This grant aims to foster high-quality research outputs, encourage intellectual discourse, and contribute to the development of Sarawak by providing financial support for research activities. The objectives of the grant are:

• To promote empirical research among undergraduates and postgraduates at Sarawakian universities.
• To provide financial support that enables students to conduct meaningful research with practical and policy-relevant implications for Sarawak.
• To encourage academic rigor and intellectual discourse by facilitating knowledge sharing through publications and seminars.
• To support research that aligns with SDI’s core focus areas and contributes to Sarawak’s sustainable development and economic prosperity.

Funds Provided

• Bachelor Degree - RM2000
• Master and PhD - RM5000

Who Can Apply

Final year undergraduate or postgraduate student enrolled in a public or private university in Sarawak at the time of application Applicants who are already recipients of any other external research grants or fellowships (excluding MyBrain or university-linked grants) are not eligible to apply.

Criteria

• The research project must be empirical in nature and focused on an area within the state of Sarawak.
• The research should align with one or more of SDI’s areas of interest, including but not limited to:
  • Development Studies
  • Environmental Sustainabilit
  • Economic Prosperity
  • Social Welfare and Inclusivity
  • Urban and Rural Development
  • Governance and Public Policy
  • Cultural and Heritage Studies

Expectations and Deliverables

Recipients of the SESG are required to fulfil the following obligations. The duration of days stated below is effective upon the signing of the contract:

a) Progress Reporting

• Mid-Project Progress Report (6 Months): Submitted within 180 days of execution of the grant, this report should outline research activities completed, challenges encountered, any adjustments to the methodology, and an interim financial report detailing fund utilization.
• Final Research Report (12 Months): Submitted within 360 days of execution of the grant, this comprehensive report should summarize the research process, methodology, key findings, analysis, and policy implications.

b) Knowledge Sharing

• SDI Brown Bag Talk: Recipients must present their findings at an SDI-hosted seminar within 60 days of final report submission (unless decided otherwise by SDI), facilitating engagement with scholars, policymakers, and the public.
• Public Consumption Article: A concise research summary article, tailored for the general public, must be submitted for publication in the SDI Newsletter within 60 to 90 days of the final report submission. This article should translate the research into key insights accessible to a broader audience.

Application Process and Requirements

Applicants must submit their application via the designated online form alongside relevant documents (in PDF format).

The applicant is required to submit his/her Research Proposal (up to 5,000 words) that includes the following sections:

• Introduction and Background: A brief overview of the research context and significance.
• Problem Statement: A clear articulation of the research problem and its relevance to Sarawak.
• Research Objectives: The specific aims and goals of the study.
• Literature Review: A concise review of related literature to frame the research question.
• Research Methodology: Detailed description of data collection and analysis methods.
• Timeline: A realistic schedule outlining key milestones and deliverables.
• Expected Outcomes: The anticipated contributions and potential impact of the research.
• Budget Breakdown: A detailed list of cost items for which the grant will be used, including justifications for each expense.
• Letter of Endorsement from Supervisor confirming his/her commitment to act as the project supervisor.
• Applicant’s Curriculum Vitae (CV).