Cheryl Ong Sue Peng

Course: Bachelor of Science (Honours) (majoring in Biotechnology), 2009 and Doctor of Philosophy (Science), 2015
Nationality: Malaysian
Current role: Senior Manager, Research & Knowledge Management, Roundtable on Sustainable Palm Oil (RSPO)

Please tell us about your postgraduate research.

During my postgraduate research years at Monash University Malaysia, I embarked on an ecology-based research which investigated the mechanisms involved in leaf litter nutrient dynamics of two emergent tree species (Koompassia malaccensis and Shorea uliginosa) in a tropical peat swamp forest of Malaysia.

My postgraduate research work was divided between laboratory-based experiments as well as field-based research in the North Selangor tropical peat swamp forest. As such, it has equipped me with skills to work in both settings as well as knowledge on research project design, development and scientific writing, which are all very helpful, relevant and transferable to my current position at the RSPO.

In fact, my first exposure to RSPO was during my postgraduate years at Monash University. I have always had a strong interest and inclination towards environmental research. Hence, I decided to pursue a research on one of the most fragile, threatened but vital ecosystems in Malaysia which is the tropical peat swamp forest. Not many people know about the existence of this ecosystem but have at least felt or heard about the negative impacts that resulted from its damage. The most well-known impact is the annual haze resulting from the burning and degradation of the peat forests in this region. Through my research, I learned that the conversion of tropical peat swamp forests to oil palm plantations is one of the main threats to this ecosystem. Hence, it was also one of the main reasons for me to apply and pursue a career at the RSPO, in hopes of helping the organisation to make a positive change to drive sustainable practices in the oil palm industry.

Why did you choose to pursue your postgraduate degree at Monash?

As I did my undergraduate studies in Monash University Malaysia, the familiarity of the campus life including the lecturers as well as the high quality of education offered by the university was some of the main reasons that led me to pursue my postgraduate degree there. On a more personal note, Monash University Malaysia gave me an opportunity to pursue a postgraduate degree at an internationally recognised university that is very close to home.

Did you participate in any student activities or opportunities?

Monash has provided me with various interesting opportunities ranging from travelling and participating in research conferences or workshops both locally and internationally, attending multiple research field trips to various types of ecosystems as well as a part-time teaching position on campus. These opportunities have allowed me to widen my knowledge not just on research-related skills but also to broaden my perspectives in life by simply allowing me to travel, meet and learn from people all around the world. My part-time teaching position has also allowed me to earn some money and develop my teaching/communication skills along the way. One of the most valuable opportunities for me was to participate in the field research work of my course colleagues on various types of ecosystems in our country. Such trips allowed me to explore and experience nature at its best because field research often brings you to places that are not touristy or places where one would not venture into should you not be living there or conducting research.

What did you enjoy most about your student life?

The people that I have met and worked with are some of the best parts of my student life and I am grateful to have been able to build life-long friendships from there. During my postgraduate research years, I appreciated the freedom and support that have been provided by my supervisor to explore as well as to discover and develop myself. Monash Malaysia campus provides its students, both undergraduate and postgraduate, with a very comfortable, supportive and engaging learning space with many opportunities for students to further develop their skills and knowledge. Even after graduating and leaving Monash University, I still feel very much a part of the University and do receive support as an alumna when I need it.

What are your career goals?

My career goal has not changed much since the beginning. I still hope that I will be able to contribute to the protection and conservation of the environment and its biodiversity, as well as to make a positive change in the lives of the people in it, especially in Malaysia.