The planning of establishment Centre of IDEA-UKM or IDEA-UKM with acronym INNOVATIVE, DYNAMIC, EFFICIENT and ACCOUNTABILITY was approved in the MPU Meeting No. 9/2017 on 8 August 2017. The centre was inaugurated on 20 November 2017 by the YB Minister of Higher Education during the launching of International Integrated Conference (UKM-IIC). One of the main functions of the establishment of the Centre of IDEA-UKM is to mobilize the multidisciplinary research ideas and to find a solution to challenges facing by the country.
IDEA UKM initially initiated with 7 Grand Challenges supported by a number of research groups from PTJ under the umbrella of the relevant research core. Each Grand Challenge is led by renowned researchers as leaders.
To mobilize cross-disciplinary research ideas, Centre of IDEA UKM has also held a roadshow program to all faculties and institutes to explain the function and role of IDEA UKM as well as further clarify the concept of National Challenge among researchers. During the 2 years of the National Challenge introduced, IDEA UKM has offered a total of 127 research projects with a total fund of RM11.5 million excluding contributions of RM1.2 million from stakeholders.
To further boost cross-disciplinary interaction between researchers, Centre of IDEA UKM has held eight programs for researchers with various interesting themes. Among the themes that have been organized are Water, Oil Palm, ASEAN and STEM For the Community. This program has not only attracted participation from inside and outside UKM.
With the new spirit of 2020, IDEA UKM has introduced a Research Cluster to lead UKM’s multidisciplinary research. This Research Cluster exists based on the UKM Research Nic, Perdana Challenge, Sustainable Development Goals, Global Agenda 2030-SDGs, World Economic Forum, ASEAN Forging Forward 2025, 11th Malaysia Plan, Shared Prosperity Vision and Malaysian Urban Forum. There are 5 Research Clusters each led by a Cluster Leader
In addition to being a reference expert, the Research Cluster is also tasked to design strategies and strengthen the UKM research ecosystem in a more orderly, efficient and systematic manner. In addition, this Research Cluster will also enhance and strengthen collaborative relationships in domestic and foreign research through benchmarking programs with renowned universities. All this will only be achieved with the strong involvement and support of all UKM researchers, including seniors and young researchers.