations in Northern Peninsular Malaysia• Insecticide resistance (baseline level, resistance mechanisms and gene frequency

estimates) in the German cockroach from hotels, restaurants and food industries in Malaysia

•Screening of novel insecticides (baits and residual insecticides) for cockroaches and ants

•Ecology of peridomestic cockroaches and ants in Northern Peninsular Malaysia• Impact of sanitation on the cockroach population in households•Foraging behavior of odorous house ants and ghost ants•Systematics of subterranean termite, Coptotermes sp•Systematics of urban pest ants in Malaysia•Foragging territory, population characterization and control of subterranean termites•Glucose-aversion in field populations of German cockroaches

Household insecticides•Laboratory and field bioefficacy testings of new formulations of household insecticide

products (mosquito coil, aerosol, mat and liquid vaporizer)•Product development and quality control of common household insecticide products

WHO test kits•WHO test kits for susceptibility resistance studies of pests of public health importance:

Global distribution, preparation, storage and improvement.•Drug Resistance Test Kit: Global distribution, preparation, storage and improvement.

Training

Training of graduate students has always been the pride of VCRU. Since 1975, more than 65 graduate students, both local and international, have completed their M.Sc./Ph.D in the field of vector biology/control and urban entomology. Also, more than 225 undergraduates have conducted their honours year projects with VCRU since 1975.

Since 1992, VCRU has been conducting an annual short-term workshop on the biology and control of urban pests with participants from government institutions and the pesticide industries from Asian countries.

Research CollaborationVCRU is actively seeking collaboration with local, regional and international research institutions and industries. Those interested, please contact:

Assoc. Prof. Zairi JaalCoordinatorVector Control Research UnitSchool of Biological SciencesUniversiti Sains Malaysia11800 Penang, Malaysia.

Tel: 604-657 4776/ 657 7888 ext. 3048Fax: 604-657 7200E-mail: zairi@usm.my.

Academic Staff

CoordinatorAssoc. Prof. Zairi Jaal(Medical Entomology)

Research Associates

Prof. Abdul Wahab Abdul Rahman(Parasitology)

Prof. Abu Hassan Ahmad(Medical Entomology)

Prof. Lee Chow Yang(Urban Entomology)

Assoc. Prof. Siti Azizah Md Nor(Population Genetics)

Assoc. Prof. Sharul Anuar Md. Sah(Zoology)

Mohamad Hifni Mohd. Baharuddin(Zoology)

Research Officers

Adanan Che Rus Azlinda Abu Bakar

Hasniza Hasni Mohd Firdaus Ansuar

Research Assistant

Abdul Malik Yahaya Haslan Salim

Research Technicians

Mohd Nasir Hassan Mohd Nasir Mohd Nor

Mohd Noor Hisham Nurul Mazni

Rohaizat Baba Shamsul Ahmad Shah Azmi

KANITA achieved its current status as an autonomous research centre within the university on 17 April 2001. The endorsement by the University Senate of KANITA’s position demonstrates USM’s commitment to lead in the exploration of new thinking and knowledge that considers gender as an important analytical framework for theory and research and it reflects the university’s commitment as the APEX university to meeting the needs by Bottom Billion. KANITA`s commitment is to the Bottom half – Billion. It also reflects converging efforts and dedication of academic members from various disciplines towards championing gender equality, equity and justice in the society, both theoretically and in practice.

Today, KANITA is more matured in issues related to gender and women. Besides, active in the academe, KANITA is also working closely with other organisations and bodies that are championing women issues as a way of KANITA’s commitment and contribution towards the advancement of women in society.

As a centre that aims at influencing policies and programmes KANITA focuses on six core/thrust areas:

a. Sustainable Developmentb. Economic & Social Developmentc. Policy and Lawd. Healthe. Familyf. Media & Culture

POSTGRADUATE PROGRAMMESKANITA offers a graduate programme for those interested in pursuing women or gender studies by research. Upon completion, they will be awarded a Master of Social Science (Gender Studies) or a Doctor of Philosophy. Programmes are designed to produce graduates who are gender-sensitive in various work cultures and organisations, operating at different levels of planning and management. Graduates should be competent and comfortable working both in local and foreign organisations.

Women’s DevelopmentResearch Centre (Kanita)

All Masters and Ph.D. candidates are required to pass two pre-requisite courses as listed below:

1. SGS501 - Gender Theories2. SGS502 - Research Methods and Analysis for Gender Studies

Research projects for these courses may be based on theoretical or academic discourses on feminism or founded on practical work settings or grounded in real life experiences. The projects may emphasise local, national or global women/gender issues that focus on policy and advocacy, or development and management strategies relating to training and employment. Students may research issues related to any of the six core areas of KANITA.

Achievements 2009

1. ResearchKANITA`s core business is research, in 2009 there were research 12 projects being conducted covering a range of topics which are linked to the thrust areas. Three collaborative research projects received external funding from the research partners. Research topics were strategically chosen for their relevance to women and their potentials for policy impact. KANITA is marking on a strategic plan which will launch it as a Centre of Excellence in research on women and gender issues.

Another success story is in getting the university to approve a transdisciplinary research cluster called GLIDE which is an acronym for “Gender, Livelihood, (In) equality, Development and Women”. This cluster is a platform to bring transdisiplinary perspectives to research cross-disciplines, such as health and poverty.

2. Sexual Harassment PolicKANITA takes pride that its initiative in drafting a sexual harassment policy and protocol for the university was finally accepted 27th July 2009 by the University Exco. This is in line with the University’s healthy campus policy within the framework of sustainable development, gender and rights.

3. Professorial LectureOn 17 July 2009, 600 guests from all over Malaysia filled the Dewan Budaya, USM, to witness Professor Datin Rashidah Shuib deliver her professorial lecture, “Engendering Health: A Strategic Investment”, the first since KANITA achieved its Centre Status.

On 14th May, SocTrans, in acknowledgement of the importance of a gender perspective in research selected GLIDE as a cluster under its portfolio. A representation of the GLIDE framework is included below.

Contacting and Accessing KANITA:

Prof. Datin Rashidah ShuibDirectorWomen’s Development Research Centre (KANITA)Universiti Sains Malaysia11800 USM, Pulau PinangMalaysia

Tel: +604-6532678/6533436Fax: +604-6566379

Email: rashidahshuib@usm.myWebsite: http:/www.usm.my/kanita