Media Releases
3MT goes virtual: The compelling pitches that won our hearts
Media Releases
Despite the different format, contestants in this year’s 3MT Competition at James Cook University, Singapore showcased fascinating research and captivating presentation skills.
On Friday, 28 August, James Cook University (JCU), Singapore held the 2020 edition of its Three Minute Thesis (3MT) Competition. 3MT is an internationally-recognised competition that challenges competitors to present their thesis and its significance within three minutes, in a way that is interesting and anyone can understand.
“With changes to the normal process of the competition brought about by COVID-19, we really had no idea of the likely response to this year's competition. And looking at the line-up, we have certainly not been disappointed,” said Professor Caryn West – Dean of Research for the Singapore campus of James Cook University, and Chair of the 3MT Judging Panel. “This year showcased 13 contestants whose interests and expertise span the array of disciplines evident at JCU in Singapore and the wider community through our external partners.”
Presenter | Title |
Higher Degree by Research | |
Ms Arushi | Stress Detection During Public Speaking in Virtual Reality |
Mr Chew Xian Zhe | Risk Factors of Barramundi Diseases in Singapore |
Ms Hina Sheel | Screening for Developmental Delay and Social Emotional Learning Among Children in India |
Ms Naomi Clark-Shen | Small Sharks: A Marginalised Community |
External Partners | |
Mr Raihan Taqui Syed | Developing Entrepreneurial Higher Education Institution |
Dr Samuel Gan | Plastic Agriculture |
Mrs Sonal Allana | ChildShield: A Rating System for Assessing Privacy and Security of Internet of Toys |
Academic/Research Staff | |
Professor Dean Jerry | Breeding the Perfect Pearl |
Dr Zohre Mohammadi | Children in Tourism |
Dr Susan Kueh | Fish Are What They Eat! The Basis for Good Health Lies in the Liver! |
Dr Jose Domingos | Genetics of Survival in Asian Seabass Farmed in Singapore |
Ms Celestine Terence | Early Sex Change of Asian Seabass Farmed in Singapore |
Dr Neil Hutchinson | Mobile Technology as an Incentive for Sustainable Fishing Practices |
Joining Professor West on the judging panel were:
- Dr Chan Kai Qin – Senior Lecturer in Psychology at JCU in Singapore & 3MT Winner 2019
- Ms Pinky Sibal – Associate Director of Branding at JCU in Singapore
- Mr Fachmin Folianto – Senior Research Engineer at Institute for Infocomm Research, A*STAR
This year’s competition had strong representation from the Tropical Futures Institute, JCU’s world-class research institute in Singapore. What’s more, the pivot to a virtual format provided the opportunity for contestants in other parts of the world – such as the UK and Hong Kong – to join the competition.
Among the stimulating and entertaining presentations, there was a significant focus on aquaculture, reflecting the importance of strengthening Singapore's food security – an issue highlighted by the COVID-19 pandemic.
One of the highlights of the competition was Ms Hina Sheel, who won both the Higher Degree by Research category and People’s Choice category. Her presentation – “Screening for Developmental Delay and Social Emotional Learning Among Children in India” – made use of personal anecdotes and a clear visual metaphor to convey the problems that her study aims to address.
Each of our category winners received a plaque, a certificate, and a Gift Certificate valued at SGD$500.00, while our People’s Choice winner received a plaque and certificate. Congratulations to all our winners!
- Higher Degree by Research: Ms Hina Sheel
- External Partners: Dr Samuel Gan
- Academic/Research Staff: Dr Neil Hutchinson
- People’s Choice: Ms Hina Sheel
Find out more information about our Higher Degrees by Research courses.
Find further information on our areas of research and research strength at James Cook University in Singapore here.
Contacts
Research: Professor Caryn West researchdean-singapore@jcu.edu.au
Media: Pinky Sibal pinky.sibal@jcu.edu.au