The Seminar on Research Supervision and Project Management was successfully held on 16 May 2025, organised by IMU University‘s Centre for Postgraduate Studies (CoPG) and the Institute of Research, Development and Innovation (IRDI). The seminar attracted participants from a wide range of academic and research disciplines, offering a valuable platform for in-depth discussions on responsible research practices, effective supervision, and structured project management.

After the opening remarks by Prof Dr Tan Eng Lai (Deputy Director, CoPG), Prof Ts Dr Shar Mariam Mohamed provided a comprehensive overview of the credentialing process for research supervisors. Her presentation emphasized the importance of structured mentorship, academic accountability and alignment with Malaysian Qualifications Agency (MQA) standards—critical elements for ensuring the quality and integrity of postgraduate research and supervision.

The main highlight of the seminar was a session led by Prof Dr Mai Chun Wai, who delivered an engaging presentation based on the Malaysian Educational Module on Responsible Conduct of Research (RCR), developed by the Young Scientists Network–Academy of Sciences Malaysia (YSN-ASM). This national framework is designed to promote research ethics and integrity across disciplines. By incorporating the module, participants gained a structured, locally relevant, and globally aligned understanding of RCR principles

His session covered the following key topics:

• Ethical values and responsibilities of researchers
• Research misconduct and its implications
• Best practices in research data management
• Constructive supervisor–supervisee relationships
• Ethical authorship and publication practices

To enhance engagement and deepen understanding, the seminar featured a range of interactive, learner-centered activities:

• Decision-making exercises based on real-world ethical dilemmas
• Individual reflection and group brainstorming sessions to encourage critical thinking and peer collaboration
• Diagram-based illustrations to simplify and reinforce complex concepts
• Peer-sharing sessions for exchanging personal experiences and supervisory best practices
• Role-playing scenarios to simulate typical supervisory challenges
• Debate sessions to explore multiple perspectives on research ethics and supervisory responsibilities

Participants responded enthusiastically to the hands-on, active learning approach.

One participant remarked, “The most engaging and interactive research supervision workshop that I attended.”

Another shared, “Activities with case studies were fun and full of learning!” while a third described it as “Well done and enjoyable for a perfect half day.”

The seminar provided an enriching and collaborative environment for participants to strengthen their supervisory competencies, promote research integrity, and align with evolving expectations in postgraduate education. It reaffirmed the essential role of ethical leadership and structured research project management in supporting academic and research excellence.

The CoPG will be hosting a second Seminar on Research Supervision and Project Management on 14 November 2025. IMU staff interested in participating may contact Ms Danielle Ho at [email protected] to register.