Research Platforms' Performance Reports GA21 2015-2017 | Page 8

RESEARCH ACTIVITIES
This initiative by the market analytics cluster culminated in
a ‘Knowledge Transfer and Capability Development’ for the
Economic Planning Unit (EPU, Prime Minister’s Office) on
3rd August 2017, as well as a ‘MYKE Dissemination Forum’
on the Study on Knowledge content in Key Economic
Sectors in Malaysia from 9th to 11th, 14th to 18th August
at Monash University Malaysia. The latter proved to be an
effective platform to showcase the cluster’s findings, having
attracted more than 300 attendees including policymakers,
senior representatives of government agencies, industry
associations, industry thought-leaders and academics.
Another study which the cluster members undertook is the
Malaysian Business Sentiment survey in collaboration with
CPA Australia that provided insights into the challenges
faced and actions taken by Malaysian firms. This
collaborative research is an ongoing study. In the 2016/17
report, market conditions and consumer sentiments were
analysed, the impact of emerging technologies on the nature
and pattern of competition and the regulatory environment
was evaluated. Along with implications for trade, the report
identified the range of capabilities needed for Malaysian
firms to transition to high value-added economy. This
study attracted media coverage and researchers were also
interviewed in ‘The Nation: Malaysian Business Sentiment
for 2017’, 14 June 2017.
A study of the Malaysian Plastics Industry Skills Needs for
the Malaysian Plastics Manufacturers Association (MPMA)
was undertaken in 2016/2017. The study highlights that
while Malaysia has the makings of a credible global player
in the plastics industry, limitations in the stock of creative
talent in the industry hinder its move up the value chain and
global competitiveness. Strategies and recommendations
were provided relating to the development of sustainable
skills and knowledge clusters that have the capability
to provide relevant training and mentorship, ultimately
resulting in better global competitiveness.
Cluster members continue to work on papers for journal
publication from the recently completed projects which
have culminated in research reports.
In addition to the aforementioned principal projects, said
members also were involved in secondary commissions
such as ‘Commercial Development of Biomass Torrefied
Pellet’ funded by MOSTI Techno Fund Grant, September
2016; ‘Affordable Housing in Malaysia’, 2017; ‘Forecasting
Malaysia’s GDP’, 2017-2018; and ‘Study on the strategic
levers needed by REIT frms to mitigate risks and take
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advantage of emerging opportunities to shape success
into the future’, 2017-2018.
Aside from research projects, cluster members are also
tasked to serve on the local Scientific Program committee
for the International Statistical Institute Regional Statistics
conference. The cluster also hosted a number of seminars
and workshops, including: ‘Data Analytics and Data
Science Concepts with R’ on 3 February 2017; ‘Partial least
squares (PLS-SEM)’ on 30-31 May 2017; and ‘Publishing
in International Journals: The (Bumpy) Road to (Possible)
Success’ in October 2017. The latter workshop was notably
facilitated by prominent marketing and SEM expert Marko
Sarstedt who serves as Chaired Professor of Marketing at
the Otto von Guericke University Magdeburg (Germany)
and Adjunct Professor at the University of Newcastle
(Australia). In the first part of the publishing workshop, the
facilitator provided essential guidance points to maximise
the chances of successful publishing, emphasising the role
of research methods. The second part of the workshop
was interactive and provided opportunities for Monash’s
researchers and doctoral students to share their ongoing
research initiatives and have them critiqued by Prof.
Sarstedt. Participants received valuable recommendations
on how to improve the positioning of their studies, which
is the main concern when submitting manuscripts to
international top-tier journals.