KUALA LUMPUR, Sept 12 – Two postgraduate researchers from Universiti Teknologi Malaysia (UTM) have brought pride to the university after being selected as participants in the prestigious Australia-Malaysia Virtual PhD Internship Programme (AMVPIP) 2025, making UTM the only Malaysian institution with two representatives among the 10 awardees nationwide.
The symposium, hosted by the Australian High Commission in collaboration with the Ministry of Higher Education (MOHE), was officiated by Australian Acting High Commissioner Simon Fellows and Datin Noorazah Omar, Undersecretary of the International Relations Division at MOHE. This year’s edition also carries special significance as both nations celebrate 70 years of the Malaysia-Australia partnership.
The programme provides PhD candidates from Malaysian public universities with the opportunity to undertake a 12-week virtual research internship under the guidance of Australian supervisors. Selected scholars benefit from cross-border mentorship, an A$500 stipend, networking with AMVPIP alumni, and the chance to present their findings at a mini symposium in Kuala Lumpur.
Among UTM’s awardees was Nurul Ain Najwa Zulkifle, a third-year PhD candidate in Remote Sensing. She is supervised by Assoc. Prof. Dr. Nurul Hazrina Idris (UTM) and Assoc. Prof. Dr. Zahra Gharineiat (University of Southern Queensland).
Her project, “Assessment of Synthetic Aperture Radar (SAR) Characteristics in Tropical Countries for Shoreline Detection”, focuses on identifying the most suitable SAR imagery to achieve a clear contrast between land and water, a key factor in accurately detecting and monitoring shorelines in tropical regions.
“A PhD is not a sprint but a marathon of curiosity, discipline and persistence,” she said, highlighting the resilience required to pursue research at the highest level.
The second UTM scholar, Nur Afiqah Ismail, is a second-year PhD candidate in Urban and Regional Planning. Her supervisors are Prof. Tpr Dr. Hairul Nizam Ismail (UTM) and Dr. Emerson M. Sanchez (Australian National University).
Her research, “Framework for Projection Models Factors of Service Sectors for Commercial and Tourism on Impact of Sarawak Pan Borneo Highway”, aims to design projection models that anticipate how highway infrastructure can stimulate growth in service sectors, with implications for urban and regional planning in Sarawak and beyond.
“Strive to never stop learning and to embrace every chance that helps us grow and put the intention to please Allah. In Surah Taha (20:114), Allah reminds us with the du’a: ‘My Lord, increase me in knowledge,’” she shared.
The selection of both candidates demonstrates UTM’s strong representation on the international stage and its ability to prepare researchers whose projects address real-world challenges, from environmental monitoring to socio-economic development. Being the only university with two successful candidates at AMVPIP 2025 underscores UTM’s growing reputation as a hub for impactful research and global collaboration.
The AMVPIP also serves as a platform to strengthen academic ties between Malaysia and Australia, enabling early-career researchers to expand their academic networks while contributing to pressing issues faced by both nations. By connecting local talent with international expertise, the programme enhances the visibility of Malaysian research and builds long-term collaborative pathways.
With only 10 PhD candidates selected nationwide, the recognition of UTM’s two scholars at AMVPIP 2025 reflects not only their academic merit but also Malaysia’s commitment to nurturing globally connected researchers equipped to lead in their fields.