Research

Research Centres

Geopark Research Centre (PPG) [formerly known as Langkawi Research Centre (PPL)] 

This centre was established in 2002. The objectives of PPG are:

1. To becomes a centre of excellence on natural resource development research for tourism. In this context, research on natural resource utilisation for effective ecotourism development is a priority area that needs to be researched.

2. To become a focused research centre that highlights policy studies to support tourism.

To PPL played a role as a research coordination centre related to natural resource development for effective utilisation. To play this role, PPG coordinates research and seeks funding support from local and international sources, and private companies.

This centre is responsible for developing natural resources to build Langkawi’s capacity as the leading international tourist destination in the country. This intention was realised with the establishment of a Memorandum of Understanding between UKM (through LESTARI) with the Langkawi Development Authority (LADA) for 2001-2005 and which was renewed for 2006-2010. One of the main initiatives of LESTARI and LADA through PPG was the development of the Langkawi Geopark.

Prof. Dr. Norhayati Ahmad
Head, Geopark Research Centre (PPG) 
Tel: (+603) 89214047
Fax: (+603) 89255104
Email: norhayatiahmad@ukm.edu.my

New website: [http://www.ukm.my/ppg] 

[http://www.ukm.my/ppl]   [PPG Staff Directory, click here]

Southeast Asia Disaster Prevention Research Initiative (SEADPRI)

Southeast Asia Disaster Prevention Research Initiative (SEADPRI), was established on 1 June 2008 as a research institute under the administrative structure of Institute for Environment and Development (LESTARI), UKM. SEADPRI conducts holistic disaster related research at global scale, in support of government’s decision making on climatic, geological and technological hazards as well as enhancing human capital and capacity of workforce at local, state, national and international levels, particularly in Southeast Asia.

Research Centre for Sustainability Science and Governance (SGK)

This centre was created to focus on integrated and transdisciplinary studies related to sustainability issues. The governance system comprising policy, planning legislation and management has been researched to realize the sustainable development concept based on scientific and humanities input, especially in the evaluation of physical ecosystem changes and the impact of human activities on the ecosystem to allow for sustainable management of the environment. The objectives of SGK establishment are:

1. To become a centre of excellence related to transdisciplinary research in sustainability science and governance.

2. To play role as a study centre on policies, theories and management to support sustainable development.

3. To serve as a coordination centre for research and development, capacity building and network and outreach building activities related to science and sustainability governance.

This centre was established to highlight UKMS and LESTARI’S contribution especially in sustainable development. Sustainability science, extensively developed in LESTARI through various core groups, would be more comprehensive if formulated together in a special governance framework for sustainability. At he early stages of its inception, the centre focused on cultivating a Malaysian-styled governance framework of sustainability to be utilised at a various management levels. This Malaysian-styled framework is needed to cater for its multiracial and multireligions community. At the same time, research at the core group level was further enhanced to support the continuous effort towards sustainable development.

The establishment of this centre leads to the training and creating pool of experts who are well-versed in sustainability. Comprehensive sustainability management demands the development of science and applications towards sustainable development. Cooperation in research and joint facilitation of programmes were prominent in LESTARI. Research cooperation towards science and governance for sustainability between LESTARI and various outside parties showed that LESTARI had been singled out by stakeholders beyond UKM.

Research Centre for Environmental, Economic and Social Sustainability(KASES)

This centre was established on January 1, 2006 to focus multidisciplinary studies related to environmental, natural resource, economic and social sustainability. This research scope of this centre includes integrated research on environmental integrity and sustainable natural resource utilization, sustainability of economic and industrial systems that promote social well-being and environmental integrity (Economic and Industrial Sustainability); and social development of various communities based on the sustainability concept (Social and Community Well-being). The objectives of KASES establishment are:

1. To become a centre of excellence related to multidisciplinary research in environmental, natural resource, economic and social sustainability.

2. To support environmental sustainability and natural resource development of the country

3. To become a coordination centre for research and development activities, capacity building, and network and outreach related to environmental, natural resource, economics and social sustainability

Multidisciplinary research in environmental, economic and social fields have led to close cooperation with agencies outside of UKM to realize research and outreach programmes at the national and international levels. This cooperation has been managed to ensure successful implementation of research and outreach activities.

The main focus of KASES is research and development. To this end, the effort to obtain research funding, graduate assistant and postgraduate fellowships have been carried out. Collaboration with various local and international parties would be increased to promote central achievement in dealing with environmental sustainability, economic and social issues. Human resource development would be given priority in order to build a credible research group in the relevant fields of study.