PaKSI Strengthens National Defence, Security Research

KUALA LUMPUR, Sept 2 (Bernama) -- Universiti Pertahanan Nasional Malaysia (UPNM) is strengthening its research and innovation capabilities in defence and security through the establishment of the Sultan Ibrahim Centre of Excellence for Research and Innovation (PaKSI), in line with its UPNM30 Strategic Plan.

UPNM Senior Assistant Vice-Chancellor (Strategic Development) Prof Datuk Dr Norhasni Zainal Abiddin said PaKSI was established to consolidate the university’s research expertise under a more focused framework and translate it into solutions that support the country’s strategic needs.

She said the centre was also expected to strengthen UPNM’s role as a reference centre for defence and security while serving as a platform for collaboration among academia, government and industry.

“Research in defence and security must contribute to the advancement of knowledge while addressing the country’s actual needs.

“Research outcomes should not only enrich the body of knowledge but also create opportunities for technological development and innovation, strengthen local expertise, and provide relevant input to enhance the country’s defence and security readiness and capabilities,” she said in a statement.

On June 25, His Majesty Sultan Ibrahim, King of Malaysia, who is also UPNM Chancellor, consented to the proposed naming of the centre as the Sultan Ibrahim Centre of Excellence for Research and Innovation.

Norhasni said the development of PaKSI was one of the key manifestations of UPNM30, which guides the university’s development towards 2030, with Centres of Excellence forming one of its five strategic pillars.

The idea for the centre was initiated under the leadership of UPNM Vice-Chancellor Lt Gen Datuk Arman Rumaizi Ahmad as part of efforts to strengthen the university’s research and innovation ecosystem.

PaKSI’s research ecosystem is structured around two main clusters - Science and Technology, and Defence and Security Strategy.

The Science and Technology cluster covers areas including defence vehicles and weaponry; human performance and chemical, biological, radiological, nuclear and explosives (CBRNe) threats; cyber, electronics and robotics; naval and maritime; artificial intelligence (AI); and tropicalisation.

The Defence and Security Strategy cluster focuses on areas including special warfare, conflict studies, as well as domestic and international security.

Norhasni said PaKSI would also emphasise evidence-based research to support national security policies and strategies, as well as provide strategic analyses and policy recommendations to MINDEF, the Malaysian Armed Forces (MAF) and security agencies.

“PaKSI is still at the beginning of its journey. Therefore, its excellence must not rest solely on its name or establishment but must be translated into tangible achievements,” she said.

She said UPNM aspired for PaKSI to be recognised for relevant research, solution-driven innovation, trusted expertise and meaningful contributions to national defence and security.

-- BERNAMA