Medan: The Faizuddin Centre of Educational Excellence (FCoEE) is further strengthening Perlis' research ecosystem through 49 research grants worth RM370,000 under Phase III (2026/2027). Raja Muda of Perlis Tuanku Syed Faizuddin Putra Jamalullail said the allocation comprises 40 Short-Term Research Grants (STG), five FCoEE Flagship Special Grants and four Matching Grants.
According to BERNAMA News Agency, the initiative reflects FCoEE's commitment, under the auspices of the Perlis Islamic Religious and Malay Customs Council (MAIPs), to making research a driver of educational development, asnaf empowerment and human capital development. 'Entering Phase III, FCoEE has introduced a more strategic grant structure, comprising STG worth RM7,000, Special Grants worth RM10,000 and Matching Grants worth RM10,000 to support the development of databases, empirical findings and evidence-based solutions. 'This approach is important to ensure that the research undertaken not only generates knowledge but also has practical value and benefits the community,' he said.
Tuanku Syed Faizuddin Putra said this after presenting an Ibnu Sabil MAIPs contribution to the Consulate General of Malaysia in Medan. The contribution was received by Consul General Shahril Nizam Abdul Malek, before departing for Malaysia from the VIP Lounge at Kualanamu International Airport, Deli Serdang Regency, North Sumatra, yesterday. Also accompanying him were Raja Puan Muda of Perlis Tuanku Dr Hajah Lailatul Shahreen Akashah Khalil and their daughter, Hajah Sharifah Farah Adriana Jamalullail.
With 49 grants awarded in a single phase, Tuanku Syed Faizuddin Putra said FCoEE must ensure that every investment in knowledge translates into meaningful benefits for the community and the state. Phase III, he added, marked the evolution of FCoEE's research grants from supporting research activities to building a knowledge ecosystem capable of producing data, innovation and practical solutions.
The research areas cover strategic fields including Science, Technology, Engineering and Mathematics (STEM), Technical and Vocational Education and Training (TVET), education, entrepreneurship, zakat and waqf management, asnaf wellbeing and employability. 'The effort also involves researchers and collaboration with universities, government agencies and strategic partners to expand expertise and produce research that is more practical and impactful,' he said.
The research findings are expected to serve as a basis for evidence-based policymaking, interventions and community development, particularly in addressing education and poverty-related issues. Tuanku Syed Faizuddin Putra was in Medan for a special visit from Sept 13 to yesterday to attend the proclamation ceremony of his appointment as Chancellor of Universiti Muhammadiyah Malaysia (UMAM), held at Universitas Muhammadiyah Sumatera Utara (UMSU) on Sept 14.
He also officiated the closing of the International Conference on Next-Generation Digital Technologies (NEXT-D) 2026, organised by FCoEE and UMSU on Sept 13, and launched the Marnia Connect for Charity campaign, which channels all proceeds from product sales to support children with cancer and autism. The visit further strengthened diplomatic ties, higher education networks and cross-border welfare cooperation between Malaysia and Indonesia.