Bridging Ideas Research Workshop
[1st Talk] Dr. Loo Yew Liang: "Mapping Your Research Adventure"
Lecture Postscript
The "Bridging Ideas Research Workshop" lecture series, hosted by New Era University College and jointly planned and executed by the Institute of International Education, the Faculty of Arts and Social Sciences, and the Graduate School, officially launched in 2025. The series aims to provide professional research guidance and an academic exchange platform for graduate students and research enthusiasts. The inaugural lecture of the series was successfully held on 12 February 2025, featuring Dr. Loo Yew Liang, a senior lecturer at the Institute of International Education, as the keynote speaker. Titled Mapping Your Research Adventure, the lecture focused on key research methodologies and strategies.
Tailored specifically for newly enrolled graduate students, this lecture covered various academic fields, including Chinese Studies, Education, ASEAN and Southeast Asian Studies, Business Studies, as well as Art, Design, and Creative Media. The goal was to help new graduate students strengthen their academic foundations, acquire essential research skills, and smoothly transition into the demands of postgraduate studies.
During the lecture, Dr. Loo drew upon his extensive academic experience to provide an in-depth analysis of key aspects of academic research. He elaborated on how to develop a well-structured research plan, select, and apply appropriate research methodologies, efficiently collect, and analyze data, and compose high-quality literature reviews. Additionally, he addressed common challenges faced by graduate students in the early stages of their academic careers, including difficulties in academic writing, topic selection and methodological application, time management issues, and research ethics considerations. He also offered practical and effective solutions to these challenges.
The lecture was conducted in a hybrid format, combining both online and in-person participation. It was well-received by graduate students, attracting over 161 enthusiastic participants. The event featured lively discussions and active engagement. Many attendees expressed that the lecture provided them with a clearer understanding of research methodologies and boosted their confidence in planning their future research endeavours.
