It is with great pleasure that we, the Postgraduate Research Society (PGRS) Swinburne Sarawak present to you our plan of activities to engage HDR students academically and socially in 2025. As the new committee kick starts their term, we wish to request your support for our annual program.
The events are open to all postgraduate students in Swinburne Sarawak. The purpose of these events is to foster academic participation, encourage research students to interact and share their experience with each other, foster social interaction, and to ensure well-being and interest of the students. Do note that the events listed are tentative and may change as time progresses.
| Date | Event | Description |
| 26 February 2025 | The Grad Vibe: Welcoming Party | To introduce PGRS to new postgraduate students and introduce the new committees to current students. The plans for the yearly activities will be made known to all students and their suggestions will be incorporated to the plan. Recently enrolled HDR students will have a chance to get to know more people and find friends. |
| 9 April 2025 | 3 Minutes Thesis | The Postgraduate Research Society (PGRS) is organizing the 3-Minute Thesis (3MT) Competition, designed to challenge postgraduate students to present their research concisely and effectively within a three-minute time limit using one static slide. This event aims to develop participants’ communication skills, promote their research to a broader audience, and encourage academic exchange in a supportive environment. By engaging peers and faculty, the competition seeks to inspire innovative ideas and recognize outstanding presentations through awards. |
| 15 April 2025 | Adobe Workshop | The Adobe workshop aims to introduce postgraduates to Adobe Photoshop and other similar video editing software. In this one-hour interactive workshop, postgraduates are offered the opportunity to watch a live demonstration of how videos are edited using different video editing software tools. In addition to a hands-on experience, attendees will be invited to have an open discussion with the presenter in the second half of the session. This workshop is open to postgraduates from all faculties. |
| 15 May 2025 | We See You, We Hear You | “We See You, We Hear You” is an event organized to address mental health concerns among students. Held during the Mental Health Awareness month, it will bring together all students for an afternoon of wellness and caring. This session aims to help students be aware of their mental health status. External psychiatrist will be invited to share the insights on the mental illnesses’ symptoms and its therapy. It will be an invaluable activity to ensure the wellbeing of PG students as they go through another year of research. |
| 6 June 2025 | Enabling Data Clarity: Masterclass for Research Data Processing | Bulk data management is a common yet challenging task for young researchers. This workshop offers a streamlined approach to managing, processing, and presenting research data with Excel. Participants will learn to use powerful Excel commands and debugged techniques while establishing standard practices to kickstart their research journey. |
| 21 June 2025 | Sands of Unity: A Postgrad Escape |
“Sand of Unity: A Postgrad Escape” is an event that invites students to explore the scenic Golden Beach at Trombol while contributing to a meaningful cause—cleaning the beach for the betterment of society. Participants will have the opportunity to walk along the vast shoreline, enjoy the breathtaking views, and collect rubbish along the way. Beyond the cleanup effort, this activity fosters teamwork and camaraderie among students, uniting them under a shared goal of creating a cleaner, more sustainable environment. |
|
4 July 2025 |
From Data to Design: A Practical Approach to Scientific Presentations | Having difficulties explaining your data? This workshop will provide you with practical tips and techniques for designing effective PowerPoint slides that enhance your scientific presentations. We will cover topics such as slide layout, color schemes, typography, and image selection. |
| 12 July 2025 | Peaks and Peace: A Postgrad Journey | The Postgraduate Research Society is organizing a hiking trip to Mount Maha, Matang to provide postgraduate students with an opportunity to relax, unwind, and connect with nature. This event aims to promote mental wellness, physical activity, and social interaction in a serene outdoor setting. Participants will embark on a scenic hike to the summit of Mount Maha, enjoying breathtaking views and the tranquility of the rainforest. The hike is designed to foster a sense of community among postgraduates while offering a refreshing break from academic responsibilities. The activity includes transportation, a guided hike, and ample time for rest and socializing, ensuring a safe and enjoyable experience for all. |
|
Fundraising: 1 to 31 August 2025 |
Posgrads with Purpose: Fundraising Event |
“Postgrads with Purpose” provides a platform for postgraduate students to demonstrate empathy and responsibility beyond academia. Supporting an NGO through a fundraising initiative allows postgraduate students to engage with the broader community and make a meaningful social impact. This event exemplifies how postgraduate activities can extend their impact beyond academic circles, creating a legacy of social responsibility and civic engagement while fostering a sense of purpose and collaboration among participants. |
| 10 September 2025 | Career Crafting Masterclass: LinkedIn, CV, and Cover Letters | The purpose of this workshop is to equip postgraduate students with essential career development skills, addressing challenges they face in presenting their academic achievements and experiences effectively to potential employers. By focusing on LinkedIn profile optimization, CV structuring, and impactful cover letter writing, this event aims to enhance students’ employability and professional branding. It provides practical guidance to help participants transition confidently from academia to competitive job markets, aligning with the Postgraduate Research Society’s mission to support postgraduate career readiness and success. |
| Competition: 10 – 30 September 2025 Evaluation period: 1 – 29 October 2025 |
Stand Out on Paper: CV Competition 2025 | “Stand Out on Paper: CV Competition 2025” is a competition designed to help postgraduate students showcase their skills and achievements through the creation of a standout CV. Participants will have their CVs evaluated by a panel of industry professionals and academic experts, with feedback on clarity, structure, and creativity. This event provides an opportunity for students to refine their personal branding, enhance employability, and gain valuable insights to strengthen their career profiles. Whether aiming for academic or industry roles, this competition offers a platform to shine and gain the edge for future success. |
| 18 October 2025 | Gradflix and Chill: Movie Night | A simple and cozy movie night for PGs to kick back and just chill. Likely a fun movie fitting in the Halloween theme as it is during the month of October. Proposed to be an animation movie to ensure a light-hearted atmosphere to contrast the heavy burden PGs often face. Current proposed location to be Student Hub Viewing Room due to its casual setting, with bean bags and carpeted floor. Actual location to be confirmed closer to the date. |
| Nomination period: 27 October – 2November 2025 Voting period: 3 – 9 November 2025 AGM: 12 November 2025 |
PGRS 2026 Elections and Annual General Meeting | The Elections will be held which will reach all postgraduate students of Swinburne Sarawak. All postgraduate students will have a chance to nominate the next executive committee and standard committee members as well as vote for them. The AGM is where the results of the PGRS 2026 Election will be revealed. PGRS 2025 will officially yield to PGRS 2026 on this day with the PGRS Advisor and Director of School of Research as witnesses. Here, the new President will announce his wishes and goals for his reign as well as introduce his committee to all postgraduate students |
| 21 November 2025 | Annual Dinner | The Annual Dinner serves as a flagship event to conclude the year, bringing together postgraduate students and faculty members to celebrate the achievements and milestones of the research community. It is designed as a formal yet engaging gathering to foster a sense of belonging and camaraderie among postgraduate researchers. This event also provides an opportunity to express gratitude to the School of Research for its continuous support and to acknowledge the contributions of the postgraduate community throughout the year. |