CALL 4 -ADDRESSING SOCIAL INEQUALITIES UTILISING THE MALAYSIA MADANI POLICY FRAMEWORK

THEME : KNOWLEDGEABLE CIVIL SOCIETY / SOCIAL WELLBEING

CALL:
This call invites proposals that will potentially offer transformative responses to the complex impacts of inequality on social development and wellbeing, particularly through utilising the Malaysia Madani policy framework as well as framework arising from Malaysia's commitments to regional and international instruments.

Inequality is a long-term threat to social and economic development, efforts towards poverty reduction and society's and individual's sense of fulfilment, wellbeing and self-worth. Persistent inequality is a hindrance to the achievement of sustainable development, thus, reducing inequalities (SDG 10) is a specific goal of the United Nations' 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development. In addition, eradicating discrimination, which is a key factor for inequality, and promoting equality form targets of several other Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) including SDG 1 (No poverty), SDG 2 (Zero Hunger), SDG 3 (Good Health and Wellbeing), SDG 4 (Quality Education), SDG 5 (Gender Equality), SDG 8 (Decent Work and Economic Growth), SDG 11 (Sustainable Cities and Communities) and SDG 16 (Peace, Justice and Strong Institutions).

Recently, the Malaysia government launched a policy framework, Malaysia Madani, which consists of six pillars (Sustainability, Good Wellbeing, Creativity, Respect, Confidence and Perfection in Goodness) to achieve a civilised, advanced and inclusive Malaysia. Addressing inequalities is an important action to fulfil the requirements of the framework pillars. Universiti Sains Malaysia's APEX Agenda, introduced in 2008, is broadly consistent with the Malaysia Madani frame work. The APEX Agenda comprises nine thrusts: The Future, Uniqueness, Sustainability, Universality, Humanity, Sacrifice, Change and Wellness). Addressing social inequalities is also cognisance with many of these thrusts.

This call seeks proposals that address multiple forms of social inequalities, with a view to offering sustainable solutions to achieving equality and justice for all. In responding to the government's Malaysia Madani's policy framework, the solutions and responses must be sustainable, provide implementable strategies and action plans and create transformative knowledge and discourses to the issue of social inequalities.

KEY RESEARCH AREA

• Research and Innovation must focus on the comprehensive, trans- and interdisciplinary discourses of problems, research design, engagement with stakeholders and the outcomes of viable solutions to inequality issues. The outcomes must demonstrate long-term applicability, beyond research and academic utility and must have the potential of transforming policy, practice and norms in society towards reducing and eradicating different forms of inequalities   
•  

EXPECTED OUTCOME

Significant Impact to Stakeholders such as product innovation, added value, cost reduction, quality improvement, income etc.

1. Transdisciplinary new knowledge and discourses including production of localised knowledge
2. Innovative and transformative solutions and responses that will have policy impact
3. Sustained engagement with key stakeholders to ensure change beyond project period

TARGETED STAKEHOLDES

Targeted stakeholders that can benefit from the Outcome/Impact throughout this program

1. Vulnerable/disadvantaged communities
2. Government (federal, state, local)
3. Industry
4. Civil society (including academia)

2025-06-28  6:22:27 PM

JOIN THE CALL