Kuala lumpur: The Companies Commission of Malaysia (SSM) is offering Research and Development (R and D) grants of up to RM100,000 per project to support high-impact research in Malaysia's business and corporate sectors.

According to BERNAMA News Agency, the initiative is implemented under Section 17(f) of the Companies Commission of Malaysia Act 2001 (Act 614), which aims to generate research findings that enhance policy and regulatory frameworks, improve compliance, strengthen corporate governance, and boost the agency's service delivery. Funded research will cover areas such as corporate governance, legal compliance, accounting and auditing, digital transformation, entrepreneurship, and policy studies related to SSM's functions.

Researchers are invited to submit concept papers under general or priority focus areas. The general focus involves corporate governance of companies, businesses, and Limited Liability Partnerships, accounting practices, auditing and financial reporting, as well as policy studies to enhance legislation within SSM's jurisdiction. Priority areas emphasize the development of pilot solutions based on artificial intelligence (AI) for enforcement and compliance, support for corporate intermediaries, auditors, and company directors, and studies linking legal compliance, corporate governance, and company performance.

Projects will run for durations ranging from one to 12 months, depending on their scope and feasibility. Approved projects are expected to begin in the third quarter of 2026, following formal approval and notification by SSM. The grant is open to public and private higher education institutions, ministries, government agencies, statutory bodies, government-linked investment companies, government-linked companies, and private sector entities.

SSM encourages collaborative applications between academic institutions and the public and private sectors to ensure comprehensive, practical, and high-impact outcomes. Applications will be evaluated based on their alignment with SSM's vision and strategic priorities, the quality of the proposed methodology, potential research impact, team capability, and budget justification. All research conducted under the grant must adhere to ethical standards, integrity principles, and SSM's prescribed guidelines.

Further information and application forms are available on SSM's official portal. Completed applications must be submitted by email to the SSM R and D Grant Secretariat at [email protected].