Postgraduate Student Workshop Empowers Researchers at University of Cyberjaya

The University of Cyberjaya’s Graduate Research School (GRS) recently hosted a highly successful Postgraduate Student Workshop titled "Tips & Tricks for Proposal & Candidacy Defence" on 7 February 2025. Designed to equip postgraduate students with essential skills and confidence for academic defences, the event drew around 15 in-person attendees and over 40 virtual participants, emphasising the value of hybrid learning.

The workshop began with an address by Prof. Dr. Azrin Esmady Ariffin, Deputy Vice-Chancellor (Academic), who underscored the importance of research excellence and effective academic communication in postgraduate studies. He encouraged students to engage actively in such events to enhance their research and confidence.

Key Highlights

The workshop’s agenda covered several critical topics:

• Defence Requirements and Expectations: A guide to understanding the essentials of proposal and candidacy defences.
• Impactful Presentations: Tips for structuring and delivering compelling research presentations.
• Confidence-Building and Communication Skills: Techniques to overcome nervousness and communicate effectively.
• Handling Examiner Questions: Strategies for managing tough questions and avoiding common pitfalls.

The workshop featured expert speakers who offered practical insights:

• Prof. Dr. Shamima Abdul Rahman, Director of the Graduate Research School, detailed the requirements and intricacies of defences.
• Assoc. Prof. Dr. Norhafizah Ab Manan, from the Faculty of Medicine, provided actionable tips on delivering impactful presentations and effective communication.

A highlight of the workshop was a sharing session with three distinguished alumni, who shared their experiences and advice:

• Ahmed Ibrahim Abdeltawwab discussed overcoming challenges in proposal defences.
• Nan Nitra shared tips on structuring compelling research proposals.
• Loke Ying Hui offered strategies for effective communication and handling Q&A sessions.

Their personal anecdotes and practical guidance inspired attendees and provided valuable lessons for their academic journeys.

The success of the workshop was a testament to the collaboration between organisers, speakers, alumni, and participants. The hybrid format ensured accessibility and inclusivity, allowing a diverse group of students to benefit.

Encouraged by the positive feedback, the Graduate Research School plans to host more workshops to support postgraduate students. The University of Cyberjaya’s commitment to academic excellence and student development continues to shine through initiatives like these. By providing platforms for learning and collaboration, the university ensures its postgraduate researchers are well-prepared to meet the challenges of their academic and professional journeys.