MULTIMEDIA University wants to be a leader in academic programmes which will be based on research and development (R&D) and commercialisation initiatives, says president Professor Dr Zaharin Yusoff.

At the same time, the programmes will be designed to be more industry relevant.

Among the key domains of the R&D initiatives include telecommunication technology, knowledge management technology, creative multimedia and innovation management.

"Students will be provided with necessary industry skills and will be exposed to R&D initiatives, in an effort to ensure excellent fundamentals and continuous shelf lives as graduates," says Zaharin at a Press conference in Cyberjaya held in conjunction with the President's 100 Days in MMU.

Zaharin explains that a blueprint for R&D will be prepared this month. It will spell out directions as well as provide focus on the university's strengths and niche areas.
"The blueprint is to energise all efforts, prioritise budget, facilitate grant applications and guide researchers (including newcomers and postgraduates)."

The R&D road map will be implemented by the entire university community, in collaboration with national and international parties, and supported by strong research facilitation, management and monitoring for intra and inter-disciplinary initiatives.

"As for commercialisation of R&D initiatives, it will bring additional prestige to the university and added income," adds Zaharin.

The main commercial arm of MMU will be Unitele Multimedia Sdn Bhd (UMSB), which together with industry partners will market the university's R&D products.

Zaharin says efforts are being carried out to prepare in-house developed applications for commercialisation (such as the learning and library systems).

UMSB will also manage consultancy work generated by expertise from the faculties and centres within the university as well as conduct training programmes and short courses.

Franchising and twinning of MMU academic programmes will also be financially managed by UMSB, although the partnership formation will be handled by other parties within the university.

"Business collaborations via franchise programmes will be aggressive especially for diploma, foundation, first and second-year levels, so that the university will be more specialised at the higher levels."

Part of this effort is to attract more international students and expose students to different nationalities and cultures, thereby promoting international understanding.

A one-stop centre for students has been established to ensure their welfare such as accommodation, a safe environment and problem-solving.

More emphasis will be put into marketing and promotion activities to attain MMU's target of 25,000 students. Currently, the student population is 20,000.

The university is also in the process of forming a foundation called Yayasan Universiti Multimedia for benevolent activities such as offering scholarships to needy students.