Call for Researchers: Digital Society Research Grants for MCMC and Industry (Malaysia)

The Digital Society Research Grant (DSRG) and Digital Society Research Grant for Industry (DSRGX) are funding programs offered by the Malaysian Communications and Multimedia Commission (MCMC) to support research on Malaysia’s digital transformation. Researchers from higher education institutions can receive up to RM10,000 in funding to conduct studies in areas such as digital citizenship, digital inclusion, the future of work, and sustainability. The application deadline for Cycle 1 of the 2026 call is 2 April 2026 at 5:00 PM.

What Is the Digital Society Research Grant (DSRG)?

The Digital Society Research Grant (DSRG) and DSRGX (Digital Society Research Grant for Industry) are research funding initiatives designed to support evidence-based research on Malaysia’s digital ecosystem.

The program is managed by the Malaysian Communications and Multimedia Commission (MCMC) to generate insights that support the development of communications, multimedia, and digital infrastructure policies.

These grants encourage researchers to produce data-driven research and policy recommendations that strengthen digital participation and innovation across Malaysia.

Key Objectives of the Grant Program

The program aims to support research that:

• Strengthens Malaysia’s digital infrastructure development

• Encourages inclusive digital participation

• Generates evidence-based insights for policy and regulation

• Supports industry stakeholders and digital ecosystem actors

• Identifies emerging digital trends and challenges

Research outputs are expected to guide policy development, industry practices, and public programmes in Malaysia’s communications and multimedia sectors.

Research Focus Areas

Applicants must align their proposals with one or more of the program’s four strategic research areas.

Digital Citizenship and Cyberwellness

Research in this area explores:

• Responsible digital behavior

• Online safety and digital ethics

• Cybersecurity awareness

• Mental health and wellbeing in digital environments

Digital Inclusion

Focuses on reducing digital divides by studying:

• Access to digital technologies

• Digital literacy programs

• Barriers faced by underserved communities

• Inclusive digital participation strategies

Future of Work

This theme examines how digital technologies transform employment.

Key topics include:

• Automation and workforce transformation

• Remote and hybrid work models

• Digital skills development

• Platform and gig economy dynamics

Sustainability and ESG

Research may explore the role of digital technologies in advancing:

• Environmental sustainability

• Corporate Environmental, Social, and Governance (ESG) frameworks

• Sustainable digital infrastructure

• Green innovation and responsible technology adoption

Funding Amount and Eligible Expenses

Grant Amount

The program provides funding of up to RM10,000 per project, depending on the scope and complexity of the research proposal.

Eligible Research Expenses

Funding can support research-related costs such as:

• Research assistants

• Domestic travel for fieldwork

• Research materials and supplies

• Specialized research services

• Conference participation

• Publication and dissemination costs

Researchers may also secure additional funding from universities or other funding agencies to supplement the grant.

Project Duration and Timeline

Projects funded under the DSRG and DSRGX programs have a maximum duration of nine months.

Project Timeline Structure

The timeline typically includes:

• 6 months for research activities

• 3 months for reporting and administrative closure

Successful applicants are expected to begin their research in the first week of June 2026 after signing the official Letter of Award.

Who Is Eligible?

The grant is designed for academic researchers in Malaysian higher education institutions.

Basic Eligibility Criteria

Applicants must meet the following requirements:

• Be full-time academic faculty members

• Work in communications, social sciences, humanities, or related disciplines

• Be affiliated with public or private higher education institutions in Malaysia

Lead Researcher Requirements

The Lead Researcher must:

• Hold a doctoral degree (PhD or equivalent)

• Maintain an active academic appointment at a local university for the entire project duration

Research Team Requirements

Each proposal must include:

• One Lead Researcher

• At least one Co-Researcher

Additional collaborators may include:

• Industry professionals

• Policy experts

• Specialists from outside academia

These collaborators can contribute practical insights and technical expertise to strengthen the research.

Why This Grant Matters

The DSRG and DSRGX programs support policy-relevant digital research that can shape Malaysia’s future digital landscape.

Key benefits include:

• Strengthening evidence-based policymaking

• Supporting innovation in digital governance

• Improving digital literacy and online safety

• Addressing digital inequality

• Guiding future workforce strategies

Research outcomes help inform industry licensees, regulators, and public institutions involved in communications, multimedia, and postal services sectors.

How to Apply for the Digital Society Research Grant

Researchers must submit a formal research proposal aligned with the program guidelines.

Step-by-Step Application Process

Step 1: Identify a Relevant Research Topic

Select a research topic that aligns with one of the four focus areas:

• Digital Citizenship and Cyberwellness

• Digital Inclusion

• Future of Work

• Sustainability and ESG

Step 2: Build a Research Team

Ensure the proposal includes:

• A qualified Lead Researcher

• At least one Co-Researcher

External collaborators may also be included.

Step 3: Prepare the Research Proposal

The proposal should include:

• Research objectives

• Methodology and research design

• Expected outcomes and policy relevance

• Project timeline

• Budget justification

• Research team expertise

Step 4: Submit the Application

Submit the proposal before the official deadline for DSRG and DSRGX 2026 Cycle 1.

Application Deadline

• 2 April 2026 at 5:00 PM

Late submissions may not be considered.

Evaluation and Selection Process

Submitted proposals are reviewed by a technical evaluation panel.

Applications are assessed based on several criteria:

Research Quality

• Clarity of research objectives

• Strength of methodology

• Relevance to digital policy challenges

Alignment with Sector Needs

Proposals must address challenges relevant to:

• Communications sector

• Multimedia industry

• Postal services ecosystem

Research Team Expertise

The panel evaluates:

• Academic qualifications

• Research experience

• Complementary expertise among team members

Feasibility

The project must demonstrate the ability to be completed within the nine-month timeframe.

Tips for Writing a Strong Proposal

Researchers can improve their chances of success by focusing on:

• Clear and measurable research objectives

• A strong research methodology

• Policy relevance and practical applications

• Interdisciplinary collaboration

• A realistic timeline and budget

Providing evidence of previous research experience in digital policy or technology topics can strengthen the proposal.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

Many proposals fail due to avoidable issues.

Common mistakes include:

• Submitting vague research questions

• Proposing overly ambitious projects for the available budget

• Failing to align with the four research themes

• Providing insufficient methodological details

• Not demonstrating policy or industry relevance

Applicants should carefully review the grant guidelines before submission.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

What is the maximum funding available for the DSRG program?

The grant provides up to RM10,000 per research project, depending on the project scope.

Who can apply for the grant?

Only full-time academic faculty members from Malaysian higher education institutions are eligible.

Can industry experts participate in the research team?

Yes. Professionals outside academia can join as co-researchers to provide specialized expertise.

How long can the research project run?

Projects can run for up to nine months, including research and administrative closure.

What are the main research themes?

The four focus areas are:

• Digital Citizenship and Cyberwellness

• Digital Inclusion

• Future of Work

• Sustainability and ESG

When is the application deadline?

The deadline for DSRG and DSRGX 2026 Cycle 1 is 2 April 2026 at 5:00 PM.

When will successful projects begin?

Selected researchers are expected to start their projects in the first week of June 2026.

Conclusion

The Digital Society Research Grant (DSRG) and DSRGX programs offer an important opportunity for researchers to contribute to Malaysia’s evolving digital economy and communications landscape.

By supporting research in digital inclusion, cyberwellness, future workforce trends, and sustainability, the program helps generate knowledge that informs national policies, industry strategies, and digital development initiatives.

Researchers with innovative ideas and strong academic expertise are encouraged to apply and help shape the future of Malaysia’s digital society.