Xiaoxi Kang, Christina

Name: Christina Xiaoxi Kang
Nationality: China
Current Role: Doctoral Researcher at Monash University Malaysia

If you were previously or currently employed, what was/is your position and organisation? Please tell us about your role and what you do.

I only have internship experience since after graduate from degree, I directly go for my Master degree. And then currently in my phd.

Please tell us about your postgraduate research (e.g. your objectives and the potential real-world applications).

My research is mainly focused on the application for legal scenario understanding. Especially on the Malaysia Contract law. From the application, it able to provide a comprehensive analysis with the scenarios.

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Analyzing legal scenarios presents a considerable challenge, primarily due to the complexity of legal language and concepts. These barriers often make legal information inaccessible to the general public, who may struggle to understand the nuances of legal documents and proceedings. My research is focused on developing an advanced natural language processing tool specifically tailored to bridge this gap. This tool aims to demystify legal jargon, making it easier for individuals to grasp the underlying principles and specifics of legal cases especially focusing on the Contract Law Malaysia. By leveraging natural language processing, my project seeks to translate this complex legal language into more understandable terms, thereby facilitating better access to legal information for a broader audience.

The core of my research involves analyzing legal scenarios to extract relevant information. This process involves identifying the key issues at stake, the applicable legal rules, the analysis of these rules in the context of the issue, and the conclusion. These steps are encapsulated in the IRAC methodology, a framework used by legal professionals to structure their arguments and analyses.

By automating the IRAC methodology, my aim is to create a tool that not only simplifies the process of understanding legal documents but also assists in the preparation and analysis of legal cases. This could potentially transform how individuals interact with legal information, making it more accessible and understandable to the layperson. Through this research, I hope to contribute to narrowing the gap between legal experts and the public, ensuring that legal access is not limited by language or specialized knowledge.

Why did you choose to pursue your postgraduate degree at Monash Malaysia? Did it meet your expectations?

Because Monash Malaysia have the higher standard of the research work. I always want to improve my academic knowledge.

While at Monash, what type of opportunities did you participate in? (E.g. student exchange, clubs and societies, field trips, conferences, competitions, etc.)

Global Mobility program, EMNLP 2023 conference.

I participated in a global mobility program at Monash University Australia, where one of my supervisors is based. This experience allowed me to develop a closer relationship with my supervisor and their research team, significantly deepening my understanding of the topic. Additionally, I had the opportunity to engage in side projects related to my area of research. This not only broadened my academic horizons but also enabled me to expand my professional network, proving to be a valuable experience for my personal and professional growth.

What did you enjoy most about your student life at Monash? 

I can concentrate on my research, and have chance to communicate with expertise around the world.

What is your biggest career goal, or what is the difference you’d like to make?

I would like to become a lecturer in the future.