The Australian High Commission and Malaysia’s Ministry of Higher Education celebrated the achievements of ten Malaysian PhD scholars who recently completed a 12-week virtual research placement with Australian university supervisors. This initiative, part of the Australia-Malaysia Virtual PhD Internship Programme, aims to enhance international research exposure and foster academic networks.

Each participating scholar received an AU$500 stipend to aid their research collaboration. During the Symposium, Acting High Commissioner to Malaysia, Simon Fellows, highlighted the 70th anniversary of Australia’s diplomatic presence in Malaysia, stating, “This programme reflects the modern and dynamic partnership between Australia and Malaysia. By connecting our scholars and researchers, we’re building ties that deliver positive impact for both countries.”

YBhg Datin Noorazah Omar, Undersecretary of the International Relations Division at Malaysia’s Ministry of Higher Education, noted that the programme supports intellectual exchange and builds research capabilities, paving the way for future collaborations in science, technology, and innovation.

The event also featured Three Minute Thesis presentations and guest sessions on academic wellbeing by Dr Theresa Dicke from Australian Catholic University, as well as cross-cultural insights by Dr Show Ying Xin from the Australian National University Malaysia Institute.

The programme has successfully strengthened early career researcher capacity and established enduring research ties between Malaysia and Australia. For more information on the scholars, visit the Australian High Commission’s website.
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