Pursuing Excellence

8 August 2024

by Muhammad Safuan Zainuddin
Jeffrey Cheah School of Medicine and Health Sciences

1. Tell us about this scholarship.

The Graduate Research Excellence Scholarship is a full scholarship waiving tuition and provides a monthly stipend for eligible postgraduate students to pursue either their research-based Master’s or PhD at Monash University Malaysia.

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

I am interested in natural products for drug discovery for Alzheimer’s disease, which aligns closely with my supervisor’s expertise. The facilities and resources provided by Monash University Malaysia allow adequate opportunities to conduct research in drug discovery. Along with a well-established research group at Jeffrey Cheah School of Medicine and Health Sciences, it provides ample experience in honing research and soft skills. It also opens doors for a mobility program to other prestigious universities, allowing interdisciplinary and global networking with other researchers. These will be invaluable for my future academic and career goals.

3. What motivated you to pursue this scholarship opportunity?

It might sound cliché, but finances were a significant factor. Throughout my academic journey, including my Bachelor of Medical Science and Bachelor of Science (Honours) degrees, my family has provided crucial financial support. This assistance, combined with funding from Perbadanan Tabung Pendidikan Tinggi Nasional (PTPTN), has enabled me to focus on my studies without the burden of significant financial stress. This scholarship helps to lessen their burdens as it covers my yearly tuition fee and monthly stipend. It helps me focus on my research and, ultimately, achieve my goal of graduating with a PhD.

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

This scholarship has been invaluable in helping me focus on my studies in neuroscience without the added financial stress. It has enabled me to gain a deeper understanding and knowledge of my field. The inclusive and diverse environment at Monash promotes inspiration, fosters ingenuity and generates innovative thoughts. This support has allowed me to collaborate and build connections with colleagues, faculty members, and experts across different fields beyond my own.

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

The thought of doing a PhD never crossed my mind. This is partly because I was struggling academically during my undergraduate. Fortunately, I was able to pursue my Honours degree and graduated with First Class Honours. I also continued with a research assistantship at the Jeffrey Cheah School of Medicine and Health Sciences. During those two crucial years pursuing my Honours and working as a research assistant, I had great supervisory teams who believed in me and my capabilities and looked beyond my transcripts. I am no longer a letter grade. This gave me the confidence to pursue research and motivated me to apply to the PhD program at the School of Medicine.

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

It may be daunting when applying for this scholarship. However, bear in mind that each applicant has a unique story worth sharing with the scholarship committee. Believe in those stories, and share how they shaped and motivated you to pursue higher education. It will help your application immensely.

7. What is your current research project about?

My research project looks into the protective role of Dichamanetin and explores the ways it helps combat Alzheimer’s disease. The goal of my research is to expand the repertoire of current knowledge of natural products in treating Alzheimer’s and unlock the potential of Dichamanetin as an alternative treatment for Alzheimer’s disease patients in the future.