By UOW Malaysia 

On 27 August 2025, UOW Malaysia welcomed Professor Christian Ritz from the University of Wollongong, Australia, for a hybrid session on Research and Grant Application Strategies. Academic staff and postgraduate students from Glenmarie and Batu Kawan campuses joined the event, which brought together 42 participants eager to explore how research can extend beyond the classroom and connect meaningfully with industry and international collaborators.

Professor Ritz shared practical tips on how students and academics can build meaningful industry partnerships. From research showcases to business engagement “speed dating,” he showed how quick conversations can spark long-term collaborations. He also pointed out that alumni can play an important role in research, whether through advisory panels, joint projects, or simply sharing their industry experience.

Looking beyond Malaysia, Professor Ritz encouraged students to embrace international collaboration as a key to research success. He introduced funding opportunities such as the Global Science & Technology Diplomacy Fund – Strategic Element and explained how working on joint proposals or postgraduate co-supervision with UOW’s global campuses can open doors to exciting projects, knowledge exchange, and stronger competitiveness.

The session wrapped up with a lively Q&A, where students asked about research funding and intellectual property. Many left inspired, motivated to think bigger, and ready to explore new ways to turn their research ideas into impactful contributions locally and globally.