- Scientific and technical merit
The project must be scientifically sound, technically feasible with achievable milestones, and has the potential for further development and commercialisation
- Research competence
The research team must have the knowledge and competency to carry out the project successfully to completion
- Innovativeness of the research
The project must indicate whether it is a recombination, fusion, integration, replication or refinement of existing technologies with improved value, enhanced efficiency or cost reduction. Applicant must conduct a Prior Art Search to verify on the patentability aspect
- Clear and measurable expected output
The project must be clear, accurate and consistent with the objective of the MRC Industry Linkage Fund. The project must also describe appropriate methodologies and the type of output expected which benefits the rubber products industry
- Project with proven concept or prototype
(for pre-commercialisation project)
For pre-commercialisation projects, the proposal submitted for funding must have a proven concept which ready for commercialisation to test the market. The project must theorise a technology solution to a problem and have a reasonable basis that there is a market opportunity. The theory must be ready to test by building something that is only advanced enough to prove that the concept can work
INDUSTRY
LINKAGE FUND
Enhancing Competitiveness Through
Research Collaborations
ABOUT THE FUND
The MRC Industry Linkage Fund is a funding programme to promote collaboration between the Malaysian rubber products industry
and universities/research institutions on research projects that will contribute to the development of
rubber industry in Malaysia in the following areas:
- Increase exports of rubber products and domestic consumption of rubber products produced in Malaysia;
- Increase consumption of rubber (raw and waste/reclaimed) in new products development; or
- Facilitate the manufacturing process of rubber products.
The MRC Industry Linkage Fund provides a platform for the industry to leverage on the strengths and expertise of public and private universities in Malaysia, as well as Malaysian research institutes to undertake market-driven research which will benefit the industry in terms of innovation as well as research and development (R&D).
The programme aims to strengthen rubber – university/research institution linkages in Malaysia for the development of the rubber products industry. The MRC Industry Linkage Fund was officially launched by Minister of Plantation Industries and Commodities on 26 September 2017.
APPLICATION
Application is open to all researchers who are employed on a permanent or contractual basis with the following organisations:
- Public and private institutions of higher learning in Malaysia
- Malaysian research institutions and
- Registered industries in Malaysia
Applicants are only required to submit a "Preliminary Proposal" or a research brief prior to submitting a "Full Proposal". Submission of "Preliminary Proposal" is via the MRC ILF online system. All research projects are required to have an industry collaborator to be eligible for the funding. The project leader is required to identify an industry partner and specify the role of the industry partner in the application.
Complete list of Malaysian rubber and rubber products manufacturers and their contact information can be accessed using the tab below.
Research proposal can be submitted throughout the year.
DISBURSEMENT OF FUND
The MRC Industry Linkage Fund will be in the form of research grants. A full grant will be awarded to project that will offer industry-wide solutions while a matching grant will be awarded to a specific project which will benefit individual companies, especially the small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs).
The quantum of fund approved will be assessed based on the project proposal and is up to the maximum of RM300,000 for both full grant and matching grant. The duration of each project shall not be more than 3 years from the commencement date. The funding can be utilised for the following categories of research expenditure.
- Wages and Allowance
- Travel and Transportation
- Rentals
- Research Materials and Supplies
- Minor Modifications and Repairs
- Special Services (e.g. sample testing and analysis)
- Prototype Development
- Full Grant
- The allocations for wages and allowance, travel and transportation, and rentals shall not be more than 50%
of total project cost.
- Matching Grant
- No limit set on the allocations for wages and allowance, travel and transportation, and rentals, and it shall be according to research proposals submitted by the companies/researchers.
INDUSTRY & INSTITUTIONS
Industry-University Interaction Session
The ILF programme's Industry-University Interaction Session is organized by MRC to provide a platform for the exchange of information between the rubber industry and universities/research institutions. During the session, participants from both sides will share their research interest as well as research capabilities and facilities for a potential R&D collaboration under the Fund. Since the launching of ILF, the Interaction Session has been successfully organized in 2017, 2019 and 2021.
Listed here are the presentation slides of participants from the previous sessions which highlight their areas of interest and capabilities.
Rubber Associations and Companies
Click on the tabs below
Universities and Research Institutions
Click on the tabs below
PROJECTS
Completed
Prediction and Control of Humidity of Glove Former in Vulcanisation Oven
Multimedia University (MMU)
Article Presentation
Seismic Response of Base-Isolated Low-Rise Buildings under In-Plane Lateral Cyclic Loading
Universiti Teknologi Mara (UiTM) & Doshin Rubber Products Sdn Bhd
Article Presentation
Malaysian Green Pre-cured Tyre Tread Liner
Eversafe Rubber Works Sdn Bhd & Universiti Sains Malaysia (USM)
Article Presentation
Precast Rubberized Lightweight Concrete Panel as Thermal and Sound Insulating Construction Material
Universiti Tunku Abdul Rahman (UTAR) & Acre Works Sdn Bhd
Article Presentation
On-going
Development of a New Type of Viscoelastic Damper for Vibration Mitigation of Structures and Infrastructures using Natural Rubber
Universiti Teknologi Malaysia (UTM) & Doshin Rubber Products Sdn Bhd
Superhydrophobic Latex Coating
Ever Bright Paint Coating Sdn Bhd & Universiti Sains Malaysia (USM)