NICHE AREA PROMINENCE: A STRATEGIC DIRECTION FOR A RESEARCH UNIVERSITY Universiti Kebangsaan Malaysia (UKM) conducts extensive research in an interesting range of fields; pushing the frontiers of knowledge in a multitude of academic disciplines. However, we must be pragmatic enough to accept the fact that it is impossible to excel in all fields and therefore must take cognisance of the strategy adopted by emerging market companies; they identify strategic and emerging fields not taken up by more established global companies. In so doing, UKM makes choices to build niche areas that may be sustainable enough to take us to prominence and give us the leading edge amongst other universities in these areas. UKM today is positioning its research strengths and endeavours in eight strategic niche areas. The choice of a niche area is based on the ability to garner strength and consolidate various disciplines that has attained research maturity in UKM or a new area but one that is recognised as an important thrust area nationally as well as at the international level. The management model is based on a Niche supported by Research Clusters which in turn group several Research Groups. These Research Groups are registered with the Centre for Research and Innovation Management (CRIM) with registered researchers to enable measurement of group performance at the end of the year. 1. Challenges for Nation Building UKM is the national university born out of the aspirations of the common people to realise the dream of establishing a university as a pinnacle of a national education system that ennobles the national language, bahasa Melayu. It carries this responsibility not only with much commitment but also much pride. UKM carries the appellation kebangsaan or national and therefore is tasked with the responsibility to uphold the philosophy, vision, mission and objectives of the nation. This very symbolic name demands UKM to be the flag bearer of national identity and the bulwark of national sovereignty. These are elements to instil confidence as well as empower society to embrace change in order to manage the challenges of globalisation. UKM has renowned researchers to discuss some of the latest scholarship and assess the state of the art of multiculturalism as well as cultural diversity. Research in these areas will help Malaysia chart a future programme of understanding and analysis on issues in ethnicity and nation building. Among the topics include the legacy of colonialism and its impacts upon politics of ethnicity and nation building, public policies (economic, education, language, culture, law) which have promoted or hindered multiethnic harmony, citizen’s rights in multiethnic societies, and rethinking of the nation in the contemporary era. In many globally connected areas such as commerce, finance, education, research, geopolitics and security, Malaysia is exposed to the impact of globalization as well as the diversity of culture and ways. Our academics are involved in studies on Malaysia, globalisation or area studies focusing on civilisations, culture, ethnicity, integration, commerce, economics and such like.
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