In support to the third thrust of National Higher Education Strategic Plan (NHESP) and moving towards gearing up the level of the country’s research and development (R&D) and innovation, the Ministry of Higher Education (MoHE) finds that there is a need to recognise the potential centres of excellence (CoEs) in Higher Education Institutions (HEIs) in order to further leap them towards internationalisation. The recognition of HICoE by MOHE is to indentify ‘best of the best CoE’ in HEIs at national level.

The first evaluation exercise of HICoE was undertaken in 2008. From 142 applications, 6 CoEs in 5 public HEIs have met the stringent requirements. With the approval of the Cabinet, on the recommendation of MoHE, the approved CoEs were formally designated to be HICoE on 30th October 2009. The efforts of identifying and acknowledging the achievement of CoEs in HEIs will encourage them to work towards becoming a global leader in their research niche areas. Thus, HICoE will be supported and facilitated by MoHE so that they will become the “focused vehicles” that will drive R&D and innovation agenda particularly in fundamental research, as well as contributing to human capital development.

VISION

HICoE will be education-wide knowledge enterprises that will initiate and lead intra and inter institutional research in collaboration with international and industrial partners at standard consistent with global best practices, connecting innovation systems by fostering discovery, creativity and new talent.

MISSION

To provide a conducive environment, that nurtures scientific exploratory works and creativity of knowledge discovery among scientists, policy makers and technopreuneurs for wealth creation

ACCREDITATION PROCESS

To be designated as HICoE, a CoE candidate must fulfill a set of criteria, which are based mainly on its legal status, Human Capital, Research and Development Performance and, Postgraduates Training Output. Documented evidence must be presented on its experience, achievement and output; and these are assessed in terms of capacity, capability, and outputs either in the areas of Research and Innovation, Teaching and Learning, or Service.

HICoE RECOGNITION

In 30th October 2009, the Cabinet of Malaysia has designated as HICoE, 6 CoEs of 5 public HEIs. To steer Malaysia towards becoming an innovation-based and knowledge-based economy, MoHE’s strategy is to push these 6 HICoEs to make a quantum leap towards internationalization. HICoE are thus expected to focus on niche research areas, share resources in their discipline and undertake multi-institutional research endeavors of national importance.