From Aspiration to Achievement

18 March 2024

1. Tell us about this scholarship.

The Monash University Malaysia Graduate Research Merit Scholarship offers outstanding students the chance to pursue postgraduate programs with a full tuition fee waiver and a monthly stipend. This prestigious scholarship is designed to support students in their academic endeavours and research pursuits. Candidates undergo a rigorous selection process, including shortlisting and interviews, before receiving the scholarship offer.

2. In what ways do you believe this scholarship aligns with your academic and career aspirations?

This scholarship aligns perfectly with my academic and career aspirations by providing essential financial support for advanced study and research. It has relieved me of the burden of financial constraints, allowing me to immerse myself fully in my academic and research pursuits.

Furthermore, the opportunity to serve as a tutor in various units has been instrumental in enhancing my academic development. Through real-life tutoring experiences, I had the chance to refine my teaching skills and contribute to the academic growth of students. Witnessing the progress and learning of students has been immensely rewarding and has further solidified my commitment to education and academia.

Additionally, the excellence of the supervisory team has played a crucial role in bolstering my confidence in the academic environment offered by Monash University. Their mentorship and insights have been invaluable in shaping my research direction and methodology, contributing to the overall success of my academic endeavours.

3. What motivated you to pursue this particular scholarship opportunity?

I was drawn to pursue the Monash University Malaysia Graduate Research Merit Scholarship primarily due to the exceptional research environment at Monash University Malaysia. The prospect of being immersed in a setting where innovation thrives, and cutting-edge solutions are developed was truly enticing. The School of Engineering boasts diverse research topics, ranging from advanced materials and smart cities to robotics and bioelectronics. This diversity facilitates cross-disciplinary communications, fostering a conducive atmosphere for innovation and groundbreaking research. As someone deeply passionate about robotics, I was particularly drawn to Monash's unique focus on soft robotics research.

Soft grippers have garnered significant interest in recent years due to their unique ability to grasp objects with diverse shapes. However, integrating sensors in soft robots is less straightforward than their rigid counterparts. Soft robots may have infinite degrees of freedom (DoF), making it challenging to equip them with perception abilities without compromising their mechanical characteristics and functionality. Hence, my research proposes an innovative approach integrating 3D depth sensing with machine learning techniques to enable accurate hardness sensing using a robotic gripper.

Furthermore, the comprehensive research facilities available at Monash University Malaysia provide the necessary infrastructure and resources essential for the success of my research project. This completeness of facilities, coupled with the expertise and support of the supervisory team, assures me that I will have the support and tools needed to realise the full potential of my research endeavours.

4. In what ways has the scholarship played a role in shaping your overall university experience?

As a scholarship recipient, I have fully immersed myself in my academic and research pursuits without the financial burden of tuition fees. The vibrant community and conducive environment at Monash University Malaysia have further enriched my university experience, allowing me to engage in various academic and extracurricular activities.

I have had the opportunity to engage with postgraduate students from different Schools through the Monash University Postgraduate Association (MUPA). Serving as the MUPA School of Engineering Representative for two years has provided me with invaluable opportunities to organise and coordinate various postgraduate activities, including laser tag, indoor skydiving, and movie nights. These experiences have fostered meaningful connections and enhanced my interpersonal, communication, leadership, and organisational skills.

Furthermore, participating in school-level and campus-level meetings as the School of Engineering Representative has offered insights into the decision-making processes within the university community. These engagements have deepened my understanding of academic governance and provided me with a platform to contribute to shaping the university's policies and initiatives.

5. Are there specific challenges or milestones that stand out as crucial to your growth?

A pivotal milestone in my PhD journey was receiving the prestigious Monash University Postgraduate Association (MUPA) Outstanding Postgraduate Student Award (School of Engineering). This esteemed award recognises students who demonstrate excellence in academic achievement, professional development, leadership, and engagement. It stands as a testament to my unwavering dedication and hard work throughout my academic journey, motivating me to continue striving for excellence.

One notable challenge I encountered during this journey was juggling multiple leadership positions while maintaining focus on my academic pursuits. Concurrently serving as the MUPA School of Engineering Representative and Chairperson of the Institution of Engineering and Technology (IET) Malaysia Network Young Professionals Section (YPS) posed logistical and time management challenges. However, with the unwavering support and encouragement from my family members and supervisors, I was able to navigate these responsibilities effectively while maintaining the quality of my academic work.

6. Drawing from your experience, what advice would you give to students considering applying for scholarships?

My advice to students considering applying for scholarships is to identify their strengths, passions, and career aspirations early on. Research available scholarship opportunities thoroughly and tailor application materials to highlight alignment with the scholarship's criteria and values. Additionally, actively engage in extracurricular activities, community service, and leadership roles to demonstrate well-roundedness and commitment to personal and professional growth. Lastly, persevere in the application process, seek feedback, and utilise available resources for guidance and support.

More information on our Scholarships and Fee Waivers here.