KANGAR, Oct 8 (Bernama) -- Universiti Islam Antarabangsa Tuanku Syed Sirajuddin (UniSIRAJ) is strengthening its research culture, with more academic staff taking on the principal investigator (PI) role in research and consultancy projects.
Raja Muda of Perlis Tuanku Syed Faizuddin Putra Jamalullail, who is also UniSIRAJ Chancellor, said the growing participation had enhanced the university's capacity to lead research projects at institutional, national and international levels.
His Highness said the university's most notable achievement was under its University Fund Grant, which recorded 121 per cent against a target of 23 per cent, involving 32 PIs.
“This achievement, far exceeding the target, reflects UniSIRAJ's success in fostering a research culture by providing academic staff with opportunities and support to initiate and lead research projects.
“The involvement of 32 PIs also provides a strong foundation for developing research teams and leaders capable of expanding their work nationally and internationally,” he said after leading a cycling programme around the Imam al-Bukhari Mausoleum Complex in Samarkand, Uzbekistan, according to a statement issued by Istana Arau today.
Accompanying the Raja Muda were Samarkand Deputy Governor for Public Affairs and Religious Organisations Karimov Bobir Boturovich, Perlis Mufti Dr Mohd Asri Zainul Abidin, UniSIRAJ Vice-Chancellor Prof Dr Muhamad Rozaimi Ramle and Universiti Sains Islam Malaysia (USIM) Deputy Vice-Chancellor (Student Affairs and Alumni) Prof Dr Mushaddad Hasbullah.
His Highness said the achievements demonstrated that research was becoming an integral part of UniSIRAJ's academic culture, with staff increasingly capable of securing funding for meaningful and impactful projects.
Meanwhile, Tuanku Syed Faizuddin said under the Industry, Non-Governmental Organisation (NGO) and Private Sector Grant, the university recorded 104 per cent against a target of 13 per cent, involving 16 PIs.
This reflected the ability of UniSIRAJ academics to extend their research expertise beyond the university through partnerships with industry, NGOs and the private sector.
“These developments also demonstrate growing research leadership focused on practical applications and problem-solving, in line with UniSIRAJ’s efforts to produce research that benefits society and stakeholders,” he said.
Under the National Research Grant, UniSIRAJ achieved 17 per cent against a target of 16 per cent, involving three PIs, indicating its academics' growing ability to compete for national research funding, while under the International Research Grant, the university recorded 60 per cent against a target of 10 per cent, involving four PIs.
Tuanku Syed Faizuddin said stronger partnerships with overseas universities and research institutions, particularly in UniSIRAJ's specialised fields, could create more opportunities for cross-border research collaboration and raise the university's international profile.
Meanwhile, Istana Arau said the cycling programme was specially arranged by the Samarkand Governor's Office in reciprocation of hospitality extended to a delegation from the region during an earlier visit to Perlis.
The delegation, led by Deputy Governor for Official Delegation Affairs Kobilov Rustam Rajabboevich, had participated in a MAIPs Peduli cycling programme around Kangar, visiting and assisting asnaf (tithe recipients) alongside the Raja Muda.
Tuanku Syed Faizuddin is on a three-day visit to Samarkand to officiate the 10th International Prophetic Heritage Seminar (SWAN X) 2026.
The seminar is organised by USIM through its Faculty of Quranic and Sunnah Studies, in strategic collaboration with UniSIRAJ, which is owned by the Perlis Islamic Religious and Malay Customs Council (MAIPs).
-- BERNAMA