Curtin Malaysia celebrates rare recognition for postgraduate research excellence

Miri, Sarawak – 12 August 2026 – Three Curtin University Malaysia (Curtin Malaysia) PhD scholars have been awarded Curtin University’s prestigious Chancellor’s Commendation for an Exceptional Higher Degree by Research (HDR) Thesis, marking the return of the distinguished recognition to the campus for the first time since 2023.

The commendation recognises exceptional doctoral research that makes a significant contribution to knowledge, underscoring Curtin Malaysia’s commitment to research excellence and developing researchers whose work can contribute to positive change in society.

The recipients are April Chee Ling Kwang and Yat Yu Dong from the Faculty of Engineering and Science, and Vanessa Chan Ming Miin from the Faculty of Business.

The three PhD scholars were recognised during a dedicated commendation ceremony attended by members of the Curtin Malaysia Graduate School, the Faculty of Engineering and Science, the Faculty of Business, academic leaders and fellow HDR students.

In her welcoming address, Professor Ong Fon Sim, Dean of the Curtin Malaysia Graduate School, said research excellence should extend beyond personal academic achievement to create meaningful benefits for society.

“Doing research is not only to fulfil personal interest or personal ambition, but to create a meaningful impact on society,” she said.

She added that research should ultimately demonstrate that people matter, with the broader goal of enhancing the wellbeing of the community.

Also present at the ceremony were Professor Raymond Chiong, Dean of the Faculty of Engineering and Science; Professor Pauline Ho, Dean of the Faculty of Business; Professor John Lau, Deputy Dean of the Curtin Malaysia Graduate School; and Professor Ir. Bridgid Chin, Associate Dean of Research and Development, Faculty of Engineering and Science.

The ceremony also recognised five postgraduate students as recipients of the STEM Trailblazers Award in the postgraduate competition category.

The honourees were Hameid Rahimpour, Bong Chu Jun, April Chee Ling Kwang, Teo Yuan Ju and Hamidreza Alizadeh.

The STEM Trailblazers Award celebrates postgraduate students from Faculty of Engineering and Science who demonstrate strong potential in science, technology, engineering and mathematics, further highlighting Curtin Malaysia’s efforts to nurture the next generation of researchers and innovators.

For the three Chancellor’s Commendation recipients, the recognition represents the culmination of challenging doctoral journeys marked by perseverance, resilience and personal growth.

For Vanessa Chan, receiving the commendation was a significant milestone after years of perseverance and continuous learning. She described her PhD journey as one filled with challenges, self-doubt and countless revisions, making the recognition especially meaningful.

Yat Yu Dong described his doctoral studies as a transformative journey of learning and adaptation. He said embarking on a PhD was a completely new endeavour, but embracing its challenges fundamentally shaped who he is today.

For April Chee, overcoming the challenges of her doctoral studies helped her grow into a more confident and independent researcher.

Their experiences highlight that research excellence is not achieved through academic knowledge alone, but also through the resilience and determination to navigate challenges and keep moving forward.

The recognition of the scholars reflects Curtin Malaysia’s continued commitment to building a strong postgraduate research culture and empowering researchers to advance knowledge, pursue innovation and contribute meaningfully to society.

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Award recipients with academic leaders and HDR students.

Professor Ong Fon Sim addressing the gathering.