Management and Science University (MSU) is advancing its development as a global, comprehensive research institution through the strategic rebranding and realignment of eight Centres of Excellence (COEs). This move underscores MSU’s shift from a primarily teaching-focused college into a dual-sector university that integrates academic instruction, technical education, industry engagement, and research in alignment with its strategic objectives and the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs).
Established by founder and current president Prof Tan Sri Dr Mohd Shukri Ab Yajid, MSU has expanded significantly over the years, now hosting students from 79 countries and offering more than 200 academic programs. While teaching remains central, Prof Mohd Shukri emphasized the growing importance of research in fulfilling the university’s aspiration to be globally competitive and comprehensive.
The newly rebranded COEs will concentrate on specialised research areas while encouraging interdisciplinary and transdisciplinary collaboration, innovation, and commercialisation. Their focus intersect with several SDGs, including quality education, health and well-being, climate action, and sustainable communities. The seven research-oriented centres include the Centre for Applied Intelligence (CAI), MSU Centre for Climate Resilience and Strategy (M-CREST), Centre for Life Enhancing Eye Care Innovation and Rehabilitation (CLEAR), Neuroscience and Mental Wellbeing Centre (NeuroMIND), MSU Centre for Environmental, Social and Governance (ESG), and the Global Health Centre (G1).
In addition, the International Centre for Halal Studies (ICHLAS) is expanding its remit beyond the food and services sectors to encompass broader research, education, and development in halal expertise. The Software Engineering and Digital Innovation Centre (SenDI) will continue to serve as MSU’s technological hub, providing digital solutions and innovation support to the university community.
Prof Mohd Shukri noted that the rebranding effort goes beyond a nominal change, aiming to define MSU’s future research priorities and areas of excellence over the next one to two decades. The new COE framework seeks to dismantle traditional academic silos by fostering cross-disciplinary partnerships designed to tackle complex societal challenges.
With a goal to establish partnerships with more than 300 universities worldwide, MSU expects the COEs to enhance its international research network and collaboration, directly contributing to SDG 17 (Partnerships for the Goals). The COEs are also envisioned as exemplars for faculties across the university, promoting a stronger research culture.
MSU’s research agenda will prioritise not only academic publications and citations but also innovation, commercialisation, and impact. Prof Mohd Shukri stressed the importance of research that generates tangible value, addresses industry challenges, and delivers meaningful outcomes.
This strategic reorganisation positions research as a catalyst for societal progress, supporting sustainable development through enhanced education, improved health, technological advancement, environmental stewardship, responsible governance, and inclusive economic growth. Through this model, MSU aims to foster research that is strategically aligned, collaborative, industry-connected, globally oriented, innovative, and commercially applicable, marking a significant step in its evolution as a globally recognised research university.