Samarkand:Universiti Islam Antarabangsa Tuanku Syed Sirajuddin (UniSIRAJ) is reinforcing its research culture, as an increasing number of academic staff assume the role of principal investigators (PIs) in research and consultancy projects.

According to BERNAMA News Agency, Raja Muda of Perlis Tuanku Syed Faizuddin Putra Jamalullail, who serves as UniSIRAJ Chancellor, highlighted that the university's notable achievements under its University Fund Grant have surpassed expectations, achieving 121 percent against a target of 23 percent with contributions from 32 PIs. This success underscores UniSIRAJ's commitment to fostering a robust research environment, allowing academic staff to lead projects at various levels.

The Raja Muda remarked on the role of these achievements in embedding research into the university's academic culture, noting the staff's increasing ability to secure meaningful project funding. Additionally, under the Industry, NGO, and Private Sector Grant, the university achieved 104 percent against a target of 13 percent, involving 16 PIs, demonstrating the university's ability to extend its research expertise through external partnerships.

Furthermore, under the National Research Grant, UniSIRAJ achieved 17 percent against a target of 16 percent with three PIs, and under the International Research Grant, it recorded 60 percent against a target of 10 percent with four PIs. These results highlight the academics' growing capability to compete for national and international funding, fostering stronger global collaborations.

The cycling programme led by Tuanku Syed Faizuddin, accompanied by notable figures such as Samarkand Deputy Governor Karimov Bobir Boturovich and Perlis Mufti Dr Mohd Asri Zainul Abidin, was organized to reciprocate hospitality from a previous visit to Perlis. The visit to Samarkand also includes officiating the 10th International Prophetic Heritage Seminar (SWAN X) 2026, organized by USIM in collaboration with UniSIRAJ.