Curtin Malaysia students and staff with Ir. Prof. Suzana and Assoc. Prof. Suriati (seated third and fourth left) at the end of the seminar.
MIRI: 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 post-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 Chemical Engineering Department of Universiti Teknologi Petronas (UTP).
Also attending the seminar were head of UTP’s Chemical Engineering Department, Associate Professor Suriati Sufian, 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, academic and personal development.
Ir. Prof Lau receives a memento from Assoc.Prof. Suriati while Ir. Prof. Suzana looks on.
“Successful postgraduate studies require a wide range of skills, including social, management, leadership, academic, creative and critical thinking, prioritisation and negotiation skills.
“In addition, becoming successful research students involved publishing in high impact factor papers,” she pointed out.
Ir. Professor Suzana 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.
After 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 mementoes 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 May 1 – 5, 2019.
The conference, on 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 on-going 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,” he said.
Ir. Professor Suzana’s research interests are in the areas of biomass conversion to fuel and biochemical, materials development and green processes. She has authored books 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).
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