Five Cheers for SASS-y Contestants

The fearless five: Paola Reale, Gwendolyn Bellinger, Kaflina Kamalul, Theresa Symons and Charulatha Pitigala

Written by: Sharon A. Bong (SASS Graduate Research Director)

Presenting what must feel like one’s lifework in three minutes is daunting by any measure. Yet, for our fearless five, it was “rewarding”, “a confidence booster” and “a wonderful opportunity”. Survivors of this “significant challenge”, tell their stories: “This competition was rewarding as it forced me to rethink my research as a story, one that can engage and be shared with anyone. It’s helped remind me why my work is important and what it is I am really working for!” says Gwendolyn Bellinger, winner of the SASS-level 3MT competition that was held on 19 April 2024.

For Theresa Symons who was runner-up and winner of the People’s Choice award, participating in the 3MT “validated [her] decision to embark on this PhD journey” as one who had left a regional leadership position to take up the PhD full-time.

The event fostered community-building as Charulatha Pitigala adds that, “It was also a refreshing change to see my peers’ presentations and how each of them individually approached it in their own unique and engaging way”. For Paola Reale, the collegiality was paramount as “SASS people make us always feel at home”. In that regard, we thank the judges – Drs Tan Meng Yoe, Azliyana Azhari and Raksha Pandya-Wood. And Kaflina Kamalul opines that the overall experience not only in performing but also prepping for that performance, taught her “that my thesis represents only a small fraction of the broader worldview”.  

Literacy With the Library #1: Financial Literacy with Professor Jane Terpstra Tong

Written by Khoo Tze Jien

On May 9th 2024, the Library had the honour of hosting Professor Jane Terpstra Tong from the School of Business and Co-Director of Future Southeast Asian Centre for Workplace Wellbeing for a financial literacy workshop, titled “How to Become a Millionaire? A 2-Hour Financial Literacy Workshop for University Students”.

In the interactive workshop, participants were introduced to crucial concepts like future value and present value, and were encouraged to invest in self-leadership and discipline to begin strategizing for long term financial security and success.

This is the first in a series of literacy workshops the Monash University Malaysia library is planning for this year. Keep an eye out for the future instalments!

#mumlibrary #literacy #workshops

Graduate Research Week 2024 Pre-Workshop

Written by Nur Muzzammil

The Graduate Research Week Committee is thrilled to share the recent pre-workshop held on May 6th and 7th, 2024! This pre-workshop was designed to provide support for all students who submitted abstracts for the oral and poster presentations for the upcoming MUM Graduate Research Week. The initiative aimed to not only improve students’ presentation skills but also to foster an understanding of Intellectual Property and Research Impact – communication, and planning. The workshop also equipped students with practical skills by introducing them to specific methods like the Canvas Model and key concepts of Implementation Science. Additionally, participants engaged in hands-on activities like stakeholder analysis tailored to their research projects

Our esteemed instructors and facilitators, representing various disciplines (Tan Siao Ping, Dr Raksha Pandya-Wood, Dr Andrian Liem, Dr Alina Arulsamy, Dr Hamimatunnisa Johar, Dr Azliyana Azhari and Dr Stefan Jurg Bachtold), delivered an engaging and interactive workshop, hopefully not just leaving participants well-prepared for their upcoming presentations but also their future planning.

As the excitement builds, we are now counting down to MUM Graduate Research Week 2024!

Click on the thumbnail to zoom in.

Three Minute Thesis (3MT®) 2024 School Level Competition

Written by Chew Chun Meng 

This year, we are delighted to announce the success of the Three Minute Thesis (3MT®) 2024 School Level Competition, which featured a collaborative effort involving the School of Engineering, School of Information Technology, and School of Pharmacy. A total of 11 talented graduate researchers showcased their Ph.D. theses in just 3 minutes.

Congratulations to all the winners of the Three Minute Thesis (3MT®) competition from each respective school.

School of Pharmacy
First Place – Aathira Sujathan Nair
Second Place – Teoh Kah Woon
People’s Choice Award – Aathira Sujathan Nair

School of Engineering
First Place – Sia Chin Siew
Second Place – Shafeeq Ahmed Syed Ali
People’s Choice Award – Sia Chin Siew

School of Information Technology
First Place – Kang Xiaoxi
Second Place – Mohan Raj Chanthran
People’s Choice Award – Kang Xiaoxi

We extend our sincere appreciation to all the graduate students who participated. Each of them delivered outstanding presentations that showcased dedication, creativity, and passion for research. Your efforts have made this competition a success, and we are proud of your enthusiasm and commitment.

We extend a heartfelt thank you to our distinguished panel judges: Dr Yogaambikai Paramanantham (SOP), Dr Lim Sing Sheng (SOE), and Ms. How Shi-Hui (SASS). Their expertise and dedication were crucial to the event’s success. Our appreciation also goes out to Professor Shaun Lee and Professor Anthony Guo for their continuous support, as well as Associate Professor Dr. Wu Ta Yeong, Dr. Soon Lay Ki, and Dr. How Chee Wun for their collaborative efforts. Additionally, we thank everyone who attended and cheered on the contestants.

Enhancing Emotional Intelligence and Building Resilience Workshop for Postgraduates: A Recap 🔍

Written by Cheryl Kong

In today’s fast-paced and competitive world, academic success is not solely determined by intelligence quotient (IQ) but also by emotional intelligence (EI) and resilience. Recognizing this, our recent workshop aimed to equip postgraduate students with the necessary tools to navigate challenges effectively, foster emotional intelligence, and build resilience. Here’s a brief recap of the event.

✒️Workshop Objectives:

  1. Understand the concept of emotional intelligence and its significance in academic and personal success.
  2. Learn practical strategies to enhance emotional intelligence.
  3. Explore techniques to cultivate resilience and manage stress effectively.

📍Key Highlights:

  1. Understanding Emotional Intelligence:
    • The workshop began with an insightful discussion on the components of emotional intelligence: self-awareness, self-regulation, social awareness, and relationship management.
    • Participants engaged in activities to assess their own emotional intelligence levels and identify areas for improvement.
  2. Practical Strategies for Enhancing EI:
    • Various techniques were introduced to enhance emotional intelligence, including mindfulness practices, journaling, and self-reflection exercises.
    • Role-playing activities allowed participants to practice empathy, active listening, and conflict resolution skills.
  3. Cultivating Resilience:
    • The importance of resilience in overcoming setbacks and achieving academic goals was emphasized.
    • Participants learned strategies such as reframing negative thoughts, building a strong support network, and maintaining a healthy work-life balance.
  4. Interactive Discussions:
    • Throughout the workshop, interactive discussions and group activities fostered a supportive learning environment.
    • Participants shared personal experiences and exchanged strategies for managing stress and building resilience.
  5. Action Planning:
    • In the final session, participants developed personalized action plans to apply the skills and strategies learned during the workshop in their academic and personal lives.
    • Follow-up resources and support networks were provided to encourage ongoing growth and development.

The EI and Building Resilience Workshop for Postgraduates provided a valuable opportunity for participants to enhance their emotional intelligence, develop resilience, and acquire practical skills for academic and personal success. By fostering self-awareness, empathy, and effective coping mechanisms, participants are better equipped to navigate the challenges of postgraduate life and thrive in their academic pursuits. We look forward to seeing the positive impact of these skills in the participants’ future endeavours.🤩

School of Engineering & School of IT Joint Townhall + Buka Puasa

Written by Doreen Mavis Patrick.

On 25 March 2024, the School of Engineering and the School of Information Technology hosted a joint Town Hall event followed by a Buka Puasa gathering. The event brought together management teams, supervisors, and graduate research students from both schools to share important updates and foster a sense of community.

The event began with welcoming speeches from AHoS Graduate Research SoIT, Dr. Soon Lay Ki, and AHoS Graduate Research SoE, Associate Professor Wu Ta Yeong. They provided significant updates on the Graduate Research Scheme (GRS), including welcoming new graduate research students and acknowledging the achievements of those who had recently completed their programs.

Mr. Muhammad Shukri Yaakub discussed upcoming competitions such as the 3MT and VYT, while Mr. Shafeeq Syed Ali provided an overview of Graduate Research Week set for July 2024. The School representative for MUPA also shared planned activities for 2024, outlining future opportunities and events for students. Overall, the students actively participated in the Q&A sessions and gave positive feedback on the event.

The evening concluded with a Buka Puasa dinner, allowing participants to break their fast together and engage in informal networking.

MUPA PG Sharing Session #1: Speed Friending

Written by Dakshina Fernando. Edited by Emily Yap Sin Yee.

MUPA PG Sharing Session 1, held on 19 March 2024, was a resounding success, as it brought together current and new postgraduate (PG) students in an atmosphere of camaraderie and interaction. The event’s focal point, Speed Friending, was a dynamic way to break down social barriers and facilitate connections among attendees. Dividing students into groups allowed them to share both the positive and negative aspects of themselves, fostering openness and understanding among peers.

Breaking Ice, Building Bridges

The session kicked off with an icebreaker activity, which encouraged active participation and set the tone for meaningful engagement throughout the session. As discussions unfolded, participants and MUPA members alike found themselves immersed in lively exchanges, enriching the overall experience.

Feedback and Future Directions

During the feedback session, the attendees had the opportunity to voice their preferences and suggest ideas for future activities. MUPA would like to take the opportunity to thank the valuable feedback. There was a clear call for MUPA to prioritise initiatives such as Thesis/Dissertation Writing Retreats, Movie Nights, and Professional Development activities. These suggestions reflect the diverse needs of PG students, spanning academic support, entertainment, and engagement opportunities.

Ultimately, the event concluded on a high note with a shared meal, further fostering a sense of community and belonging among all attendees. Through initiatives like the Speed Friending session and responsive feedback mechanisms, MUPA continues to demonstrate its commitment to enhancing the PG experience and fostering a supportive environment for all students.

Thanks to Dina Osman and Jaclyn Lee from the School of Medicine, Safa Omran from the School of Pharmacy, and Golsa Karambakhsh from the School of Science for their support in taking photos during this event. Video edited by Sharifah Rose Ee.

Postgraduate Orientation February 2024

Written by Dakshina Fernando. Edited by Jeannette Goon.

The postgraduate orientation event held on 20th February 2024 was a tremendous success, with 154 registrants and 114 enthusiastic attendees joining us to kick off the academic year. 

Professor Beverley Webster, Vice President (Education) welcomed all students and members of administrative staff. And our other distinguished speakers shared invaluable insights, as well as briefed students on the facilities provided by the university. They also directed the students to explore more resources on the university’s MyDevelopment platform. 

The event was further broadened by the virtual presence of the Monash Graduate Association (MGA) and Monash Graduate Research Office (MGRO) representatives Ms Zuzana Quinn, MGA’s Senior Advocate, and Ms Connie Barbuscio, MGRO’s Senior Candidature and Thesis Examinations Officer who shared their insights on life at Monash.

The event buzzed with engaging Monash University Postgraduate Association (MUPA) booth activities. Participants joined interactive sessions with MUPA office bearers and had fun in a ping pong game for all visitors, staff and students. Congratulations to the winners – Mr. Kuhan from Master of Professional Counselling (MOPC), Mr. Bharath, Mr. Menh, and Ms. Vaani from the Security team! They walked away with prizes.

Goodie bags were filled to the brim with essentials like the MUPA lanyard and ID cover, as well as other Monash merchandise, ensuring our new postgraduate students were equipped for the journey ahead.

The new students also had the opportunity to network, fostering connections that will undoubtedly shape their academic and professional trajectories. Here’s to a promising year ahead!

Thanks to Hizkia Yosias from the School of Arts & Social Sciences and Isra Shaikh from the Master of Professional Counselling for their support in taking photos during this event. Video edited by Sharifah Rose Ee.