Research > Research Clusters

Research Clusters

Our school is active in planning and acting more strategically in the development of our current and future research programmes. We continuously reassess our current position, strengths, weaknesses and opportunities to add value to our research activities and enhance the School’s research profile to a higher level of international excellence.

We encourage our academic staff and research students to participate in collaborative and interdisciplinary research projects and work with leading universities around the world in order to develop an ambitious and dynamic research culture among individuals in the School. The school provides physical and support infrastructure to encourage research and teaching activities, and recruit, nurture and reward high potential or calibre academic, research and support staff. Our research activities are mainly driven by the School’s core disciplines and research clusters. We aspire to achieve a high citation index in research and become a leading research school in the Asia region.




Strategic Dynamics and Innovation

Head of cluster: Assoc Professor Dr Zahidul Islam

Sub-Clusters:

  1. Advancing Organizational Insights and Opportunities
    This sub-cluster covers a wide range of disciplines including Human Resource Management, and Organizational Behavior, as well as Innovation, Knowledge Management, and Organizational Learning. This sub-cluster also explores Services Marketing and Muslim Consumer behavior, aiming to uncover new market opportunities and enhance organisational understanding.

  2. Organizational Growth and Market Adaptability
    This sub-cluster focuses on enhancing organizational resilience and sustainability in a rapidly changing market. It covers Organizational Performance, Strategic Management, Corporate Environmental Management, Leadership and the Circular Economy, aiming to integrate sustainable practices into business strategies.

  3. Sustainable Supply Chain and Entrepreneurship
    This sub-cluster focuses on the growth and sustainability of small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs), with an emphasis on sustainable business practices and circularity. Research explores entrepreneurship dynamics, innovation in business models, and the role of SMEs in driving economic development, job creation, and sustainable growth.

  4. Fintech, AI and Emerging Technologies
    Research in this sub-cluster explores the transformative impact of financial technologies, artificial intelligence, and digital transformations on business and society. The focus is on fostering innovation and resilience in the digital economy while ensuring that the adoption of these technologies contributes to sustainable economic growth and inclusivity.




Islamic Finance and Halal Value Chain

Head of cluster: Associate Professor Dr Muhamad Abduh

Sub-Clusters:

  1. Islamic Finance Ecosystem
    This sub-cluster focuses on advancing the Islamic finance sector by exploring key areas such as zakat, awqaf, Islamic banking and capital markets, as well as the governance of Islamic financial institutions. Research in this area aims to foster sustainable financial inclusion and innovation while ensuring that Islamic financial practices are robust, ethical, and aligned with global standards.

  2. Halal Value Chain
    This sub-cluster addresses the entire Halal ecosystem, including the Halal certification and standardization processes, Halal logistics and supply chains, and the marketing of Halal products. Research aims to promote sustainability and innovation in the Halal industry, ensuring that Halal standards are consistently applied while exploring new markets and enhancing the competitiveness of Halal products globally.




Applied Economics and Policy

Head of cluster: Dr Yong Soo Keong

Sub-Clusters:

  1. International Trade and Diversification
    This sub-cluster examines strategies for economic diversification and resilience in the context of international trade. Research topics include trade policy, export diversification, and global value chains, with a focus on how sustainable trade practices can contribute to economic stability and growth in emerging markets.

  2. Socioeconomic Development
    This sub-cluster explores the processes of economic and social transformation, focusing on how firms and economies can address global challenges such as inflation, climate change, and inequality. Research aims to develop strategies for achieving sustainable and inclusive growth, emphasizing the importance of resilience and adaptability in fostering long-term socioeconomic development.






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