The Joint Higher Degree by Research Conference is an annual collaborative effort by doctoral candidates from participating universities. JHDRC 2024 will be hosted by Sunway University, Malaysia (SU) in partnership with James Cook University, Singapore (JCUS), Taylor’s University, Malaysia (TU) and University of Reading, Malaysia (UoRM). This year’s conference theme "Innovate, Collaborate, Elevate" references the shared experience of all Higher Degree by Research (HDR) candidates pioneering & contributing knowledge to their respective fields, fostering social & research collaboration, and disseminating our research & knowledge to others. We aim to celebrate the variety and diversity of research topics explored by candidates in our South-East Asia region and beyond, the shared experience of candidature milestones, and to develop an international, supportive and collaborative research community.

This year will include cash prizes again for Best Oral Presentation (up to RM658) for the top presenters for each parallel session (by discipline) & Best Poster Presentation (up to RM448) for the top presenters for each poster session (Day 1 & 2)!

Date: 4th - 5th September 2024
Venue: Sunway University, Malaysia

OUR PARTNERS

KEY DATES

Any abstract submitted after the deadline will not be considered.

ABSTRACT SUBMISSION INSTRUCTIONS

1. Format and Content:
   • Abstracts should be written in Times New Roman font, size 12, with double spacing.
   • The abstract should be 200-300 words long and include 2-5 keywords.
   • The title of the abstract, body of the abstract, and keywords should be on Page 1 of the document.
   • Page 2 should include the name and affiliation of the primary author and supervisors or other co-authors, primary discipline of your research, areas of interest for collaboration, country of residence, and stage of progress (e.g., year 1/beginning, year 2/middle, year 3-4/end).
2. Document Naming and Submission:
   • Name the document as follows: [Family Name in uppercase][Given Name]_[Discipline]. For example: ZHANJuan_TU_Hospitality&Tourism.
   • Submit your abstract as a Word document (.doc or .docx) via email to [email protected].
3. Presentation Format and Multiple Submissions:
   • In your email, please indicate your presentation format: Oral or Poster.
   • If presenting more than one paper, please specify this in your submission email.
4. Physical Presence Requirement:
   • Note that only physical presentations are accepted; virtual presentations are not available for this conference.
5. Abstract Submission Template
6. Download Abstract Template

The primary author will be notified of the review committee’s selection. Additional instructions for the conference will be provided then.

MODES OF PRESENTATION

Oral Presentations

• Duration: 20 minutes per presentation (15mins presentation, 5mins Q&A).
• Format: Presenters will have access to a projector and computer. Please prepare your presentation in PowerPoint (.ppt or .pptx) format.

Poster Presentations

• Size: [A1] [Portrait orientation] [33.11” x 46.81”].
• Format: Posters should be readable from a distance of 1 meter. Include your title, authors, affiliation, introduction, methods, results, and conclusions.
• Setup: Posters will be displayed in a designated area. Presenters are responsible for setting up and taking down their posters at the specified times. Participants are responsible for printing their own posters according to the specifications listed above & transporting it safely to the conference for presentation.
• A general poster template is provided, participants are encouraged to adjust accordingly in terms of length/width within the fixed dimensions: Download Poster Template

CONFERENCE REGISTRATION

• 1.1 Online Registration

We are excited to invite you to register for the upcoming 4^th Joint Higher Degrees by Research Conference (JHDRC 2024) jointly organised by James Cook University (Singapore), Sunway University (Malaysia), Taylor's University (Malaysia) and University of Reading (Malaysia) on 4^th and 5^th September 2024. This physical conference will be hosted at Sunway University, Malaysia.

Please take note: The workshop on Day 2 has limited seating and requires pre-registration on a first come first serve basis. Pre-registration is FREE. Pre-registration will be available via a google form link found in your confirmation email upon successful registration for JHDRC 2024.

JHDRC 2024 Registration Fee is 20 SGD. Please register here.

• 1.2 Registration Benefits

  Registration includes access to all conference sessions (including keynote speech), a conference kit, refreshment breaks, lunch, and registration opportunity for a workshop (day 2). Participants will also receive an e-certificate of attendance.

CONFERENCE SCHEDULE
TBA

Co-chairs

Nicholas SEET Wei Kiat, James Cook University, Singapore
NYIEW Ke Ying, Sunway University, Malaysia,
ZHAN Juan (Leona), Taylor's University, Malaysia,
Yishan WONG, University of Reading, Malaysia

Secretariat

Anansa Consumido-Dijan, Taylor's University, Malaysia

Organizing Committee Members

Angela MENG Junyi, James Cook University, Singapore
Pamela ARUMYNATHAN, James Cook University, Singapore
Aliff AQID, James Cook University, Singapore
LIN Yingxuan (Celina) , James Cook University, Singapore
Raahilah Essa, Sunway University, Malaysia
Afsaneh Rotsami, Sunway University, Malaysia
Md Abu Zaed, Sunway University, Malaysia
Zahida Sharif, Sunway University, Malaysia
Sophie LIANG Hong Yu, Taylor's University, Malaysia
Guo Yueyun (Cassie), Taylor’s University, Malaysia
Felicia Luvena Albert, Taylor’s University, Malaysia
Lok Mei Liang, Taylor’s University, Malaysia
Juliana Hoo, University of Reading, Malaysia

Committee Advisors

Sze-Ee LEE, Taylor's University, Malaysia

Committee Mentors

Associate Professor Denise Dillon, James Cook University, Singapore
Associate Professor Dr Alexander Trupp, Sunway University, Malaysia
Associate Professor Keith Kay Hin Tan, Taylor's University, Malaysia
Associate Professor Dr Kai Li Chung, University of Reading, Malaysia

WELCOME KEYNOTE

Title: Fostering Values-Driven Research, Development and Impact through Dynamic Collaborative Networks

Description:

The global landscape continues to be volatile, uncertain, complex, and brittle. Traditional development models have focused on extracting maximum return on investment (ROI) at the expense of the health of the planet. This has led to degradation of the environment, global warming, disruption in the food systems, increase in communicable and non-communicable diseases, and increase in economic hardships across the globe. Research institutions and universities play pivotal roles in providing access to expertise, technology, and research support systems to address these global challenges. This presentation will highlight the need to nurture a values-driven development framework, which fosters strong national and global research networks to address the challenges that impact communities across the globe. The proposed new values-driven framework will highlight strategies for universities, research teams and research management professionals to generate greater return on value (ROV) for all stakeholders in the ecosystem; and collectively implement innovative solutions to address the global challenges.

Keynote Speaker

Professor Mahendhiran Sanggaran Nair

Pro Vice-Chancellor (Research and Sustainability)

Sunway University, Malaysia

Professor Mahendhiran Sanggaran Nair is the Pro Vice Chancellor (Research & Sustainability) at Sunway University Malaysia. He is trained as an econometrician and data scientist. Prof Nair is a Fellow of the Academy of Sciences Malaysia and Fellow of CPA (Australia). He is a member of the National Science Council of Malaysia, National High-Tech Council of Malaysia and the UN Sustainable Development Solutions Network (Malaysia). He has led several national and regional studies on science & technology policies, planetary health and sustainable economic development. He is the architect for the development of the 10-10 Malaysian Science, Technology, Innovation and Economic (10-10 MySTIE) framework, which is used by the Malaysian government for identifying national research priority areas. He currently leads a community observatory that examines the impact of planetary health issues on urban-poor communities in Malaysia. His research interests are in the following areas: STI policy modeling, behavioral modeling, development economics, sustainable development and planetary health.

HDR Workshop

Title: Unlocking Potential: A Workshop for Early-Career Research Success

Description:

Enhance your academic standing through our workshop, "Unlocking Potential: A Workshop for Early-Career Researchers." Specially crafted for those in the early stages of their academic journey, this session, led by Professor Dr. Chai Lay Ching, will delve into essential techniques aimed at increasing your visibility within the academic community. Topics to be explored include crafting impactful research plans, initiating and managing fruitful collaborations, and refining networking abilities.

Workshop Speaker

Professor Chai Lay Ching

Pro Vice-Chancellor (Education, Employability and Alumni)

Sunway University, Malaysia

Dr. Chai Lay Ching, a distinguished microbiologist, and Professor, currently holds the role of Pro Vice-Chancellor (Education, Employability and Alumni) at Sunway University. Dr. Chai's expertise has led to her appointment to key national and regional committees under both the Ministry of Health and ASEAN, where she serves as a notable food safety expert. She has also been appointed by the Academy of Sciences Malaysia to serve as the Chair of Young Scientists Network-Academy of Sciences Malaysia from 2019 to 2023. Dr. Chai's remarkable achievements include receiving the prestigious L’Oréal-UNESCO Women in Science Award in 2018 for her outstanding academic contributions. She was further honored with the Asian Women Entrepreneurs Leadership Award in 2019, acknowledging her exceptional leadership and influence in the sphere of innovation. In addition to these accolades, she was also recognized as one of the Prestige 40 under 40 Malaysia, Marie Claire Amazing Women 2019 and Young Women Scientist Award 2022 by the Malaysian Invention and Design Society. Dr. Chai's passion for science communication is evident through her frequent appearances on TV programs, in newspapers, and across various media platforms, where she generously shares her knowledge. Her research is primarily centered around food safety and microbiological risk assessment.

OUR EXTERNAL SPONSORS

Visionary Future Pte Ltd

We are committed to providing exciting experiences and services. The Crossing Reality (CR) glasses, through reasonable segmentation of users' field of view, achieve the coexistence of virtual and real worlds in the same space. Combining AR and VR technologies, freely switch between AR, VR, and CR modes, equipped with smart high-definition dual cameras, easily capture stunning 3D shots.

With a lightweight design of only 45g, suitable for comfortable wearing by various groups of people, freeing up hands and feet, satisfying users for long-term use. 1080P high-definition display, a virtual large screen of 200 inches at three meters. Unique color processing to restore delicate colors. Supports multiple device connections. Enjoy diverse scenes such as movies, sports, office work, and gaming anytime, anywhere. We pursue the combination of technology and spirituality, dedicated to creating and sharing spiritual wealth in the metaverse. Join us, explore infinite possibilities!

Nong Geng Ji

In 2017, Nong Geng ji Hunan cuisine was founded in Shenzhen, China. Hunan cuisines are fresh, spicy, and refreshing. With its adherence to ingredients and inheritance of Hunan local cuisine skills, Nong Geng ji has gained the favor of customers. Within 8 years, we have opened over 100 direct stores in country such as China, Singapore and Malaysia. It is a global chain restaurant specializing in Hunan cuisine and a leading brand of Hunan cuisine in China. We are committed to providing customers worldwide with a unique Hunan cuisine experience, hoping to make them feel the charm of Hunan cuisine in China.

Taylor’s University Postgraduate Student Council

Taylor’s PGSC is the student body established to look into the welfare and engagement activities in the postgraduate student community. They are made up of Postgraduate students from various programme and aim to create more integration and connectedness within the community. They also represent the voices of the students and work towards creating a better university experience for the postgraduate students.

JHDRC2024 would also like to express our deepest gratitude to Kian Chew Contractor for their respective sponsorship to the conference.

VENUE & ACCOMMODATION