Research as Diplomatic Tools in Strengthening International Collaboration

Research has plays significant roles in the development of technological solutions and contributes to the development of one’s nation and country. Due to hefty amount of monetary requirement, longer time span for a result, and higher risk for completion, an innovative approach is desired. Research collaboration, an external matching grant, and universities-industry paired scheme are the efforts made by Malaysian government, specifically Ministry of Higher Education, as the largest recipient for managing research grant in Malaysia. It perceived that research is now as diplomatic tools, for finding, matching, pairing, and even managing Malaysia research community with international research community, research firms, or even foreign government. Using cases as a reference, this study found that research not only contributes to the embarking new knowledge and advancing modern technologies, but it also serves as diplomatic tools in strengthening international collaboration. It is hope that the government will consider a more research funds, because it not only benefitting Malaysia internally, but also paving for Malaysia as potential international collaborators, thus enhancing Malaysia prestige internationally