Focused Group Discussion Report: Synergy In Cross-Disciplinary Research – Integrating Engineering A.D Health Sciences Expertise

SEMINAR ROOM, ARC IPPT USM, June 13 2025

The Research, Innovation, and Networking Section of IPPT USM organised a focused group discussion aimed at strengthening cross-disciplinary research synergies between Universiti Sains Malaysia (USM) and Universiti Teknologi MARA (UiTM). This initiative specifically sought to bridge expertise in the fields of engineering and health sciences. The session brought together experienced researchers from both institutions to share expertise, explore potential collaborations, and align research priorities for greater national and global impact.

The session began with welcoming remarks by Professor Dr. Badrul Hisham Yahaya, Deputy Director of Research, Innovation and Networking, IPPT USM. He welcomed the delegation from UiTM Penang Branch, Permatang Pauh Campus, and introduced the key research thrust areas and available facilities at IPPT USM. In his speech, he underscored the importance of transdisciplinary research in addressing current healthcare challenges and encouraged stronger collaboration between USM and UiTM to enhance the national research ecosystem.

Following this, Associate Professor Ir. Ts. Dr. Hajah Siti Noraini binti Sulaiman, Deputy Rector (Academic Affairs), UiTM Penang Branch, presented an overview of the Advanced Control System and Computing Research Group (ACSCRG). She highlighted several ongoing research projects within the group, focusing on advanced control technologies, intelligent computing systems, and the integration of engineering solutions in the medical and healthcare domains. She expressed hope that this focused discussion would serve as a catalyst for more robust research partnerships between the two institutions. She also stressed the importance of sustaining the collaboration that began in 2014, with the aim of amplifying research impact both nationally and internationally.

The active discussion that followed led to various proposals for joint research, particularly in the areas of bioinstrumentation, medical technology, and artificial intelligence applications in healthcare. Key areas identified for collaboration included:

• Development of smart medical devices and IoT-based health monitoring systems.
• Joint preclinical studies utilising animal and cell-based research facilities.
• Strengthening collaborative efforts in securing competitive grants such as FRGS, PRGS, and LRGS.
• Strategic planning for journal publications.

This discussion demonstrated that the synergy between engineering and health sciences has the potential to generate more holistic and impactful research innovations. It is hoped that this initiative will continue in a structured and sustainable manner, contributing meaningfully to the advancement of science and technology in Malaysia.