Prof. Dr. Andrew Tan Khee Guan (School of Social Sciences)
30 October 2025 (Thursday)
10.30am-12.30pm
This workshop focuses on the role of an examiner and what do they expect based on the various sections of the thesis (abstract, introduction, literature review, methodology, results, discussion, summary & conclusion, references). Expectations and strategies in preparing for the viva-voce are also discussed. |
Professor Dr. Hajar Abdul Rahim (School of Humanities)
14 October 2025 (Tuesday)
9.30am-12.30pm
Publishing in reputable journals is essential for sharing research, building credibility, and advancing knowledge. Yet for many researchers, the process can feel overwhelming and unclear. This seminar offers practical guidance on every stage of academic publishing from selecting suitable journals to navigating submission systems, peer review, and revisions. Participants will learn how to evaluate high-impact, specialised, and open-access journals by considering their scope, audience, and requirements, as well as the hallmarks of effective scholarly writing, including clarity, coherence, originality, and disciplinary alignment. By addressing the key questions of what to publish, why it matters, and how to approach the process strategically, the session equips researchers with the skills and confidence to turn their findings into successful publications. A dedicated Q&A segment will provide further opportunities to discuss challenges and gain practical insights into the publishing landscape.
Professor Ir. Dr. Taksiah A.Majid (School of Civil Engineering)
15 October 2025 (Wednesday)
9.30am-10.30am
The topic aims to guide postgraduate students at Universiti Sains Malaysia (USM), the sole APEX university in Malaysia, towards realizing their full potential and contributing significantly to the institution's mission and vision. The key areas addressed include: Postgraduate at USM, Postgraduate Contribution to USM's Mission and Vision, The Perspective of Your Supervisor, Scenario as a Postgraduate, Attributes of a Good Postgraduate and Preparing Postgraduates for VUCA (Volatile, Uncertain, Complex, Ambiguous) world and preparing postgraduate students to thrive in such an environment. Through addressing these topics, the presentation seeks to inspire and equip postgraduate students to maximize their academic and professional potential during their tenure at USM and in their future endeavors.
Professor Dr. Chong Shu Chien @ Alexander (School of Biological Sciences)
23 October 2025 (Thursday)
2.30pm-4.30 pm
Giving a memorable scientific talk isn’t just about sharing data—it’s about telling a story that sticks. In this session, you’ll learn practical steps to transform your research into a clear, compelling presentation that engages your audience from start to finish. Whether you’re presenting at a conference or defending your thesis, this talk will help you speak with confidence, clarity, and impact.
Dr. Mansour Amini (School of Languages, Literacies & Translation)
7 October 2025 (Tuesday)
9.00am-12.00pm
Postgraduate thesis supervision can be both rewarding and challenging, often shaping students’ overall research journey. While supervisors play a critical role, students are not passive recipients; they are active partners in shaping the supervisory relationship. This talk explores how postgraduate students can take charge of their supervision by setting clear expectations, negotiating roles and responsibilities, and developing strategies to manage common challenges. Drawing on several models of supervision such as the Negotiated Order, Boundary Management, and Supervisor/Student Alignment, the session highlights practical approaches to building effective communication, managing power dynamics, and fostering autonomy. Participants will leave with concrete tools, such as supervision agreements, feedback strategies, and self-advocacy techniques, that can help them navigate supervision more confidently and productively.