UKM Opts For Holistic Approach to Research
By Shahfizal Musa
Pix Ikhwan Hashim
BANGI, 13 June 2012 – The National University of Malaysia (UKM) employs a holistic approach to research and innovation where scientists of diverse disciplines whether from the social or pure sciences work hand in hand to provide for a more meaningful and wholesome solution to problems.
Its Vice Chancellor, Prof Tan Sri Dato’ Wira Dr. Sharifah Hapsah Syed Hassan Shahabudin said science is not just about discovery but also act as a catalyst to solving a problem that is social in nature. Similarly, a problem which is purely scientific will also benefit from a social sciences perspective.
She was welcoming a delegation from Innovative Research Universities (IRU) of Australia visiting UKM today. They include senior academics from Griffith University, La Trobe University, The University of New Castle, Murdoch University and Charles Darwin University,which visited UKM today.
She said though the two branches of knowledge which are popularly viewed as opposite ends of the pole actually complement each other in finding solutions.
Prof Sharifah Hapsah explained the various niches of research in UKM saying what differentiates UKM from other universities is its focus on entrepreneurism. Instead of just churning out graduates who will be good employees, UKM also produces graduates with entrepreneurial skills.
This makes UKM graduates resourceful enough to become entrepreneurs and launch their own enterprises. This way they will help spur the economy by creating their own jobs, instead of just hoping for one.
Head of Delegation, Prof Ian O’ Connor who is also Head of IRU and Vice Chancellor of Griffith University said that Malaysia and Australia have a lot in common saying the future of both countries depends on positioning themselves as clever states and developing their human capital.
Prof Sharifah Hapsah and Prof O’Connor signed an MoU between UKM and Griffith University to provide for research collaborations in the field of nanotechnology.
Deputy Vice-Chancellor (Academic and International Affairs) Prof Datuk Dr Noor Azlan Ghazali, Deans of Faculties and Directors of Institute were present at the signing ceremony. 
