Lim Fang Sheng

Course: Bachelor of Mechanical Engineering (Honours), 2016 and Doctor of Philosophy, 2020
Nationality: Malaysian
Current role: Product Application Specialist, Matrix Optics (M) Sdn.Bhd

Please tell us about your PhD research.

My PhD research focused on exploring facile methods of fabricating bimetallic gold-silver nanoparticles, which has huge potential in optoelectronic application such as solar cells. The aim is to increase the absorption spectrum of the semiconductor via localised surface plasmon resonance phenomena originating on the surface of the metal nanoparticles upon photon illumination.

In addition to the optical properties, these nanoparticles will also improve the electron transport pathway of semiconductors by providing suitable energy band alignment. This has been driven by the possibility of employing thin semiconductor layers in order to reduce material costs and is enabled by significant advances in fabrication technology.

Why did you choose Monash?

Academic and research excellence is the obvious answer that comes to mind, though not a sufficiently satisfactory one, especially since prospective applicants often ask the question in face of competitive alternatives in Malaysia and around the world. Why did I choose Monash? The true reasons were not revealed to me until much later throughout my undergraduate and postgraduate studies, and it has been a worthwhile and meaningful journey. It was only when the initial presumed reasons disappeared and the valuable human connections made along the way separated Monash from other academic institutions.

Did you participate in any student activities or opportunities while at Monash?

I participated in the Eco Biz Dream Project, a competition organised by Alliance Bank in 2018-2019 to help revitalise Sungai Kerayong in the Klang Valley. I was given the opportunity to lead a team consisting of two other PhD students from the School of Engineering and two undergraduate students from the School of Arts and Social Sciences under the supervision of Dr Arshad Salema, and we were first runner-up.

Our winning idea aimed to achieve the goal by harnessing renewable energy from the flowing water with the river cleaning and energy regeneration (RCEG) system. It uses low head hydropower integrated with an automatic solid trash trapping system. The solid waste collected from the river, which are mainly plastic, will then be converted into value-added products, such as houseware and industrial products, among others. We were taught methods of ideation, techniques on pitching our idea and forming a strong business case model by the Asia School of Business under the guidance of Professor Rajesh Nair.

I attended the nano-electrical and nano-mechanical Atomic Force Microscopy (AFM) workshop in Singapore, organised by Bruker in 2017. As the only participant from Malaysia, I was given the opportunity to attend the workshop under the guidance of Dr Yue Ming Hua. I gained fundamental knowledge and hands-on practice with the equipment, and I was able to interact and network with participants from countries such as India, Sri Lanka, Thailand and Singapore.

I was the invited speaker for Nano Surfaces Analysis and Characterisation Symposium 2018. At the symposium, I was able to share my knowledge on the application of atomic force microscopy nano-electrical measurement on functional materials. Through this symposium, I was able to form a few collaborations with other researchers in the field of nanomaterials.

In collaboration with LightUp Borneo (an NGO with the aim to provide electricity to rural villages in Malaysia), I joined two expeditions (one during my undergraduate and another during my postgraduate studies) to install a micro-hydro generator in Ba’kelalan, Sarawak in 2015 and Kuala Lipis, Pahang in 2017. We were required to hike through the dense rainforest of Borneo and West Malaysia to transport long PVC pipes close to the water source. Although the labour is relatively intensive, the opportunity to experience the preserved beauty of the rainforests proved to be rewarding. As the local residents were a part of the whole process, I was able to experience the way of life of the Orang Asli villagers through their beliefs, food and music.

I was also a Monash Peer Assisted Study Sessions (PASS) program leader in 2015. PASS is an academic mentoring program, generally aimed at first-year students transitioning from high school to university. It's a program of guided study groups to provide support with difficult units. I was in my third year of undergraduate studies when I decided to participate in the PASS program as a PASS leader. I was able to share my knowledge and tips on scoring in a difficult subject with a high failure rate. The whole journey of being a PASS leader has had a meaningful impact on me as I was able to experience conducting a tutorial class, which sparked an interest in teaching that I never knew I had.

What did you enjoy most about your student life?

Meeting and connecting with people from different cultural backgrounds.

What are your career goals?

I hope to bridge the collaboration gap between industry and institutions in Malaysia.