Apply for Science and Technology Research Grant Program (Malaysia)

The Malaysia Toray Science Foundation (MTSF) Science and Technology Research Grant Program supports Malaysian researchers under 40 years old pursuing basic research in natural sciences and technology (excluding clinical medicine and mathematics). Grants are valued at up to RM 60,000, with a total annual allocation of around RM 300,000, and are awarded through a competitive three-stage selection process, including shortlisting, interviews, and Board approval.

The Malaysia Toray Science Foundation (MTSF) invites applications for its annual Science and Technology Research Grant Program, aimed at promoting excellence in basic research within Malaysia. The program provides funding and recognition to energetic and creative Malaysian researchers engaged in natural sciences and technology, excluding clinical medicine and mathematics.

Purpose and Objectives

The MTSF grant aims to:

• Support innovative basic research in natural sciences and technology

• Encourage young researchers to pursue high-quality scientific inquiry

• Foster research outputs that are publishable in ISI journals

• Promote collaboration and development within Malaysian research institutions

Grant Details and Funding

• Grant Amount: Up to RM 60,000 per project

• Total Annual Allocation: Approximately RM 300,000, including select projects funded by the Toray Science Foundation, Japan (Yen 5 million in total)

• Number of Grants: 10–15 per year, though the Foundation reserves the right to vary numbers or amounts

Use of Funds:

• Must strictly follow the proposed project budget

• Pre-approval is required for any change in project use

• Unused funds must be refunded unless extension approval is obtained

Project Duration: 12 months, with results to be submitted for publication in ISI journals

Who Is Eligible?

Applicants must meet all the following criteria:

• Malaysian citizen under 40 years of age

• Residing in Malaysia

• Engaged in research at a Malaysian research institution or university

• Able to obtain a recommendation from an authorized representative of a scientific, professional, or academic institution

How to Apply

1. Download and Complete Application Form: Available on the MTSF website.

2. Obtain Endorsement: Recommendation from a scientific/professional institution or university.

3. Scan and Submit: Scan the completed form and enclosures into a single PDF file.

4. Online Submission: Only submissions via the MTSF website are accepted; hard copies are not processed.

5. Deadline: Applications open in January and close on 31 May each year.

After submission, applicants receive an acknowledgement email with a reference number for future communication. Altered or resubmitted applications will be rejected.

Selection Process

The MTSF conducts a three-stage selection:

1. Shortlisting: Evaluation by the Selection Committee based on the application form

2. Interview Stage: Conducted with shortlisted applicants or a research group representative (by September)

3. Board Approval: Final decision by the Board of the Foundation; decisions are final

Presentation Ceremony: November or December annually

Reporting and Compliance

Recipients are required to:

• Complete the project within 12 months

• Submit a final report by 15 March of the following year (covering January–December)

• Provide fund utilization reports certified jointly by the recipient and institution

• Participate in Grant Research Symposiums if requested

• Support the publication or distribution of a booklet summarizing completed research

Tax Status: Grants are not taxable in the hands of recipients

Common Mistakes to Avoid

• Missing the May 31 submission deadline

• Incomplete or incorrectly scanned applications

• Failure to obtain proper institutional recommendation

• Not adhering to the project budget or use of funds

• Submitting projects outside the eligible research fields

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

1. Can researchers above 40 years old apply?
No. Applicants must be below 40 years of age.

2. Are clinical medicine and mathematics projects eligible?
No. The grant is limited to natural sciences and technology, excluding clinical medicine and mathematics.

3. Can applications be submitted by email or hard copy?
No. Only online submissions via the MTSF website are accepted.

4. Is publication in journals mandatory?
Yes. Research results must be written up for publication in ISI journals.

5. Can the grant be extended beyond 12 months?
Extensions require prior written approval from MTSF.

6. Are international researchers eligible?
No. Applicants must be Malaysian citizens residing in Malaysia.

Conclusion

The MTSF Science and Technology Research Grant Program is a prestigious opportunity for young Malaysian researchers to advance their careers, contribute to the national scientific landscape, and produce high-quality research in the natural sciences and technology. With structured support, rigorous selection, and strong institutional backing, the program fosters innovation, publication, and research excellence across Malaysia.