Centres of Excellence (CoE) at Management and Science University (MSU)
Empowering Research. Enriching Education. Elevating Impact.
At MSU, research is more than discovery—it's a culture. The 7 Centres of Excellence (CoEs) housed under the Research Management Centre (RMC) are vibrant ecosystems of innovation, where inquiry meets impact, and scholars work shoulder-to-shoulder to shape a better future for Malaysia and beyond.
👩🔬 Dedicated Full-Time Expertise
Each of MSU’s CoEs is anchored by a dedicated team of Full-Time Equivalent (FTE) staff, academics, research officers, and administrative professionals—whose passion and expertise drive high-impact research projects and strategic innovation. These individuals not only manage the day-to-day operations of the Centres but also spearhead collaborative initiatives, secure research grants, and produce publications that contribute to Malaysia’s knowledge economy.
The CoEs are not silos, they are living, evolving labs of ideas, each with its own niche, team, and focus area, supported by a structure that enables dedicated full-time researchers to focus on breakthroughs that matter.
🎓 Integration into Teaching & Curriculum
MSU’s CoEs are more than just research hubs—they are active partners in shaping curriculum, teaching, and postgraduate supervision. Each centre plays a vital role in integrating real-time research into undergraduate and postgraduate classrooms, ensuring that students are not only learning theories but engaging with the latest findings, case studies, and applied innovations.
From curriculum co-development to guest lectures, hands-on research involvement, and direct supervision of final-year projects and postgraduate theses, MSU students benefit from the deep academic involvement of each CoE. This approach ensures that learning at MSU is research-driven, industry-aligned, and globally relevant.
🧾 Evidence & Impact
The impact of MSU’s Centres of Excellence is both visible and measurable:
- Collaborative Research Output: Numerous publications, journals, and conference proceedings produced by CoE-led teams.
- Grant Awards & Industry Projects: From national R&D funds to private sector partnerships, the CoEs continuously attract competitive funding.
- Student Supervision: CoE members actively supervise undergraduate capstone projects, master’s dissertations, and PhD research, fostering next-generation scholars.
- Curriculum Development: Research findings from CoE initiatives are embedded into module design, especially in science, health, education, engineering, and business programmes.
- Community Engagement & SDG Alignment: The Centres also lead MSU’s contribution to sustainable development, with activities tied to SDG goals like health, education, clean energy, and industry innovation.
🧠 Meet Our 7 Centres of Excellence
At Management & Science University (MSU), research and innovation are propelled by our seven distinguished Centres of Excellence (CoEs). Each centre is staffed with dedicated Full-Time Equivalent (FTE) professionals who seamlessly integrate cutting-edge research into both undergraduate and postgraduate education, fostering a dynamic learning environment.
1. MSU Clinical Centre of Excellence (MyCeLL)
MyCeLL aspires to be a leader in clinical research, offering specialized training and laboratory services. Collaborating with faculties such as the International Medical School (IMS) and the School of Pharmacy (SPH), MyCeLL emphasizes ethical research practices aimed at enhancing patient care and societal well-being. Notably, the MSU Diagnostics and Research Laboratory (MSU-DXL) operates under MyCeLL, providing essential diagnostic services and contributing significantly during health crises like the COVID-19 pandemic.
2. MSU Centre for Complementary and Alternative Medicine (MyCAM)
MyCAM integrates non-mainstream medical practices with conventional medicine to elevate healthcare quality. Serving as a hub for evidence-based research in disciplines such as acupuncture and herbal medicine, MyCAM is committed to developing standardized guidelines for integrative medical procedures. The centre's efforts align with the United Nations Sustainable Development Goal 3, focusing on ensuring good health and well-being.
3. MSU Centre of Excellence for Vision and Eyecare (iCARE)
Dedicated to advancing eye and vision health, iCARE harnesses interdisciplinary expertise to develop innovative tools and techniques. The centre actively engages in community awareness campaigns addressing conditions like cataracts and glaucoma, aiming to reduce visual impairment through research and education.
4. MSU Diagnostics and Research Laboratory (MSU-DXL)
As the research arm of MyCeLL, MSU-DXL focuses on areas including molecular biology, microbiology, and pharmacokinetics. The laboratory provides a collaborative environment for researchers and students, contributing to advancements in medical diagnostics and supporting the services of the MSU Medical Centre (MSUMC).
Each of these Centres of Excellence embodies MSU's commitment to integrating research with education, ensuring that students are engaged with the latest developments in their fields. The dedicated FTE staff within these centres play a crucial role in curriculum development and student supervision, bridging the gap between theoretical knowledge and practical application.
5. International Centre for Halal Studies (ICHLAS)
ICHLAS is MSU’s one-stop hub for halal research, training, and consultancy, offering certified programs such as the Professional Certificate in Halal Executive and Halal Auditing. It supports sectors including pharmaceuticals, cosmeceuticals, logistics, and Muslim-friendly tourism, and aligns strongly with SDGs 3 (Good Health) and 8 (Decent Work). Recognized by JAKIM and registered with HRDF, ICHLAS collaborates with academia and industry to produce applied research and Halal product innovations.
6. Software Engineering and Digital Innovation Centre (SenDI)
The Software Engineering and Digital Innovation Centre (SEnDI) plays a pivotal role in MSU's day-to-day operations, serving as the university's primary hub for all matters concerning information technology, software development, integration, and maintenance. With a wide range of responsibilities, including database management and the protection of both internal and external IT systems, SEnDI is indispensable to the university. However, its impact extends well beyond these critical functions, driving software development and integration and facilitating rigorous testing processes.
7. Centre of Cyber Security and Big Data (CCSBD)
When you think of sustainability, cyber security probably doesn’t spring to mind as one of the industries on the front lines, but each SDG includes a digital component, although some are more digitally focused than others. While the development community continues to invest to achieve the SDGs by digitising societies and building "smart" infrastructures, there is often an underestimation of the cyber risks and threats that come with increased use of ICTs and digitalization, such as insecure hardware, issues around internet bandwidth, malicious manipulation of information and data, and increased reliance on apps.
Recognising these challenges, the Centre of Cyber Security and Big Data (CCSBD) is working to support the development of and strengthen cyber capabilities to be better protected and better equipped to respond to cyber threats. CCSBD also works with communities to enhance awareness and educate the public about the importance and usage of big data by instilling appreciation for big data and cyber security through its various programmes
For more detailed information on each centre and their contributions, please visit MSU's official website.