The 3rd Joint Higher Degree by Research Conference is hosted in 2023 by Taylor’s University (TU) in partnership with James Cook University, Singapore (JCUS).

As we continue to explore the changing landscapes of postgraduate research, this year we look forward to consolidating the networking connections formed during previous years. We also continue to build on those connections through research sharing between, within and across disciplines to extend connectivity.

This year will include cash prizes for Best Abstract ($200SGD) & Best Presenter ($300) for the top 2 presenters, a sponsored goodie bag for all attendees (audience & presenters), AND a travel grant of up to $250SGD available to JCUS presenters & attendees!

Eligibility for Submission of Abstracts

The conference committee invites all postgraduate higher degree by research candidates from JCUS, Sunway University and TU to submit research abstracts for presentations and discussions during the 3rd Joint Higher Degree by Research Conference.

We encourage submissions regardless of your current stage of progress; even those at the beginning can present proposals or literature reviews. Criteria will be determined by the committee and announced via this conference site.

Key Dates

• Call for abstracts opening date: 3 April 2023
• Last date for Submission of Abstract: 1 September 2023 (contact detail [email protected])
• Notification of acceptance: 8 September 2023
• Registration opens for presenters and other attendees: 1 September 2023
• Registration closes: 30 September
• Conference: Dates 16-17 October 2023

Any abstract submitted after the deadline will not be considered. Abstracts should be written in the following format:

Abstract format

1. Font: Times New Roman, double spacing, size 12
2. Word limit: 200-300 words
3. 2 to 5 keywords
4. Please include the name and affiliation of the primary author and supervisors or other co-authors.
5. Indicate the country in which you are currently based
6. Indicate the primary discipline of your research
7. Indicate your stage of progress (i.e., year 1/beginning, year 2/middle, year 3-4/end)

The primary author will be notified of the review committee’s selection. Additional instructions for the conference will be provided then.

Presentation General Guidelines

• 10-15 minutes for presentation
• 5-10 minutes for Q&A (Discussion)
• PowerPoint slides highly encouraged

CONFERENCE SCHEDULE

Our conference booklet can be accessed here.

KEYNOTE SESSION

Keynote 1 (9:30 to 10:30am)

Keynote Title & Description: Research in the Era of Artificial Intelligence

Recent, ground-breaking advances in artificial intelligence promise to change the world we live in. These changes can be positive, neutral or negative, depending on the perspectives of different stakeholders. If the aim of research is to uncover new knowledge, how will that process change in the era of artificial intelligence? The keynote session will reflect on the future of academic research in the era of AI.

Speaker profile

Associate Professor Dr Keith Tan Kay Hin
Programme Director (Doctor of Philosophy in Architecture),
Hub Leader (Conservation), Liveable Urban Communities Impact Lab,
School of Architecture, Building and Design, Taylor’s University, Malaysia

Dr Keith Tan has over twenty-five years of experience in the construction industry and academia, with a career spanning the UK and Malaysia. Prior to choosing an academic career path, he worked as a project architect on large commercial buildings in London, where he also completed his Part III exams to become a registered architect with the Architects’ Registration Board of the United Kingdom. He later returned to Malaysia to work in the construction industry on a variety of different buildings in West Malaysia and Borneo before joining Taylor’s University in 2006.

Dr Tan’s research interests cover the tangible and intangible heritage of minority communities in Malaysia, as well as the post-colonial narratives of urban spaces, and the legacy of colonial architecture in Southeast Asia. He is the author of two well-received books on the heritage of the Catholic Mission Schools of West Malaysia and Singapore, a topic which also served as the basis of his own PhD in 2017. He has published over 20 research articles in peer-reviewed indexed journals and book chapters, and has been the editor of a number of book publications and special issues.

Dr Tan has also been the lead researcher for various grants, including research dealing with public art and its contribution to place-making and identity in ASEAN; the pre-colonial heritage of Lembah Bujang in Malaysia, and the industrial heritage of tin-mining in Selangor. As a co-researcher he has also been involved in research about industrial space in the United Arab Emirates and the creation of a sustainable urban heritage index for Malaysia. He is the hub leader for Protecting Cultural Heritage under the liveable Urban Communities Impact Lab of Taylor’s University, where he has recently been appointed the Programme Director of its Doctor of Philosophy in Architecture Programme.

OUR SPONSOR

KTC’s story started as a modest earth moving contractor back in 1988. With a clear focus on delivering quality and reliable service, the venture that started in a rented shop house has grown into a multi-discipline civil engineering enterprise with operations in both Singapore and Indonesia. KTC Group’s business units are categorized broadly into five main areas namely Transport Infrastructures, Aviation Infrastructure, Underground Infrastructures, Land Preparation/Earthworks & Deep Excavation.  The Group has a current staff strength of 2550, with 450 Professional & Technical in Singapore. We also own a fleet of over 1000 heavy machinery including tipper trucks, one the largest fleet in Singapore.

KTC Civil Engineering & Construction Pte Ltd was set up in 1997 as a part of KTC Group. Since its conception, KTC has secured and successfully completed various challenging and increasingly complex government projects. In 2010, KTC Civil Engineering achieved financial grade A1 registration with BCA under Workhead CW02, which allows us to tender for government contracts of unlimited amounts. KTC Group’s business streams are synergistic in nature and help us to offer comprehensive support to our elite clientele.