ABOUT THE CENTRE
Background
The Institute of Mathematical Sciences, formerly known as the Department of Mathematics,
is one of the largest and most active institutes for mathematical sciences in Malaysia.
Among the illustrious mathematicians that have been with the Department of Mathematics
were C.J. Eliezer and Fields medallist Alexander Oppenheimer, the first Vice-Chancellor of
University of Malaya. The Fields medal is the highest four-yearly award in mathematics.
Members of the academic staff of the Institute are actively engaged in research problems
ranging from the abstract to the very applied. Areas of interest cover, among others,
algebra, analysis, geometry, combinatorics, topology, number theory, cryptography,
operational research, mathematical modelling, optimization, fluid dynamics, atomic and
nuclear scattering, image analysis, robust statistics, statistical process control,
distribution and statistical modelling, investment and finance, and multivariate methods.
The results of the Institute’s research activities have been published in renowned
international journals listed by the Institute for Scientific Information. Apart from
research, academic members are also involved in consultation work.
Rationale
The rapid advancement of computing technology has not only revolutionized mathematical
research but also placed great demands on its application to real-life problems in terms
of very complex modelling. This poses challenges and opportunities simultaneously to
researchers in the mathematical sciences. In line with the industrial and economic
development of the country, mathematical and statistical modelling is playing an ever
increasing important role. A Centre which focuses on the two fundamental areas of
mathematical and statistical modelling for research and applications will provide impetus
in such a development.
Objectives
A main objective of the Centre is to foster multi-disciplinary research in these areas
and to build up expertise in niche areas. The Centre also aims to create research and
consultation opportunities for academic staff and postgraduate students of the Institute.
Since the research interests of academic staff members in the Institute are rather
diverse, we focus on research problems that may be solved by various approaches. In
particular, problems with potential applications in industry are solicited.
Some research problems proposed are in the areas of cryptography, inventory, industrial
process control, finance, statistical modelling and data mining.
Centre Coordinator: Professor
Ong S.H.
Mathematical Cryptography
Facilitator: Professor Wong P. C.
Inventory and Scheduling
Facilitator: Assoc. Prof. Dr Mohd Omar
Statistical Process Control
Facilitator: Professor Sim C.H.
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