The Asia Pacific University of Technology & Innovation (APU) continues to solidify its position as one of Malaysia’s most dynamic research-driven private universities, as seven of its distinguished academics secured highly competitive national and international research grants. 

This achievement reflects not only the calibre of APU’s academic talent but also the trust placed in the institution by the Ministry of Higher Education (MOHE), the Malaysian Communications and Multimedia Commission (MCMC), and prominent global industry players. 

Backed by robust support from APU’s Research Management Centre (RMC), the university continues to advance research excellence by promoting interdisciplinary collaboration, fostering an innovation-driven culture, and securing impactful funding opportunities. 

The latest achievements underline APU’s rising influence in areas of national importance such as digital inclusion, community empowerment, sustainability, advanced engineering, tourism innovation, and global STEM development. 

MOHE Grants: Advancing Community-Focused and High-Impact Research 

From the School of Business (SoB), Assistant Professor Ts Dr Noraini Ahmad and her team secured the MOHE’s Fundamental Research Grant Scheme (FRGS) 2025 with a groundbreaking initiative, “A New Horizon of Muslim-Friendly Tourism Index (MFTI): A Mixed-Method Research for Scale Development in Malaysia.” 

This research will pioneer the development of a comprehensive, culturally informed index that strengthens Malaysia’s position as a global leader in Muslim-friendly tourism. The project promises to benefit policymakers, industry players, and academics, providing a robust framework for enhancing visitor experience and shaping future tourism strategies. 

At the School of Technology (SoT), Ts Dr Nurzati Iwani Othman received the MOHE Social Research Fund (SRF). Her research aligns with the Malaysia MADANI vision—particularly the principles of ihsan (compassion) and communal empowerment. By addressing socio-economic upliftment, productivity enhancement, and sustainable community development, her work contributes meaningfully to evidence-based policymaking and supports APU’s mission to champion societal well-being through research. 

MCMC Digital Society Grant and Industry-Driven Research Grant: Championing Digital Transformation and Strengthening Innovation 

APU’s commitment to shaping a responsible and inclusive digital society is reinforced through Assistant Professor Ir EUR ING Ts Dr Lau Chee Yong’s success in securing the Digital Society Research Grant (DSRG) from MCMC. 

His project investigates Digital Citizenship, Cyberwellness, and Digital Inclusion—three areas critical to Malaysia’s transition into a progressive digital-first nation. The research outcomes are expected to inform national digital policies, guide online safety frameworks, and empower Malaysians with the skills and knowledge needed for equitable participation in the digital economy. 

In partnership with Infinecs Systems Sdn Bhd, School of Engineering (SoE) leaders Professor Ir Dr Lai Nai Shyan and Ir Dr Lian Wen Xun secured a significant research grant to support real-world engineering projects for final-year students. This collaboration nurtures industry-ready graduates with strong competencies in electronics design, IoT applications, and semiconductor technologies—fields vital to Malaysia’s position in the regional technology value chain. 

This momentum continues at the School of Technology, where Western Digital Tech and Regional Center (M) Sdn Bhd awarded a project grant led by Ts Umapathy Eaganathan. The initiative bridges academic learning with hands-on industrial practice, empowering students to develop practical solutions to genuine organisational challenges and elevating their readiness for careers in advanced digital and engineering sectors. 

International Research Collaboration: Reinforcing Global Academic Impact 

APU’s research excellence extends beyond Malaysian shores through its collaboration with the Suzhou Deep-Time Digital Earth Research Centre (Suzhou Centre), the Secretariat of the Deep-Time Digital Earth (DDE) Big Science Programme, and the American Geosciences Institute (AGI). 

Led by global education thought leader Professor Abtar Kaur Darshan Singh, this partnership places APU at the forefront of digital geoscience education and interdisciplinary STEM innovation. The project strengthens APU’s role in shaping future-ready talent capable of contributing to Malaysia’s digital transformation and global scientific advancement. 

APU’s expanding portfolio of grants—ranging from fundamental academic enquiries to international industry partnerships—demonstrates its strategic vision of aligning research with global challenges and national development priorities. Each achievement reflects the dedication of its academics and the university’s unwavering commitment to producing impactful knowledge that advances society, empowers communities, and drives innovation. 

In congratulating APU’s academic community, Vice Chancellor Professor Dr Ho Chin Kuan remarked, “These achievements reflect the intellectual strength and collaborative spirit that define APU. Our academics continue to push the boundaries of knowledge, translating ideas into real-world impact. We are proud of their contributions, and we remain committed to nurturing a research ecosystem that inspires innovation, shapes industries, and uplifts society.”