Tech-driven research experience prepares SCI students for career success
ALOR SETAR, 8 August 2025 – The School of Computing and Informatics (SCI), Albukhary International University (AIU), hosted its annual Research Symposium on 30 July 2025, drawing over 150 participants, including undergraduate students and academic staff.
The day began with a formal welcoming address by the Dean of SCI, Assoc. Prof. Dr. Basheer Riskhan, followed by the keynote speech by the AIU’s Vice Chancellor, Prof. Dato’ Ir. Dr. Mohd Saleh bin Jaafar. Both speakers commended Prof. Dr. Khalid Hussain for coordinating the Directed Studies course and highlighted the course’s impact in developing students’ research skills through guided inquiry and critical analysis.
Throughout the day, research presentations were held across six venues on campus, including the Auditorium and lecture theatres. Moderated by SCI faculty members and supported by a team of student volunteers, the sessions featured nearly 70 presentations that spanned a broad spectrum of topics, from artificial intelligence and machine learning to cybersecurity, data governance, and emerging digital frameworks.
The presentations were assessed using a standardised rubric by both internal academic staff from SCI and a panel of invited experts, including Prof. Dr. Yusnidah binti Ibrahim, Dr. Muath Khalil Amayreh, and Assoc. Prof. Dr. Kalthom binti Husain, among others. The presence of external reviewers ensured a rigorous academic environment and provided participants with constructive, methodologically focused feedback.
As the day drew to a close, attendees reconvened for the closing ceremony, which began with final reflections from the Dean of SCI. This was followed by the presentation of tokens of appreciation to the external evaluators, led by the Deputy Vice Chancellor (Academic), Professor Dr. Hj. Mohamad Abdullah bin Hemdi. The symposium concluded with an awards presentation to outstanding student researchers in recognition of excellence across diverse fields of inquiry, followed by a commemorative group photo to mark the occasion.
The event provided a structured platform for undergraduate students to present the outcomes of their Directed Studies projects, developed over the semester under close academic supervision. By engaging them in the full research cycle, from framing research problems to public presentation, the event strengthens critical thinking, nurtures academic discipline, and prepares students for future professional and academic challenges.
Participants shared that the research experience enhanced their technical and analytical skills while building self-confidence and preparing them for careers in tech and innovation.
Building on this momentum, SCI plans to expand interdisciplinary collaborations, explore industry engagement opportunities, and enhance mentoring in future repetitions of its Directed Studies programme.
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