Leaving the lecture hall behind
11 November 2024
by Yong Zi Qian
School of Information Technology
In October 2024, I attended the first in-person conference of my PhD journey in Kuching, a city in East Malaysia I had never visited before. It was exciting to participate in a conference physically and to experience a new destination. This trip gave me the perfect mix of professional growth and personal exploration.
About eight months ago, I was working on my research topic and hit a bit of a bottleneck. To break through, my supervisors and I decided to try something new: writing a conference paper. This fresh challenge was a great way to refocus, organise my findings, and gain new insights by presenting my ideas. My mindset at the time was that, even if the paper wasn’t accepted, the feedback and insights from the reviewers would still be incredibly valuable. Their constructive input would allow me to refine and improve my work. I saw it as a win-win situation—there was nothing to lose by trying.
Four months later, the results were out—great news, the paper was accepted, and I began preparing for the trip. The flight from West Malaysia to East Malaysia was about two hours short. It was my first time learning that travelling to Sarawak doesn’t necessarily require a passport, just the IC is enough. Upon entry, you will receive a small white slip that you need to keep until you return.
The conference was held at the Borneo Convention Center. Over five days, it offered a range of activities: keynote sessions, tutorials, oral presentations, etc. Researchers from around the world gathered to present their work, exchange ideas, and discuss the state-of-the-art in the field, creating a vibrant and collaborative atmosphere. It was a valuable experience—not only did it let me engage deeply with cutting-edge research, but it also gave me opportunities to network and connect with researchers across the world.
After the conference, I took some time to explore Kuching, a laid-back city with a unique vibe. I visited the Chinese Heritage Museum, where you can learn about Sarawak’s history and pioneers. The Borneo Cultures Museum is also a must-visit place—a five-story building with a cool, modern design inspired by Sarawak’s traditional crafts and culture. I got to try some local Sarawak dishes, like Sarawak Laksa, Kolo Mee, and Kueh Chap. Each one had its own unique flavour, adding an extra layer of enjoyment to my conference trip.
In short, this conference trip was a fruitful one. The most valuable aspect is the inspiration sparked by encountering a wide array of ideas. Engaging with presentations and discussions allows me to see how others approach similar challenges from different angles, often revealing fresh perspectives and more innovative solutions. I’m already looking forward to the next conference!