27 July 2023: In a bid to foster practical and impactful projects, the Centre for Testing, Measurement & Appraisal (CeTMA) recently organized an invigorating roadshow for the UUM Development and Ecosystem Grant (DEcoR) briefing. The event showcased the grant's focus on outcome-based research, making it a hotbed for innovative initiatives compared to conventional output-based funding.
The DEcoR grant aims to serve as a stepping stone for aspiring researchers, providing small funds to kickstart larger endeavors that can enhance socio-economic communities or lead to successful commercialization. Numerous success stories emerged from previous grantees, exemplifying the grant's potential to catapult projects towards greater achievements.
Among the notable achievements were the ‘Smart Water Reticulation Leakage Detection System’, which not only flourished through outright product sales but also paved the way for securing substantial industry grants. Additionally, the ‘Ezee DIY Aquaponic Design’ project, supported by the DEcoR Mode 1 grant, was rewarded with a larger grant to implement the system in local communities, furthering its positive impact.
In the Mode 2 DEcoR grant category, the Islamic Business School stood as a pioneering example, securing the grant last year in collaboration with IBS-FWD Takaful for a development project.
Assoc. Prof Dr. Masnita Misiran from CeTMA kickstarted the event, encouraging researchers to dream big and promising full support in their pursuit of impactful projects. Mr. Ahmad Hanis Bin Mohd Shabli from the School of Computing (SOC) inspired the audience with his DEcoR-funded success story, showcasing how a modest project can bring significant positive change. Dr. Mohamad Yazid Bin Isa from the Islamic Business School (IBS) shared the achievements of their pioneering Mode 2 DEcoR grant project, emphasizing the power of collaboration and innovation. Ts. Nur Syuhadathul Amin binti Abdul Aziz from the UUM Department of Development and Maintenance (JPP) assured researchers of their cooperation and support throughout the grant application and project execution process.
The roadshow witnessed over 20 enthusiastic researchers in attendance, actively engaging in discussions about potential projects and their impact on society. The UUM Department of Development and Maintenance (JPP) assured the researchers of their willingness to collaborate and facilitate the realization of innovative ideas.
CeTMA expressed immense excitement at the prospect of receiving promising proposals for the upcoming DEcoR grant offerings. As UUM continues to nurture an ecosystem of practical research and tangible outcomes, the future looks promising for groundbreaking initiatives that can drive positive change and benefit communities at large.
For those who were unable to attend the event in person or wish to revisit the enriching discussions, a recording of the roadshow is now available for access. You can view the recording at this link:
https://drive.google.com/file/d/1N8plfEAANFzVVdk4ybJvlZDW4IBWWGht/view?usp=sharing
