Curtin Malaysia students attend seminar on ‘Successful Engineering Research Studies’

Miri – 30 May 2018 – The Faculty of Engineering and Science of Curtin University Malaysia (Curtin Malaysia) recently hosted a research seminar on ‘Successful Engineering Research Studies’ for 33 of its undergraduate and graduate students.

The seminar was facilitated by Ir. Professor Suzana Yusup, cluster leader of the Biomass Research Group at the Centre for Biofuel & Biochemical Research and professor in the Chemical Engineering Department of Universiti Teknologi PETRONAS (UTP).

Also attending the seminar were Head of UTP’s Chemical Engineering Department, Associate Professor Suriati Sufian, and Associate Professor Agus Saptoro, Dr. Bridgid Chin, Dr. Zeinab Abbas Jawad, Associate Professor Raoof Gholami Mian Poshteh and Dr. Sukanta Roy of Curtin Malaysia’s Chemical Engineering, Petroleum Engineering, and Mechanical Engineering Departments.

During the seminar, Ir. Professor Suzana highlighted the significance of pursuing postgraduate studies, saying that it can be beneficial for career advancement, and both academic and personal development.

She said successful postgraduate studies required a wide range of skills, including social, management, leadership, academic, creative and critical thinking, prioritisation and negotiation skills. In addition, she highlighted that becoming successful research students involved publishing in high impact factor papers.

Ir. Professor Suzana also advised the students to develop a lifelong learning mindset, to always examine their decisions, and read and write regularly. They should also take the opportunity to attend training programmes, teach what they know, build self-awareness, gather feedback, find mentors and cultivate peer relationships throughout their studies.

Following the seminar, Ir. Professor Suzana and Dean of Curtin Malaysia’s Faculty of Engineering and Science Ir. Professor Lau Hieng Ho gave presentations on UTP and Curtin Malaysia respectively.

They also exchanged momentoes to mark the upcoming 8th International Forum on Industrial Bioprocessing (IBA-IFIBiop) 2019 to be jointly hosted by UTP and Curtin Malaysia in Miri from 1 to 5 May 2019.

The conference, with the theme ‘Bridging Sustainability and Industrial Revolution through Green Bioprocessing’, will bring together a multinational body of scientists, engineers and other experts to deliberate on global developments in the fields of bioenergy or biofuels, food technology and engineering, industrial biotechnology, environmental biotechnology, and upstream and downstream bioprocesses.

According to Ir. Professor Lau, the conference will provide a unique platform for experts from industry and academia to share their thoughts and views, network and develop research links. It will also enhance the ongoing collaboration in both academia and research between Curtin Malaysia and UTP. More information on IBA-IFIBiop 2019 can be found at ifibiop.utp.edu.my.

Ir. Professor Suzana’s research interests are in the areas of biomass conversion to fuel and biochemicals, materials development and green processes. She has authored a book, 16 book chapters and more than 200 articles in high impact factor journals and conference papers. Her long list of awards includes Malaysia’s Research Star Award 2017, Malaysia’s Rising Star Award 2016, 2nd prize in the Elsevier Green and Sustainable Chemistry Challenge 2016, Top Research Scientist Malaysia 2016, and Asia Research Award 2012 from The Society of Chemical Engineers, Japan (SCEJ).

Curtin Malaysia students and staff with Ir. Prof. Suzana and Assoc. Prof. Suriati (seated 3rd and 4th left) at the end of the seminar.

Ir. Prof. Lau receiving memento from Assoc. Prof. Suriati while Ir. Prof Suzana looks on.