USM PENANG, 14 September 2025 – Having been recognised as a Higher Education Centre of Excellence (HICoE), the Universiti Sains Malaysia (USM) Centre for Drug Research (CDR) continues to drive a research agenda that is strategic and impactful, specifically in the study of ‘ketum’ (Mitragyna speciosa).

CDR USM is the leading research centre that conducts research on ‘ketum’ and has currently published more than 150 scholarly publications, making it among the highest in the world.

Director of CDR USM, Professor Dr. Vikneswaran Murugaiyah said, the study on ‘ketum’ had begun in 2009 and has grown through an interdisciplinary approach combining pharmacology, toxicology, analytical chemistry, clinical science, health policies and the social sciences.

He said that, by having the core expertise, a highly-committed team of researchers and world-class laboratory facilities, CDR USM has consistently being able to generate scientific data capable of providing significant contributions to the country.

“CDR USM is ready to offer opportunities for collaboration with any party, more so in strengthening relations with regard to the academia, industry, and policymakers in order to reduce the existing gaps.

“We hope that more authorities would be aware of the existence of CDR USM, which is always ready to serve as a referral centre and to be part of any issue that is directly or indirectly related to ‘ketum’,” he said.

He said that when commenting on the organisation of Kratom Updates 2025 in collaboration with the National Research and Innovation Agency, Indonesia and Prince of Songkla University, Thailand.

According to Dr. Siti Rafidah Yusof and Associate Professor Dr. Darshan Singh, who are also part of the organising committee, Kratom Updates, which is entering its second year provides a scientific platform that gathers scientists from Malaysia, Thailand and Indonesia to enhance cooperation and to share the latest research findings on ‘ketum’.

The conference will be held for two days in Bali, Indonesia this coming October, with the expected participation of 70 attendees.

A variety of topics would be discussed in relation to the usage of ‘ketum’ traditionally, chemically, from aspects of neuroscience, pharmacology and other health-related issues.

Added Vikneswaran, by using a holistic and interdisciplinary approach, CDR USM possesses an excellent research track record in addition to a more comprehensive scientific viewpoint.

He further said, CDR USM has been acknowledged by various authorities including the Ministry of Higher Education (MoHE) as the pioneer in the study on ‘ketum’ regionally, in addition to having obtained research grants at both the local and international levels.

The research centre that was established in 1978 has enriched the knowledge ecosystem via reviewed publications, technology transfer, and evidence-based proposal formulations to support the framework of regulations and public health interventions.

“We hope that by means of local and international collaborative networks and training for research talents, CDR USM will continue to strengthen Malaysia’s position as an international referral centre in the research on ‘ketum’,” he stated.

He added, Malaysia should be able to become the main player in the research on ‘ketum’, in view of the unique geographical location of the country, and in having a rich biodiversity and natural habitat of the plant.

Aside from that, CDR USM which was among the pioneer in conducting research on ‘ketum’, has also been able to lead in setting quality standards, analysis methods, and in safety and clinical guidelines.

“From the aspect of public health, local evidence-based scientific research conducted could support policies based on data for risk mitigation purposes, treatment of addiction, and in looking at the potential of safe therapeutic applications.

“We also need to grab the opportunity to implement talent and reputation development, and strengthening the R&D ecosystem to attract global research collaborations, research funds, and high-impact investments,” he further added.

Text: Centre for Drug Research (CDR), USM