MONASH BUSINESS MALAYSIA
SHAPING FUTURE SCHOLARS
WORDS FAIZ SOFEA
A Conversation with Dr Sharon Koh, Director of Research Programs and PhD candidates, Sean Feng and Lourdes Loh.
The spirit behind every great postgraduate journey is a vibrant research culture, one that thrives on curiosity, connection, and global relevance. At the School of Business, our postgraduate programs empower students to explore complex issues, collaborate across disciplines, and produce research with real-world impact.
What sets the PhD program apart? To many, a PhD marks the pinnacle of academic achievement, often imagined as something that lives only in journals or policy briefs.
“ We often think of a PhD simply as the peak of academic achievement with its impact confined to roundtables and journals, but it’ s so much more. Research has the potential to affect great change across every layer of life, from the halls of power to grassroots communities.”
Anchored by Monash’ s global reputation for purpose-driven research, the program draws scholars from across the region into a vibrant and international academic environment right here in Malaysia. With an interdisciplinary focus, access to cutting-edge research facilities, and collaboration opportunities spanning industries and sectors, students are empowered to turn their ideas into impact.
What makes a successful PhD candidate?
“ Grit, curiosity, and the courage to challenge how we think— these are the qualities that shape a successful PhD candidate.”
DR SHARON KOH
This mindset underpins the School’ s research culture, one that aligns closely with Monash University’ s Impact 2030 agenda. Whether tackling climate change, advancing community well-being, or addressing geopolitical uncertainties, candidates are encouraged to pursue research that not only contributes to knowledge, but also to the real world.
FUNDING YOUR PHD JOURNEY
Graduate Research Excellence Scholarship Awarded recipients will receive a full tuition fee waiver and monthly stipend.
Graduate Research Tuition Fee Waiver Scholarship Awarded recipients will receive a partial or full tuition fee waiver.
Global Excellence and Mobility Scholarship( GEMS) Awarded recipients will work on regionally and globally relevant projects, with up to nine months of research at our Australia campuses.
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OUR GRADUATE COMMUNITY OF SUPPORT We’ re with you every step of the way:
Expert Supervision & Mentoring Work with leading scholars and experienced research mentors.
Global Mobility Scheme Apply for international research placements to expand your academic network.
Research Resources Full access to Monash libraries, online databases, and software tools.
Skill-Building Seminars Attend“ Brown Bag” sessions, writing retreats, and PhD workshops.
Real-World Exposure Participate in doctoral colloquia, research internships, and industry collaborations.
Pitch & Publish Join Monash PITCH or get support to present at conferences and publish.
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