Team of Curtin Malaysia academics wins prestigious university grant for research study

Miri – 15 May 2023 – A multi-disciplinary team of esteemed academics from Curtin University Malaysia (Curtin Malaysia) has been awarded a highly competitive 2023 LITEC – Curtin Academy iSoLT Small Grant from Curtin University to conduct a groundbreaking research study on entrepreneurial learning.

The all-female team comprises Associate Dean of Research and Development at Curtin Malaysia’s Faculty of Business Dr. Tiong Ying Ying as project lead, and members Associate Dean of Learning and Teaching Dr. Fayrene Chieng, accounting lecturer and programme coordinator Dr. Jong Ling, and Director of Curtin Malaysia’s School of Pre-U and Continuing Education (SPACE) Associate Professor Fidella Tiew.

The team will focus their study on ‘Entrepreneurial Learning through Intergeneration Practice: Work Integrated Learning to Foster Creative Partnerships through Upcycling’, aiming to bring to light significant insights and innovations in the field of entrepreneurial learning.

According to the team, a major challenge for universities in providing quality entrepreneurial education is that learning commitments, like assignments, do not translate into practice because of inadequate delivery capacity, unclear implementation strategy, or challenging external party engagements.

Entrepreneurship education necessitates an association between theory and action. Hence, experiential learning is increasingly prevalent as the preferred teaching method in entrepreneurship education, with an emphasis on students ‘real-world’ experience.

Another issue is that most teaching units ignore global ageing issues. As societies age, younger generations will have to deal with more seniors in the future, but generation gaps may impede effective communication.

The team’s study will therefore examine the adequacy of using work-integrated learning (WIL) pedagogy in entrepreneurship education. It will engage students and older adults in upcycling business activities to promote intergenerational understanding, respect, and partnership.

The study will also aim to improve students’ entrepreneurship skills and help them develop entrepreneurship attitudes, which will enhance the learning experience and promote academic achievement. As part of the study, students will initiate a business and partner with older adults in the supply chain system.

Upcycling activities will be carried out to re-associate ‘old’ objects or people with a chance for a second/better life. Ultimately, the project will encourage students to be active learners, with a strong sense of belonging to communities and the planet, and become social entrepreneurs.

“We are thrilled to receive this grant and have the opportunity to conduct this study, said Dr. Tiong. “We believe that our work has the potential to make a real impact and advance knowledge in the field.”

The grant was highly sought after, with numerous applications from academics from all of Curtin’s campuses in Australia, Malaysia, Singapore, Dubai and Mauritius. Only six project proposals were successful in securing grants of AUD $9,660 each, and the Curtin Malaysia team’s project was the only one to be awarded outside Australia. The team’s successful application is a testament to the team’s reputation and expertise in the field.

The LITEC – Curtin Academy iSoLT Small Grant was created to provide opportunities for projects that build capacity in innovative Scholarship of Learning and Teaching (iSoLT) for all teaching staff across all of Curtin’s campuses and locations, improve the student experience, and realise the aims of the university’s 2030 Strategic Plan.

“We are proud that Curtin Malaysia is home to such researchers whose work is making a real difference,” said Curtin Malaysia’s Pro Vice-Chancellor, President and Chief Executive Professor Simon Leunig. “This grant showcases the calibre and impact of our faculty and research programmes.”

The project is set to commence this June with results expected to be published in May 2024. The research team will continue to make progress in their study with the goal of advancing knowledge in the field.

For more information on Curtin Malaysia, visit www.curtin.edu.my or look for Curtin Malaysia on Facebook, Twitter, Instagram, YouTube, LinkedIn or TikTok.

The Curtin Malaysia research team (L-R) Dr Fayrene Chieng, Dr Tiong Ying Ying, Assoc Prof Fidella Tiew, Dr Jong Ling