CENTER OF EXCELLENCES

 

1. CENTRE OF EXCELLENCE FOR ADVANCED SENSOR TECHNOLOGY (CEASTech)

https://ceastech.com/

Head of CEASTech: ASSOC. PROF. DR. LATIFAH MUNIRAH KAMARUDIN (latifahmunirah@unimap.edu.my)

This research centre focuses on the development and applications of novel sensing modalities, advanced sensor materials and intelligent sensor systems. Over the past few years, significant work has been done on bio-mimicking sensors (particularly electronic nose and tongue, vision and infrared), sensor materials (conducting polymers, molecularly imprinted polymers (MIP)), odour sensing for mobile robots and wireless sensor networks. The centre is well-experienced in building and integrating an assortment of sensor systems, ranging from general purpose PC-based implementations to customized microcontrollers/DSPs and FPGA-based devices. A variety of applications have been extensively carried out for agriculture (herbal assessments, early detection of plant diseases, maturity assessments of tropical fruits), environmental monitoring (indoor, air & water quality) and medical diagnosis.

Key niche areas: Advanced Sensor Technology (AI-powered wireless sensing systems with enhanced sensing capabilities, leading to innovative solutions in various domains such as sports, healthcare, transportation, and IR4.0)

 

2. CENTRE OF EXCELLENCE FOR ADVANCED COMMUNICATION ENGINEERING (ACE)

https://sites.google.com/unimap.edu.my/ace-unimap

Head of ACE: ASSOC. PROF. IR. DR. NORSHAMSURI ALI@HASIM (norshamsuri@unimap.edu.my)

The Centre of Excellence for Advanced Communication Engineering (ACE) operates as a distinguished research center under the Research Management Centre of Universiti Malaysia Perlis. Within our purview, the Wireless Communication and Optical Communication divisions serve as pivotal catalysts driving advancements in Industry 4.0, smart city initiatives, intelligent transportation systems, and the Internet of Everything. Our multidisciplinary projects seamlessly integrate numerical simulations, empirical field studies, experimental evaluations, and results derived from artificial intelligence techniques. These endeavors culminate in the development of expedited, intelligent, and sustainable wireless and photonic/optical communication and sensing systems.

Our research collective encompasses a diverse array of experts spanning quantum optics, optical communication, sensor technologies, and spectroscopy. Our collaborative efforts are primarily concentrated on pioneering research within the wireless communication domain. In addition to our focus on wireless communication, we actively explore innovative frontiers, including bioelectromagnetic technologies, microwave devices and circuits, Multiple Input Multiple Output (MIMO) antenna systems, 4G/5G mobile communication, radar technologies, antennas, and Radio Frequency (RF) front-end communication. Distinguishing ourselves further, our state-of-the-art laboratory facilities provide us with a unique capacity to seamlessly bridge fundamental research with the development and testing of prototypes, enabling the translation of groundbreaking discoveries into practical applications.

Key niche areas: Communication Engineering (wireless and photonic/optical systems)

 

3. CENTRE OF EXCELLENCE FOR SPORTS ENGINEERING RESEARCH (SERC)

https://serc.unimap.edu.my/

Head of SERC: ASSOC. PROF. TS. DR. NASHRUL FAZLI MOHD NASIR (nashrul@unimap.edu.my)

SERC was established in 2018 to implement development and research programs related to engineering applications in the field of sports without neglecting other related fields.

In line with the multidisciplinary nature of sports, SERC is supported by six clusters namely Biomechanical, Biosignal and Modeling clusters, Computing clusters, Medical Devices, and Life Sciences clusters, Electronics clusters, Sports Management clusters, and Advanced Materials clusters.

In its effort to realize the vision of fostering excellence through sportsmanship via engineering applications and other sports-related fields, SERC warmly welcomes collaborations with any external bodies and industries to develop new technologies and sports-related products which contribute to the building of excellence in sports.

Key niche areas: Application of Science and Technology for Sports, Sports management related field, medical devices and life science application to healthcare.

 

4. CENTRE OF EXCELLENCE FOR RENEWABLE ENERGY (CERE)

https://www.facebook.com/CentreOfExcellenceForRenewableEnergyUniMAP/

Head of CERE: ASSOC. PROF. DR. MOHAMMAD FARIDUN NAIM TAJUDDIN (faridun@unimap.edu.my)

Universiti Malaysia Perlis (UniMAP) Center of Excellence for Renewable Energy (CERE) is a research center dedicated to the advancement of renewable energy in Malaysia. With a mission to promote sustainability and environmental protection, CERE aims to be at the forefront of innovation and development in the field of renewable energy.

Key niche areas:

1. Future Energy: Development of new and enhanced energy/renewable energy technologies.
2. Photovoltaics: Exploration of cutting-edge advancements in photovoltaic technology.
3. System Integration: Integration of renewable energy systems with existing infrastructure, with a focus on power electronics converters.
4. Energy Storage: Development of advanced energy storage technologies.
5. Power Grids: Innovative solutions to enhance the power grid’s reliability, efficiency, and sustainability.

 

5. CENTRE OF EXCELLENCE FOR UNMANNED AERIAL SYSTEMS (COE-UAS)

https://coeuas.unimap.edu.my/

Head of CoE-UAS: PROF. IR. TS. DR. HAZRY HJ. DESA (hazry@unimap.edu.my)

Key niche areas: Advancement of Unmanned Aerial Systems technology through the synergy of automation, artificial intelligence (AI), advanced aeronautical engineering, image processing, remote sensing, geographical information system (GIS) and aerial surveying analytics. 

 

Head of CEGeoGTech: ASSOC. PROF. IR. DR. SHAYFULL ZAMREE ABD. RAHIM (shayfull@unimap.edu.my)

CEGeoGTech was established in July 2011 and located at Faculty of Chemical Engineering & Technology, Jejawi, previously known as School of Materials Engineering, UniMAP. The research area of CEGeoGTech revolves around the development and advancement of technologies and materials that have a reduced negative impact on the environment. This includes geopolymer materials, advanced polymers, green ceramics, electronic packaging materials, green design & manufacturing, and environmental sustainability.

Key niche areas: Geopolymer and Green Technology (geopolymer materials, advanced polymers, green ceramics, electronic packaging materials, green design & manufacturing, and environmental sustainability)

 

Head of CoEBU: ASSOC. PROF. TS. DR. AHMAD ANAS NAGOOR GUNNY (ahmadanas@unimap.edu.my)

CoEBU was established in 2015 under the School of Bioprocess Engineering, Universiti Malaysia Perlis. The purpose is to focus on research involving the utilization of biomass, since the location of the centre is in Perlis, where the main produce are paddy, sugarcane, mango farms and teakwood among others. The establishment is in line with the 11th Malaysia Plan (2016-2020), Strategy 4 which is to pursue green growth for sustainability and resilience. This CoE is well planned in the interest to enhance research culture in combining chemical engineering, agriculture, bioprocessing, biosystems and others to convert waste to wealth.

Key niche areas:

1. Biofuel production from lignocellulosic waste
2. Biofertilizer production from agricultural waste
3. Extraction of bioactive compounds from local bio resources
4. Biomaterial production from biomass
5. Biomass production system
6. Separation technology

 

8. CENTRE OF EXCELLENCE FOR AUTOMATIVE AND MOTORSPORT (MOTECH)

https://www.facebook.com/pages/MoTECH%20(Motorsports%20Technology%20Research%20Unit)%20UniMAP/297540827641897/

Head of  MOTECH: PROF. IR. TS. DR. SHAHRIMAN ABU BAKAR (shahriman@unimap.edu.my)

Centre of Excellence for Automotive and Motorsport Technology was establised in 2017 having the vision for Become one of the renown research and techno-entrepreneurial centers in the field of Automotive-and Next Gen Vehicle. Our mission is to:

1. Elevate next gen automotive research through the development of innovation ideas with industry collaboration towards the technology of Intelligent Energy Efficient Vehicle, Next Gen Vehicle, Mobility as a Service etc. to help the National Automotive Policy and increase and produce highly marketable automotive graduates, and,
2. Generate high impact income for the university through expertise in the automotive system field.

Key niche areas:

1. EV and Next-Generation Vehicles (“NxGV”)
2. Industrial Revolution 4.0 (“IR 4.0”)
3. Mobility-as-a-Service (“MaaS”)
4. Carbon footprint reduction and carbon neutrality

 

9. CENTRE OF EXCELLENCE FOR FRONTIER MATERIALS RESEARCH (FrontMate)

https://www.facebook.com/coefrontiermaterials/

Head of FrontMATE: ASSOC. PROF. DR. MUHAMMAD ASRI IDRIS (asri@unimap.edu.my)

Centre of Excellence for Frontier Materials Research (FrontMate) focuses on two main research themes, i.e., (i) Advanced Materials for Energy Application, and (ii) Sustainable Engineering for Environment.The research activities involve development of new and improved Materials for Energy Applications such as cathode and electrolytes for Rechargeable Lithium-ion Batteries, Solid Oxide Fuel Cells (SOFC), and Photocatalysis. In the meantime, development of Advanced Electronic Materials such as piezoelectric materials for energy harvester, dielectric materials for resonator antenna (DRA) and ceramic capacitor are actively executed. We also support other diverse researches towards Sustainable Engineering for Environments such as Advanced Alloys, Advanced Composites, Advanced Catalytics and Membrane Technology, and Surface Engineering.

Key niche areas:

1. Advanced Materials for Green Energy Applications
2. Sustainable Engineering

 

10. CENTRE OF EXCELLENCE FOR SOCIAL INNOVATION AND SUSTAINABILITY (COESIS)

Head of COESIS: ASSOC. PROF. DR. UMMI NAIEMAH SARAIH (ummi@unimap.edu.my)

COESIS is intended to mobilise the academic and research expertise in the social sciences and humanities field to contribute towards improving the quality of life in our society. The COE is also intended to conduct impactful research in various fields related to social innovation (Translational research). In the long run, COESIS is expected to disseminate the results of UniMAP research to the Malaysian and global communities as well as contribute to the universal quality of life. In many ways, the centre is aspiring to implement resource optimisation effectively to accommodate the needs of today and also the environment. Additionally, COESIS is hoped to empower Universiti Malaysia Perlis as an agent of positive change in the aspect of sustainable social practices with the potential to improve the human quality of life.

These objectives will be accomplished through 7 Clusters namely the Cluster of Economic Sustainability and Good Governance, Cluster of Business Innovation & Entrepreneurship, Cluster of Social Entrepreneurship, Cluster of Language and Culture, Cluster of Mathematical Sciences and Data Analytics, Cluster of Human Well-Being and Cluster of New Media Communication and Technology.

Key niche areas:

1. Social Values:Social values are a set of principles that are morally acceptable by society. These principles are created by the dynamics of the community, institutions in the society, traditions, and cultural beliefs of the people in the society.
2. Social Innovation: Social innovation refers to the design and implementation of new solutions that imply conceptual, process, product, or organisational change, which ultimately aim to improve the welfare and wellbeing of individuals and communities.
3. Social Sustainability: Social sustainability includes environmental, economic and social balance in planning development and improving the quality of life.

 

11. CENTRE OF EXCELLENCE FOR WATER RESEARCH AND ENVIRONMENTAL SUSTAINABILITY GROWTH (WAREG)

https://www.facebook.com/waterresearchgroup/

Head of WAREG: ASSOC. PROF. TS. DR. ABDUL HAQI IBRAHIM (abdulhaqi@unimap.edu.my)

WAREG was established at the Faculty of Civil Engineering & Technology (formerly known as School of Environmental Engineering) in 2015. Initially, WAREG was one of the research clusters at the faculty. WAREG bring together lecturers and researchers who conduct water-related research and studies into one big research family.  During the early establishment, WAREG focus its research on water treatment technologies, water management, water quality and hydrology.

Starting January 2021, based on its achievements and track records, the university has agreed to upgrade WAREG into Center of Excellence (CoE) in UniMAP. To increase the participation of researchers into the group, WAREG has expanded its research area by focusing on two main Sustainable Development Goals which are SDG2: Clean Water and Sanitation and SDG11: Sustainable Cities and Communities. To reflect the new research focus, WAREG has rebranded its name into Center of Excellence, Water Research and Environmental Sustainability Growth (WAREG). WAREG is now actively providing consultations and doing contract research for various companies with regards to water and wastewater management.

Key niche areas:

1. Water quality
2. Water and wastewater treatment
3. Hydrology

 

12. CENTER OF EXCELLENCE FOR ADVANCED COMPUTING (ADVCOMP)

Head of AdvComp: ASSOC. PROF. DR. NAIMAH YAAKOB (naimahyaakob@unimap.edu.my) 

AdvComp is a recently established center of excellence in UniMAP that focuses on advanced computing research. In line with the IR4.0 National Policy, advanced computing plays an important role toward IR4.0 implementations. With the Internet of Things (IoT) and AI are becoming main drive for IR4.0, Big Data and Data Analytic also as important.  Hence, this research centre focuses on research that consist of Computational Intelligence & Data Analytics, Software Engineering, Human Computer Interaction, High Performance Computing, Cyber Security and Networking, Image and Signal Processing. The research can be applied in various application and in line with Sustainable Development Goals 9 and 12 that recently been revised with Covid-19 implications.

Key niche areas:

1. Intelligent Computing: Software Engineering, Image and signal Processing, Artificial Intelligence, Machine Learning, Big Data, Data Analytics, Optimization
2. Networking and System Integration Software Defined Networks, Wireless network, WSN, VANET, Routing protocol, Cybersecurity, Blockchain, Cloud Computing, Mobile Computing, IoT
3. High Performance Computing and Security: Embedded Computing, Edge Computing, HPC, FPGA. Information System, Security System, HCI, AR/VR, Renewable and Distributed Energy

 

13. CENTRE OF EXCELLENCE MICRO SYSTEM TECHNOLOGY (MiCTEC)

Website: https://mictec.unimap.edu.my/
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=100089210989584
Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/center-of-excellence-for-micro-system-technology-mictec-
747ab6261/

Head of MiCTEC: ASSOC. PROF. DR. ASRAL BAHARI JAMBEK (asral@unimap.edu.my)

Centre of Excellence (CoE) Micro System Technology (MiCTEC) is a CoE in Universiti Malaysia
Perlis that focuses on research and development of extremely small-scale technology for
electronics in the semiconductor industry. The CoE consists of 8 research groups: Analog & RF
IC Design, Digital Circuit Design, System Design, Material & Device, Micro-electromechanical
System (MEMS), Fabrication & Characterization, Optoelectronics, and Packaging & Test. With more than 40 researchers with Ph.D. in various microelectronics fields, this COE aimed to have a noticeable research impact on the industry and society.

Key niche areas: Analog Integrated Circuit Design, Digital Integrared Circuit Design, System Design, Micro-Electromechnical System Design (MEMS), Material and Devices, Fabrication and Characterisation, Packaging and Test, Optoelectronics

 

14. CENTRE OF EXCELLENCE FOR INTELLIGENT ROBOTICS & AUTONOMOUS SYSTEM (CIRAS)

https://ciras.unimap.edu.my/

Head of CIRAS: ASSOC. PROF. DR. SHAZMIN ANIZA ABDUL SHUKOR (shazmin@unimap.edu.my)

Mechatronic Engineering is one of the multidisciplinary programmes often receives attention locally and internationally. It is often said to be a modern buzzword, synonymous with automation, electromechanical systems, robotics and artificial intelligence (AI). Robotics is a combination of engineering and AI elements, and involves various aspects such as design, development and operation. Robotics and AI turns out to be important and useful and have successfully aid human affairs, in various fields involving industries, agriculture, medicine and so on. Thus, with respect to the importance of robotics and AI in general to the country as well as to the society, the Centre of Excellence for Intelligent Robotics & Autonomous Systems (CIRAS) was established in UniMAP.

Key niche areas: Robotics, Artificial Intelligence and their applications