[Registration Opens] MUPA Cultural Night 2024

Dear Postgraduate International students! 

We’re thrilled to share that we’re hosting a “Cultural Dinner” that promises an incredible celebration of diversity and unity.

Event Highlights:

• A journey around the world, right here on campus!

• Presentations, performances, games and displays showcasing different countries’ culture and traditions.

• Prizes and gift hampers for participants.

• Cherry on top: A literal treat for your belly will be served with a buffet of Traditional Food.

 Date: 10th May 2024

 Time: 5:00 pm to 10:00 pm

 Venue: Idea Link (B6-L3)

Registration fee: RM10 only (non-refundable), ensuring a delightful culinary and cultural experience for all participants.

Hurry up: Due to the limited number of slots, we may be unable to accommodate everyone (first come, first served). For the registration of the event, kindly refer to this registration form

Get involved: If you’re interested in showcasing your culture through any forms (eg. presentation, performance, display etc), please fill in the details via this link by 5th May 2024.

Should you have any questions or require further information, please don’t hesitate to contact us at mupa.international-rep@monash.edu

Your participation will contribute immensely to the success of this event.

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.

[Expression of Interest] “Diving Deep: Exploring Molecular Docking and Homology Modelling in Computational Drug Design” Virtual Seminar

Dear MUPA Family,

Interested to know about computational drug designing? We are planning a virtual seminar on the basics of molecular docking with a step-by-step guide to use the free software, AutoDock, and homology modelling. Whether you’re a seasoned researcher, a budding enthusiast, or simply intrigued by the molecular realm, there is something for everyone. Share with us your interest in participating in this event and what you hope to expect from it via this Expression of Interest form

Event: “Diving Deep: Exploring Molecular Docking and Homology Modelling in Computational Drug Design” Virtual Seminar

Date: Tentatively between 17 to 24 May 2024

Time: 2pm to 4pm

Deadline to submit this Expression of Interest form: 16th April, 2024

Please note that the registration form to attend the event will come at a later date. For any queries, please email to mupa.pharmacy-rep@monash.edu.

[Expression of Interest] Cross-Pollinating Brilliance: Uniting Minds for Collaborative Networking

Dear MUPA Family,

Join us for an electrifying rendezvous of interdisciplinary minds, where innovation knows no bounds and collaboration ignites! Our collaborative networking event, Cross-Pollinating Brilliance: Uniting Minds for Collaborative Networking, brings together bright minds from diverse fields to foster synergy, spark creativity, and cultivate transformative partnerships. Don’t miss this opportunity to connect, collaborate, and catalyze change together!

Share your interests with us by filling in this Expression of Interest form and let’s unlock networking opportunities tailored to you.

Event: Cross-Pollinating Brilliance: Uniting Minds for Collaborative Networking

Tentative date: Between 25th April to 5th May 2024

Tentative time: 6pm-8pm

Deadline to submit this Expression of Interest form: 10th April, 2024

Please note that the registration form to attend the event will come at a later date. For any queries, please email to mupa.president@monash.edu.

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.

[Expression of Interest] MUPA Cultural Night 2024

Dear all International MUPA Members,

MUPA is planning for our annual night of cultural celebration and culinary delights on May 10th, 2024 at 5pm. We seek your inputs in creating an unforgettable MUPA Cultural Night experience. So, if you are an international MUPA member, please fill in this Expression of Interest form to help us make this event truly special. Share with us your interest in participating in this event and what you hope to expect from it. 

Deadline: April 9th, 2024

Please note that the registration form to attend the event will come at a later date. For any queries, please email to mupa.international-rep@monash.edu.

Have Your Say – Monash / MUPA Merchandises

We heard some of you missed getting some of the Monash and MUPA merchandises during Orientation Week Feb ’24. Others thought they want something more than the usual Monash push pins and notepads, and even our very own MUPA Hoodies, lanyards and books. So, here is your chance to express your wish list through this form

Please note that this form is an expression of interest so that we can be sure to have these merch in stock for you and perhaps even more new merch! Tell us your wish list and we’ll send out the purchase request form before Christmas 😉

Join MUPA Subcommittee: Recruitment Open!

Dear MUPA Family, 

Are you passionate about making a difference and being part of a dynamic team? We are excited to announce that recruitment for our subcommittee is now open!

Why Join Our Subcommittee?

  • Impact: Get involved in projects and initiatives that directly impact our community and beyond.
  • Networking: Connect with like-minded individuals, build relationships, and expand your professional network.
  • Skill Development: Enhance your skills, gain valuable experience, and grow personally and professionally.
  • Contribution: Contribute your ideas, creativity, and expertise to meaningful projects and initiatives.
  • Fun and Fulfillment: Enjoy a supportive and inclusive environment where you can thrive, learn, and have fun while making a difference.

How to Apply:

Simply click on this link to the application form and begin your journey with us! If you have any questions or need further information, please don’t hesitate to reach out to us at mupa.president@monash.edu. We’re here to assist you every step of the way. Please note the application deadline is April 1st 2024.

Join us in making a positive impact and shaping a brighter future. We look forward to receiving your application and welcoming you to our subcommittee!

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.