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ABOUT

In this new millennium, science and technology bridge the communication of people globally with the purposes of adventuring into the unknowns and improving the quality of human life. This Postgraduate Colloquium 2024 is set to be a multidisciplinary research colloquium that draws quality research primarily from UTAR postgraduates on a wide variety of important scientific areas. Based on the theme “Towards Innovative Research in Science, Technology, Engineering and Mathematics (STEM)”, this colloquium takes into awareness the vital knowledge provided by science, engineering and technology in the advancement of our race. Hence, this colloquium aims to serve as an academic platform for researchers to present their research findings in all aspects of STEM to encourage substantive knowledge transfer. Furthermore, UTAR undergraduate students are given an opportunity to have a better overview and understanding of the UTAR postgraduate programme, thus developing and strengthening a community of future scientists that will help to drive the advancement of science.  This event will be a THREE MINUTES THESIS (3MT) Competition. 

WHAT IS STEM?

STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics) is an educational approach that prepares students for careers in these fields. It goes beyond memorizing facts and emphasizes critical thinking skills like:

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  • Asking questions (inquiry)

  • Reasoning logically

  • Working collaboratively

  • Using technology effectively

 

The goal of STEM education is to develop a future workforce skilled in innovation and problem-solving, ultimately driving economic growth and global competitiveness. This focus on STEM gained momentum in the early 2000s due to the recognized importance of science and technology jobs.

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ABOUT 3MT

WHAT IS THREE MINUTE THESIS (3MT)?

Three Minutes Thesis (3MT) is an academic research communication competition for postgraduate students from across disciplines. Students shall present their research and its significance in a language appropriate to a non-specialist audience in just three minutes.

3MT competition develops a valuable skill set of students’ academic, presentation and research communication skills. In addition, students who wish to raise their academic profile for their future careers will also be able to meet and network with a large number of fellow students and academicians, both within and outside their fields of study.

WHY PARTICIPATE?

Taking part in the Three Minute Thesis (3MT) competition helps research students enhance their academic communication, presentation abilities, and overall research communication skills. It specifically focuses on developing the skill of explaining complex research clearly and concisely to people outside their field of study.

WHO ARE ELIGIBLE?

The competition is open to all Postgraduate by research students at UTAR, Kampar. Postgraduate participants must have successfully completed their PD (Proposal Defence) and not completed their WCS (Work Completion Seminar) to join this event. Students from other universities and Undergraduate students from UTAR are also welcomed to join the event. 

Note- Undergraduate students will be eligible for USSDC points. 

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3MT COMPETITION RULES

FIRST ROUND (VIDEO RECORDING)

  1. Participants need to submit a pre-recorded video that will serve as their presentation on the day of the colloquium.

  2. The video presentation must not exceed 3 minutes. Submissions longer than this will be rejected, and participants will need to resubmit again.

  3. The video must be submitted to the organiser six weeks prior for review.

  4. The video should not contain any edits and its file size must not exceed 200MB.

  5. Presentations must be delivered in spoken word format only (e.g., no poetry, raps, or songs), and inappropriate language is prohibited.

  6. Only one static PowerPoint slide is allowed. The slide must remain unchanged, with no transitions, animations, or any form of movement, and should be displayed from the start of the presentation.

  7. Extra electronic media (e.g., audio and video files) are not allowed.

  8. Additional props (e.g., costumes, musical instruments, lab equipment) are not permitted.

  9. There is no specific dress code, but if you're uncertain about what to wear, consider dressing as you would for a job interview or a significant meeting. It's essential to feel comfortable so you can concentrate on your presentation.

  10. Avoid wearing any costumes, as this is prohibited, along with the use of props.

  11. The panel will conduct an approximately 5-minute Q&A session with each participant following the video presentation.

  12. A winner will be chosen from each cluster, and these winners will advance to the second round, which involves a live pitch.

  13. The adjudicating panel's decision is final.

Second ROUND (Live Pitch)

  1. Participants are required to give a live presentation instead of playing the pre-recorded video.

  2. The content of the live presentation should be the same as the pre-recorded video.

  3. Similar to the first round, the presentation must not exceed 3 minutes and participants exceeding 3 minutes will be disqualified.

  4. As in the first round, follow rules 5 through 11 in the second round as well.

  5. A grand winner will be chosen, and the decision of the adjudicating panel is final.

3MT COMPETITION RULES

3MT JUDGING CRITERIA

The judges will base their decisions on the following equally weighted criteria, with a focus on audience engagement.

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1. Comprehension and Content 

  • The presentation effectively provided background information and highlighted the significance of the research question.

  • The research strategy/design and the research results/findings were clearly explained.

  • The presentation clearly outlined the research conclusions, outcomes, and impact.

 

2. Engagement and Communication

  • The speech was delivered clearly, using language suitable for a non-specialist audience.

  • The PowerPoint slide was clear and enhanced the overall presentation.

  • The presenter demonstrated enthusiasm for his/her research and successfully captured and maintained the audience's attention

USEFUL LINKS

FIRST ROUND (VIDEO RECORDING)

SECOND ROUND (LIVE PITCH)

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