Applied and Creative Arts Research Clusters:
Where Art Meets Inquiry

At the Faculty of Applied and Creative Arts (FACA), research thrives through four dynamic Research Clusters—each a hub for advancing scholarly and creative exploration in its distinct field. Under the guidance of Faculty Research Mentor, Professor Noria Tugang, and led by dedicated Cluster Leaders, these clusters bring together experts from across the applied and creative arts. This structure fosters rich interdisciplinary collaboration, driving impactful research at the intersection of theory, practice, and artistic innovation.

The Research Clusters are as follows:

Research Cluster 1: Creative Arts and Technology

Cluster Leader:  Dr Jong Sze Joon

Research Cluster 2: Cultural Heritage Studies

Cluster Leader: AP Dr Qistina Donna Lee Abdullah

Research Cluster 3: Design and Innovation

Cluster Leader: Prof Dr Musdi b Hj Shanat

Research Cluster 4: Creative Performance& Events Management

Cluster Leader: Dr Alexander Chelum     

Overarching Aim

The overarching aim of the Research Clusters at the Faculty of Applied and Creative Arts (FACA) is to foster interdisciplinary research excellence that bridges theory and practice, drives innovation in the creative industries, and contributes meaningfully to cultural sustainability, technological advancement and community engagement at local, national and global levels.

We welcome collaborative engagements with institutions of higher learning and industry partners. We actively encourage expressions of interest in joint research initiatives, matching grant applications, or industry-funded projects through formal arrangements such as a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) or Memorandum of Agreement (MoA).

For further inquiries, please contact the Deputy Dean of Research and Commercialization, Dr Jong Sze Joon at jjsze@unimas.my.