Syaza Soraya Wins 3MT 2025: Toastmasters Spirit on Stage

Dr. Nor Ain Hussein

JOHOR BAHRU, May 27 – The 3 Minute Thesis (3MT) competition challenges students to present their entire research in just 3 minutes — clearly, confidently, and convincingly. For members of Toastmasters, it feels like familiar ground.

Held last Monday, 27 May 2025, the Universiti Teknologi Malaysia (UTM) 3MT 2025 competition saw Syaza Soraya Sauli named as Champion for the Social Science Category, delivering a powerful, engaging, and concise presentation of her PhD research. Her research focuses on integrating nature-based learning in early childhood education in Malaysia.

Syaza Soraya Sauli, a PhD student from FEST UTM

A PhD student from the Faculty of Educational Sciences and Technology (FEST), Syaza is also the former Vice President Membership of UTM Toastmasters Club. She credits Toastmasters for sharpening her communication, especially in structuring ideas clearly and speaking with impact. Syaza is also a recipient of the prestigious Merdeka Award Grant for International Attachment 2023, further highlighting her excellence in both research and presentation.

“My experience in Toastmasters really helped me learn how to capture attention from the very first sentence and how to be confident in delivering a speech”, she shared.

Syaza believes that nature-based learning will foster a connection with nature if it begins at an early age.

Syaza had the opportunity to complete an internship as an assistant teacher at two preschools in the USA

Syaza at the Macquarie School of Education, Macquarie University

Syaza completed her international placements at the Center of Environmental Education, University of Minnesota, United States of America (USA), and the Macquarie School of Education, Macquarie University, Australia, where she developed the Nature to Nurture (N2N) Module — a practical guide for integrating nature-based learning in preschool education, under the supervision of Prof. Dr. Azlina Mohd Kosnin.

Her journey reflects UTM’s commitment to nurturing students who not only excel in academics and research but also have the skills to inspire and lead. Through platforms like Toastmasters, UTM students are empowered to sharpen their communication and leadership abilities, enabling them to share their work confidently and make an impact both locally and on the global stage.

With her win at the university level, Syaza will represent UTM at the 3MT National Level 2025, which will be held on 19 June 2025 at Universiti Putra Malaysia (UPM), Serdang

She will be joined by fellow UTM champions representing other categories, including Mohamad Aizad Mokhtar, the Champions of the Engineering Category; Faraliza Ahmed Shukri, who secured 2nd place in the Social Science Category; and Yee Shi Wee, the Champion of the Science and Technology Category.

The university community wishes them all the best as they bring their research — and the UTM spirit — to the national stage.

UTM Toastmasters Club also congratulates all the finalists of 3MT 2025 for their dedication, courage, and impressive presentations. It takes more than knowledge to win hearts — it takes communication, clarity, and connection.

A moment of excellence and collaboration — 3MT 2025 participants, organizing committee, and judges gathered after an inspiring showcase of research and communication. Congratulations to all presenters and thank you to the team behind this meaningful academic platform!

Feeling inspired? Join UTM Toastmasters Club for their final regular meeting of this term:
13 June 2025 (Friday), 3:00–5:00 PM (Hybrid)
Theme: Full Circle: Reflect, Recharge, Reignite
Stay updated via @utmtoastmasters on Instagram and Facebook.