Alhamdulillah, all praise be to Allah SWT for His grace and blessings that have enabled InsPeK to continue advancing in strengthening its role as a high-impact centre for poverty research and management. The year 2026 marks a new phase in InsPeK’s journey, in line with our ongoing commitment to empowering poor communities in a sustainable and evidence-based manner.
Since its establishment in 2014 and restructuring in 2017, InsPeK has grown into a more mainstream research institution with a clear focus on working closely with poor communities, engaging multiple stakeholders, and generating sustainable impact in poverty management. Over the past decade, InsPeK has built a strong foundation through the implementation of more than 80 research projects, capacity-building initiatives, and knowledge transfer programmes covering various disciplines and strategic issues.
Among InsPeK’s significant achievements is the implementation of the “360-Degree Poverty Mapping” study, which has been widely adopted at the national level, including by the Ministry of Economy. The study involved more than 8,000 Heads of Poor Households (KIR) and has become an important reference in understanding the realities of poverty in a comprehensive, integrated, and data-driven manner.
The uniqueness of InsPeK’s approach lies in its emphasis on applied and translational research, ensuring that research findings are not merely academic but can be translated into practical, effective policies, strategies, and interventions. In tandem with this, InsPeK actively implements community capacity-building programmes to strengthen self-reliance, enhance socio-economic resilience, and break the intergenerational cycle of poverty.
Community capacity development by InsPeK is driven by a holistic ecosystem approach that involves strategic collaboration among Universiti Malaysia Kelantan (UMK), higher education institutions, Federal and State government agencies, industry players, non-governmental organisations (NGOs), and the target communities themselves. This inclusive approach has enabled the implementation of more integrated, targeted initiatives with long-term impact.
In addition, InsPeK plays an important role in developing strategic plans and formulating policies at the community, local government, state, federal, and international levels. Initiatives such as the “Lembah Barakah” and “KEGA Valley” concepts continue to be strengthened through engagement with subject-matter experts and industry partners, aligned with current needs and the nation’s aspirations for inclusive development.
As we enter 2026, InsPeK remains committed to reinforcing its role as a driver of impactful research, a facilitator of evidence-based policy, and a social change agent grounded in humanitarian values. Every effort undertaken is guided by one primary goal: to manage poverty sustainably so that poor communities can achieve well-being and, in turn, contribute meaningfully to societal and national development.
Our highest appreciation is extended to the top management of Universiti Malaysia Kelantan for their continuous support of InsPeK, as well as to the entire UMK community who serve as strategic partners and the backbone of the institute’s success. Appreciation is also extended to the Federal Government, State Government, industry partners, NGOs, and target communities who continue to work hand in hand to combat poverty sustainably.
Together, we strengthen our efforts and continue to re-engineer poverty management for a more prosperous and inclusive future.
Dr. Ahmad Fahme bin Mohd Ali
Director
Institute for Poverty Research and Management (InsPeK)
Universiti Malaysia Kelantan
January 2026