Research and Innovation Festival 2025 (RNIF 2025)

02 December 2025 - 04 December 2025

Taylor's University Lakeside Campus

Welcome to RNIF 2025.

Get ready for RNIF 2025; Taylor’s University’s Research & Innovation Festival, happening from 2nd to 4th December 2025.

This year’s theme, 'Advancing Knowledge, Bridging Disciplines, Creating Futures', celebrates the power of collaboration across research fields. Over three (3) exciting days, we bring together thought leaders, researchers, students, and industry partners to share research ideas, explore new frontiers, and showcase impactful innovations.

From inspiring keynote lectures and oral symposia to cross-disciplinary dialogues and innovation showcases, RNIF 2025 highlights pioneering research that is transforming our future; covering the future of work, healthcare innovations, sustainability, active living, intelligent innovations, and the evolving dynamics of Asian societies.

Join us as we celebrate research excellence and innovation, and discover how together, we are shaping a better tomorrow.

FOREWORD FROM THE CHAIR

TAYLOR’S UNIVERSITY RESEARCH CENTRES

SESSION LINE-UP

3MT COMPETITION 2025

POSTER COMPETITION

RESEARCH IMAGES COMPETITION

UG RESEARCH IDEA PITCH COMPETITION

It is my great pleasure to welcome you to the Research & Innovation Festival (RNIF) 2025, taking place from 2 to 4 December 2025. This festival is a celebration of the vibrant research culture at Taylor’s University and a platform that brings together our entire community of staff and students.

This year, RNIF shines a spotlight on our five (5) University Research Centres (URCs), each driving impactful research and innovation in their respective themes and supported by the three (3) pillars of Research & Enterprise namely Higher Degree by Research (HDR), Research Management, and Knowledge Transfer & Innovation.

I warmly encourage all members of the Taylor’s community to attend, participate, and celebrate the spirit of discovery and collaboration. RNIF is not only about presenting research, but also about building connections, sharing ideas, and shaping a stronger, more innovative future together.

Let us come together to celebrate our researchers, our students, and the ideas that will shape tomorrow.

Associate Professor Dr Anthony Ho

Pro Vice-Chancellor, Research & Enterprise

Chair, RNIF 2025

The five (5) University Research Centres (URCs) are at the core of Taylor’s research excellence and advancing knowledge in Asian Modernisation, the Future of Work, Active Living, Sustainable Societies, and Intelligent Innovations.

RNIF 2025 will shine a spotlight on these centres, with all events, activities, and competitions built around their key themes.

This focus not only highlights their impact but also brings our research community together to collaborate, connect, and create solutions for the future.

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Key Research Themes

At Taylor’s University, our five (5) Research Centres are at the heart of advancing knowledge, innovation, and impact. Each research centre drives research in a distinct domain, yet collectively they contribute to addressing pressing global and societal challenges. During the Research & Innovation Festival (RNIF), these centres will showcase their key themes, flagship projects, and innovative solutions, highlighting the collaborative spirit of our researchers and students.

1

Centre for the Future of Work

Shaping Southeast Asia’s Future of Work Through Interdisciplinary Research

2

Centre for Active Living

Innovating Medicine, Transforming Healthcare for Active Living

3

Centre for Sustainable Societies

Sustainability for Inclusive and Resilient Societies

4

Centre for Asian Modernisation

Navigating the Challenges of Compressed Modernity

5

Centre for Intelligent Innovations

Shaping a Smarter, Safer, and Sustainable Future through Intelligent, Secure, and Connected Innovations

Programme Agenda

Be inspired by thought leaders shaping the future of research and innovation. Our keynote speakers bring bold perspectives from academia, industry, and policy to explore pressing global challenges and transformative ideas.

VIEW SCHEDULE

Speakers

Oral Presentation

1

Developing Assessment Indicators for Sustainable Urban Heritage Sites in Malaysia

Associate Professor Dr Camelia May Li Kusumo

2

The Socialisation of Eating Practices in Children With Prader-Willi Syndrome

Dr Wan Puspa Melati Binti Wan Abdul Halim

3

Socio-Cultural and Economic Research in Protein Transition in SE Asia: Focus on Malaysia and Indonesia (SCRIPT)

Professor Dr Jean-Pierre Marie Poulain

1

Identification and Evaluation of Diagnostic Tumour-Homing Peptides Specifically Targeting Metastatic Breast Cancer Cells Using Phage-Displayed Peptide Libraries

Dr Tang Yin Quan

2

Formulation of New Non-Newtonian Blood-Mimicking Fluid From Polysaccharides and Micro-Particles for Angiography Imaging in a 3D-Printed Medical Simulator

Ir Dr Phang Siew Wei

3

Effect of High-Dose Vitamin-B Multivitamin Supplement on Neural Connectivity and Oxidative Metabolism in Healthy Adults: A Randomised, Double-Blind, Placebo-Controlled, Phase II Clinical Trial

Professor Dr Yeong Chai Hong

1

Strategic Planning for Inclusive Circular Economy (SPICE)

Professor Dr Poon Wai Ching

2

From HR Practices to Employee Well-being: Multilevel Effects of Hybrid HRM under Authoritarian Leadership

Dr Liu Li

3

Unlocking Startup Valuation: A VRIO Framework Analysis Guided by the Resource-Based View

Associate Professor Dr Chong Wei Ying

1

Investigation of Water-Electrolysis Generated Ozone on Aromatic Ring-Based Pesticide Degradation and Heavy Metals Elimination in Producing High Quality Attributes Local Grown Chilies (Capsicum annuum L.): A New Approach of Postharvest Greener Technology

Ms Wong Fang Lian

2

Heat Source Modelling and Grain Size Algorithm for Directed Energy Deposition Additive Manufacturing on Thick Wall Structure

Associate Professor Dr Choo Hui Leng

3

An Integrated Strategic Sustainability–Risk Management Modeling Approach for Product Development of Malaysian Furniture Companies

Associate Professor Dr Lin Woon Leong

Step onto the stage and put your research to the test at the 3-Minute Thesis (3MT) Competition 2025. You’ll have just three minutes and one static slide to explain your research to a non-specialist audience — clearly, creatively, and with impact. This is your chance to sharpen your communication skills, inspire others with your work, and compete for prestigious awards that could take your research onto the international stage.

Share Your Research with the Community

Present your thesis in a way anyone can understand. Go beyond academic jargon and make your ideas resonate with a wider audience.

Elevate Your Profile

Showcase your ability to condense complex research into a compelling three-minute pitch — a skill valued in both academia and industry.

Inspire and Be Inspired

Connect with fellow researchers, discover fresh perspectives, and be motivated by the passion driving diverse fields of study.

Build Confidence for Your Future

Master concise, impactful communication — a skill that will prepare you for vivas, industry pitches, and global presentations.

General Requirements:

The 3-Minute Thesis (3MT) competition is open to you as a postgraduate research student once you’ve successfully defended your proposal.
To participate, your research must connect to one of these themes: The Future of Work, Sustainable Societies, Asian Modernisation, Active Living, or Intelligent Innovations.

University’s Research Areas:

All research initiatives must be anchored within one of Taylor’s five Research Clusters. These clusters represent the university’s strategic areas of expertise and ensure that every project contributes to advancing knowledge with real-world relevance and impact.

The Future of Work

The Centre for the Future of Work (CFW) advances research on workplace transformation across Southeast Asia under the theme 'Shaping South-East Asia’s Future Workplace Through Interdisciplinary Research and Collaboration.' Its focus areas include digital work and wellbeing for sustainable work environments in the midst of digital transformation, innovative management practices that explore value chain frameworks, and the importance of SMEs and family businesses as vital contributors to Malaysia’s economy.

Sustainable Societies

The Centre for Sustainable Societies (CSS) addresses the theme 'Sustainability for Inclusive and Resilient Societies.' This theme explores how sustainability can drive environmental resilience, financial inclusion, social equity, and long-term prosperity. It strongly aligns with the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) and Malaysia’s national sustainability agenda.

Asian Modernisation

The Centre for Asian Modernisation (CAM) investigates the theme 'Navigating the Challenges of Compressed Modernity.' CAM examines the resilience of Asian societies in a period marked by rapid and condensed changes in economic, political, cultural, and social systems. It revisits classical transition theories while exploring how compressed modernity reshapes complex social systems characterised by fluidity in people, practices, and cultural exchange.

Active Living

The Centre for Active Living (CAL) carries the theme 'Innovating Medicine, Transforming Healthcare for Active Living.' It highlights research that advances knowledge and innovation across biological sciences, clinical practice, biomedical engineering, and multidisciplinary approaches. The work in this cluster seeks to transform healthcare systems and contribute to the achievement of SDG 3, which focuses on good health and wellbeing.

Innovative Societies

The Centre for Intelligent Innovations (CII) focuses on harnessing scientific creativity and computational intelligence to address society’s most urgent challenges. By advancing cutting-edge technologies, the centre seeks to enhance systems and processes that improve lives, empower industries, and promote sustainability for the planet.

What Are the Key Dates?

Submission Deadline

15 October 2025

Selection Notification

31 October 2025

Final Slide submission

21 November 2025

3MT Competition

2–4 December 2025

How Do You Prepare Your Presentation?

Focus on your research problem, approach, key findings, and significance.
Think of your talk as telling a story about why your research matters.
Use clear, engaging language free of jargon.

How Should You Design Your Slide?

Only one static PowerPoint slide is allowed (no transitions, animations, or media).
Keep it visual and uncluttered with minimal text, strong visuals.
Slide must remain visible and unchanged throughout the 3 minutes.

How Do You Shape Your Content?

Suggested Structure:

Clear problem statement or research question
Brief methodology overview
Key findings or expected outcomes
Significance and real-world impact

To also include a personal connection to why you chose this research.

How Do You Manage Your Time?

Strict 3-minute limit and if exceeding time results in disqualification.
Time starts when you begin speaking.
Practice with a timer to balance clarity and brevity.

What Are the Qualifying Criteria?

Research must fall within the 5 university research clusters.
Submission must include an abstract (250 words), presentation summary (150 words), and participant details.
You are required to successfully defend your research proposal.
Optional: draft slide (recommended for review).

What Do You Need to Submit?

Submit as one PDF by the deadline, including:

Abstract (title, problem statement, methodology, key findings/expected outcomes, significance)
Presentation summary (how you will present in 3 minutes, key message, societal relevance)
Participant info (name, ID, degree programme, supervisor, research stage)
Draft slide (optional, PDF format)

How Will Your Submission Be Evaluated?

Your application will be assessed on the significance and originality of your research, the clarity of your communication, your potential for an engaging presentation, and how well your content fits a general audience.

No	Criteria	Weightage	Description
1	Comprehension and Content	50%	Provide a clear explanation of your research including background, problem, gap, questions, and significance while staying within the time limit and effectively conveying your key points.
2	Engagement and Communication	25%	Deliver your presentation with confidence, clarity, and enthusiasm while effectively engaging the audience.
3	Design of the Slide	25%	Slide is clear, visually appealing, and complements the spoken presentation.

Best Presenter Award

USD 1,000 for International Conference Presentation + Certificate of Achievement

People’s Choice Award

Certificate of Achievement

Notes:

The 3MT winning prizes are entirely independent of any scholarships or bursaries administered by Taylor’s University, as outlined in the Postgraduate Scholarships and Bursaries brochure.
Participation in and awards received from the 3MT competition do not affect a participant’s eligibility for any scholarship or bursary.

For more information, refer here.

DOWNLOAD ABSTRACT TEMPLATE

Showcase your research, ideas, and innovations by joining Taylor’s University Poster Competition. This is your chance to present your work, connect with peers and academics, and gain valuable feedback in a dynamic and supportive setting.

Showcase Your Research

Present your ideas, findings, and future visions to the wider Taylor’s community, highlighting the impact of your work.

Connect and Collaborate

Engage with fellow students and staff, exchanging perspectives and sparking meaningful discussions on opportunities and challenges.

Gain Valuable Feedback

Receive constructive input from peers and academics to refine your research and strengthen its significance.

Bring Your Poster to Life

Stand alongside your work during the poster session, interact directly with participants, and share the story behind your research.

General Requirements:

Open to academic staff and students (undergraduate and postgraduate) from Taylor’s University
Individual and group submissions are welcome, but at least one author must attend the poster session in person.

University’s Research Areas:

The Future of Work

Sustainable Societies

Asian Modernisation

Active Living

Innovative Societies

What Are the Key Dates?

Abstract Submission Deadline

30 October 2025

Notification of Acceptance

17 November 2025

Poster Display and Presentation

2 to 3 December 2025 (Walkway of Block C/D at level 2)

How Do You Submit Your Poster?

1. Prepare your abstract
- Maximum 500 words, written in English.
- Include: Title, Introduction, Methodology, Results, Discussion, and Conclusion, plus author names, affiliation, and email.
2. Submit online
- Upload your abstract through the online registration form by the deadline (30 October 2025).
- Ensure you select the correct research cluster theme when submitting.
3. Notification of acceptance
- Abstracts will be reviewed by the Technical Committee.
- Accepted participants will be notified by 17 November 2025.
4. Prepare and bring your poster
- Size: A0 (841 x 1188 mm), portrait orientation.
- Participants are responsible for printing their own posters.
- Mounting boards and pins will be provided.
5. Present your work
- At least one author must be present to display and present the poster during the official session on 3 December 2025, 2.00 to 4.00 pm.

How Do You Prepare Your Poster?

If your abstract is accepted, you will be required to design and print an A0-sized (841 x 1188 mm) poster in portrait orientation. The poster must carry the same title as your abstract and should be organised into clear sections such as Introduction, Objectives, Methods, Results, Discussion, and Conclusion.

At least one author must register, attend in person, and present the poster during the Research and Innovation Fair on 3 December 2025, from 2.00 PM to 4.00 PM, at the walkway in front of LT12. Participants are responsible for covering the cost of printing their posters, while mounting boards and pins will be provided.

How Will Your Poster Be Selected?

All abstracts will be reviewed by a technical committee. The evaluation will be based on clarity, relevance, novelty, originality, scientific merit, and the overall significance of the research. Applicants will be informed of the results by 17 November 2025.

No	Criteria	Weightage	Description
1	Relevance to Research Cluster Theme	20%	Your poster should directly relate to one of Taylor’s five research clusters, showing clear alignment with the selected theme.
2	Clarity and Organisation of the Abstract	15%	The abstract should be well-structured, easy to follow, and logically present your research from introduction to conclusion.
3	Originality and Innovation of the Work Presented	25%	Your research should demonstrate fresh ideas, creative approaches, or novel perspectives that add value to your field of study.
4	Scientific Merit	25%	The work should be grounded in sound methodology, with reliable data, evidence-based analysis, and academic rigour.
5	Potential Impact or Significance of the Research	15%	Your research should highlight its importance, showcasing how the findings can contribute to knowledge, practice, or positive societal change.

Best Poster Award

RM 350 + Certificate of Achievement

Note:

All accepted abstracts will receive a certificate of appreciation.

The Research Images Competition 2025 invites Taylor’s University staff and students to turn their research into powerful visual stories. More than just a contest, it’s a celebration of creativity, curiosity, and impact — showcasing the depth, diversity, and relevance of research happening across the university.

As one of the signature highlights of the annual Research and Innovation Festival, this competition brings scholarly work to life in a way that speaks beyond academic circles. Whether capturing the microscopic or the monumental, this initiative challenges researchers to reimagine how their work is seen, understood, and felt by the world.

Showcase Your Research Creatively

Present your research in a powerful visual format that captures attention beyond traditional academic writing.

Reach a Wider Audience

Images make research more accessible and engaging for the public, industry, and interdisciplinary peers.

Gain Recognition and Connect Across Disciplines

Enhance your academic profile and visibility within and beyond Taylor’s while competing for prizes. Learn how others present their research and spark collaborations across diverse fields.

Develop Communication Skills

Sharpen your ability to translate complex ideas into simple, compelling visuals that leave a lasting impression.

The competition is open to:

All current Taylor’s University staff, including academic, research, and professional personnel
All enrolled students — undergraduate (Final Year Project), postgraduate, and PhD levels
Collaborative submissions are welcome, but one lead entrant must be designated. Each individual or team may submit only one entry.

Each entry must include:

One research-related image, which may be:
- A photograph
- Microscopy or scientific imaging
- A conceptual diagram or symbolic illustration
- Digital or AI-assisted artwork (must be clearly disclosed)

Image specifications:
- Format: JPG or PNG
- Resolution: Minimum 300 dpi
- File size: Minimum 6MB

Title of the image
Narrative (150–200 words) that:
- Describes the research depicted
- Explains the image’s significance and how it reflects research impact
- Highlights how the image aligns with the competition theme

(Optional): A short video (maximum 20 seconds) if animation or motion enhances the visual representation

University’s Research Areas:

The Future of Work

Sustainable Societies

Asian Modernisation

Active Living

Innovative Societies

What Are the Key Dates?

Image Submission Deadline

30 October 2025

Image Presentation

2 to 3 December 2025 (Walkway of Block C/D at level 2)

What are the creativity and originality standards?

1. Original Work Declaration

All submissions must be the original work of the entrant(s). If AI tools are used, participants must disclose the tool(s) involved, the extent of AI intervention, and the nature of their personal creative input.

2. AI-Assisted Content Policy

AI may be used as a supporting tool (e.g. for enhancing contrast or creating generative elements), but must not dominate the creative process.
Participants are required to submit a brief authorship statement outlining the human contribution and decision-making involved.
Submissions that are entirely AI-generated with minimal human input will be disqualified.

What are the intellectual property and consent requirements?

Participants retain full copyright of their work.
By entering the competition, participants grant Taylor’s University a non-exclusive, royalty-free license to use the submitted image and accompanying description for the following purposes:
- Promotional materials
- Publications
- Online platforms
- Campus exhibitions
Submissions featuring identifiable individuals must be accompanied by signed Consent Forms. Additionally, all entrants must submit a separate Image Consent & Release Form.

No	Criteria	Weightage	Description
1	Visual Impact	25%	Captures attention and stimulates interest
2	Originality and Creativity	25%	Novel concept or presentation style
3	Interpretation to Theme	20%	Clearly aligned with selected URC theme
4	Narrative Quality	20%	Compelling and clear explanation of the image and its link to research
5	Technical Quality	10%	High resolution and visually coherent

Winning and shortlisted entries will be showcased in public exhibition spaces such as Open Day and Convocation, and may also feature in marketing collaterals and official university media.

Best Image Awards

For Staff Category: 1st prize (cash RM300 + certificate), 2nd prize (cash RM200 + certificate) and 3rd prize (cash RM100 + certificate)

Best Image Awards

For Student Category: 1st prize (cash RM300 + certificate), 2nd prize (cash RM200 + certificate) and 3rd prize (cash RM100 + certificate)

The Undergraduate Research Idea Pitch is your chance to step into the spotlight and showcase innovative research ideas that could tackle real-world problems. You’ll pitch your ideas to a panel of academics, industry leaders, and researchers in a dynamic and engaging format designed to bring out your creativity and impact.

Foster Your Skills

Develop creativity, critical thinking, and research design abilities that will set you apart.

Turn Ideas Into Impact

Transform your concepts into potential research projects or real-world solutions.

Gain Guidance and Recognition

Receive mentorship from experts and earn recognition for your outstanding ideas.

General Requirements:

Open to all Final Year Undergraduate students from any faculty at Taylor’s University.
Participation is individual only.
Each participant may submit one entry only.
Ideas must be original and not previously submitted for other competitions or coursework.

University’s Research Areas:

The Future of Work

Sustainable Societies

Asian Modernisation

Active Living

Innovative Societies

In the Research Pitch competition, you’ll have five minutes to deliver a clear overview of your research. You may use one static PowerPoint slide (without sound, animations, or transitions) to support your pitch. The judges will evaluate you based on content, delivery, and audience engagement—so the stronger your presentation, the better your audience will understand your research.

What Are the Key Dates?

Submission Deadline

15 October 2025

Selection Notification

31 October 2025

Final Slide Submission

21 November 2025

UG Research Pitch Competition

2 to 4 December 2025

How do you prepare your presentation?

Define a clear research problem and question.
Propose a hypothesis or research direction.
Briefly outline possible methods (what you would do).
Identify potential outcomes or impact.

How should you design your pitch?

Pitch duration: 5 minutes presentation + 10 minutes Q&A.
No formal slides required (optional: one static PowerPoint slide).
Use storytelling, clarity, and engagement to connect with your audience.

How do you shape your content?

Start strong with a hook in the first 20 seconds.
Explain the 'why' before the 'how'.
Avoid jargon; use simple, clear language.
End with a powerful statement or call-to-action.

How do you manage your time?

Practice to ensure your pitch stays within the 5-minute limit.
Anticipate Q&A by preparing for likely questions.

What are the qualifying criteria?

Submit a 1-page Idea Summary (template provided), including:

Title of idea
Problem statement
Proposed hypothesis/direction
Possible methods
Potential outcomes/impact
Alignment with one or more URC themes

What do you need to submit?

Completed 1-page Idea Summary (at registration).
Any visual aids (if using).
Confirmation of individual participation.

No	Criteria	Weightage	Description
1	Relevance and Significance	25%	Importance of the problem addressed and potential research impact.
2	Creativity and Innovation	25%	Novelty of the idea, originality of the approach.
3	Research Feasibility	20%	Practicality: Can this research realistically be conducted with available resources?
4	Clarity and Presentation Style	15%	Ability to articulate the idea clearly and compellingly within the time limit.
5	Potential for Further Development	15%	How well the idea could be expanded into a full research project, application, or product.

Top 3 Finalists

Certificate and Cash Prize (RM 500 each)

Best Idea Award

Certificate of Excellence + Postgraduate Scholarship + Research Mentorship Opportunity

RNIF Secretariat

RNIF2025@taylors.edu.my

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