Curtin Malaysia advances research excellence with statewide Bibliometric Workshop

Miri, Sarawak – 2 July 2025 – As part of efforts to boost research excellence in Sarawak, Curtin University Malaysia (Curtin Malaysia), through its Faculty of Business and Office of Research and Development, recently hosted the Northern Region session of the Bibliometric Analysis via VOSviewer & Scientific Databases Workshop. The three-day intensive training brought together over 60 researchers from various institutions to explore advanced bibliometric tools and techniques.

Held from 16 to 18 June on Curtin Malaysia’s campus, the workshop was part of a larger statewide initiative supported by the Sarawak Research and Development Council (SRDC) and spearheaded by the Centre for Continuing Education & Professional Development (CEPD) of the University of Technology Sarawak (UTS). The initiative aims to boost research capacity and academic impact across the state’s higher education institutions.

Led by Dr. Armstrong Ighodalo Omoregie, a leading bibliometric analysis expert from UTS, the workshop combined in-depth theoretical sessions with hands-on training using Scopus and VOSviewer. Participants learned how to identify emerging research trends, evaluate academic output, map collaboration networks, and align their research strategies with high-impact journal requirements.

“Bibliometric analysis is more than metrics; it is about making smarter research decisions,” said John Curtin Distinguished Professor Nagarajan Ramasamy, Dean of Research and Development at Curtin Malaysia. “Workshops like these equip researchers with real tools to amplify their academic contributions and institutional visibility.”

Attendees represented a cross-section of institutions, including UPM Bintulu, i-CATS University College, and Open University Malaysia, reflecting the workshop’s success in promoting cross-institutional collaboration. The event also served as a platform to foster research partnerships and strategic alignment among Sarawak’s academic communities.

“This immersive, learn-by-doing format is key to mastering complex analytical tools,” added Dr. Tiong Ying, Associate Dean of Research and Development at the Faculty of Business. “It fosters a culture of shared learning and raises the collective research capabilities of our region.”

Curtin Malaysia expressed its appreciation to SRDC General Manager Professor Peter Morin Nissom for his continued support of research development in Sarawak, and acknowledged the contributions of Dr. Armstrong, UTS, SRDC, CEPD, and all participating institutions.

The Miri workshop followed earlier sessions in Sibu (hosted by UTS) and Kuching (hosted by i-CATS), marking a coordinated, statewide effort to uplift research quality, foster regional cooperation, and position Sarawak as a hub for impactful academic research.

For more information about Curtin Malaysia, visit curtin.edu.my or follow Curtin Malaysia on Facebook, Instagram, Twitter, LinkedIn, YouTube, or TikTok.

Participants, trainers, and organisers gather at Curtin Malaysia’s Bibliometric Workshop, supported by SRDC and UTS.