Seminar “From Research Idea to Fundable Research Grant: Strategies in Grant Application for MOHE, Industry and International Research Grants”.

About the event

KOTA KINABALU, 9 September 2026 – The Institute of Borneo Studies (IBS), University College Sabah Foundation (UCSF) organized a seminar titled “From Research Idea to Fundable Research Grant: Strategies in Grant Application for MOHE, Industry and International Research Grants,” presented by Associate Dr Mohd Suhaimi Mohamad from the National University of Malaysia (UKM). Dr Suhaimi is an academic and researcher in Social Work at the Research Centre for Psychology and Human Well-being, Faculty of Social Sciences and Humanities (FSSK), Universiti Kebangsaan Malaysia (UKM). He holds a PhD in Social Work from Bristol University, United Kingdom (2011), a Master of Medical Social Work from UKM (2003), and a Bachelor of Science with Honours in Biotechnology and Management from UKM (2001). He has experience in 62 research projects at the university, national, and international levels.

The seminar covered strategies for developing competitive grant proposals, including aligning ideas with funders’ priorities, SMART objectives, methodology, novelty, and research outcomes and impact. The speaker introduced participants to funding opportunities through MOHE grants, industry, and international grants, as well as the importance of registration in the REDI system, MOHE. Attendance largely came from UCS academics, researchers from other institutions, and postgraduate students from local universities. The seminar discussions were constructive for both the speaker and the participants, as the talk emphasised the procedures, criteria, and rules of thumb for applying for research grants, which is especially important for young scientists across disciplines.