UTAR PhD candidates selected for Canada-ASEAN SEED programme

Two PhD candidates from UTAR, Tan Jing Jie and Tan Lee Hang, were selected for the prestigious Canada-ASEAN Scholarships and Educational Exchanges for Development (SEED) programme. Funded by Global Affairs Canada, this competitive scholarship programme recognises exceptional scholars committed to advancing sustainable development and fostering international collaboration between Canada and ASEAN nations.

The SEED programme aims to reduce poverty in ASEAN developing economies and support the 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development by promoting scholarships and educational exchanges. It aligns with the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) and strengthens people-to-people ties between Canada and the ASEAN region.

Tan Jing Jie, a PhD candidate in Engineering, will carry out research at Memorial University of Newfoundland under the supervision of Dr Kaiyang Liu. His project, Federated Learning for Personality Recognition, focuses on developing AI models that protect user privacy while supporting mental health assessment and personalised education tools.

“In Malaysia, we face challenges in AI research due to limited access to high-performance computing resources,” said Tan Jing Jie. “This scholarship allows me to work with Canada’s advanced infrastructure and experts. My goal is to develop federated learning frameworks for mental health diagnostics that strictly maintain data privacy — a crucial need in today’s digital world.”

Tan Jing Jie’s research directly contributes to SDG 3 (Good Health and Well-being) and SDG 4 (Quality Education). Emphasising its broader impact, he added, “Beyond technical aspects, this work could help make mental health support more accessible while protecting personal data. When I return to Malaysia, I hope to apply these solutions at UTAR and collaborate with local healthcare providers to create positive change.”

Tan Lee Hang, another UTAR PhD candidate in Engineering, will join Concordia University under the mentorship of Prof Dr Po-Han Chen. His research, Probabilistic Simulation Modelling of Road Traffic Noise Mapping at Crossroads, compares noise pollution in Montreal and Klang Valley, with the aim of developing solutions for sustainable urban development.

“Noise pollution is more than just an annoyance — it’s a public health issue that often affects vulnerable communities,” said Tan Lee Hang. “My research uses advanced probabilistic modelling to identify noise hotspots and propose targeted mitigation strategies. The comparative approach between Canada and Malaysia will yield unique insights that can be adapted globally.”

Tan Lee Hang is particularly excited about the cross-cultural aspects. He noted, “This exchange gives me the chance to test my models in different urban contexts and learn from Canadian approaches to sustainable city planning. I believe this knowledge exchange will benefit both nations and contribute to Malaysia’s Twelfth Malaysia Plan and Shared Prosperity Vision 2030.”

Both scholars exemplify UTAR’s commitment to research excellence and international collaboration. Their achievements highlight the University’s role in nurturing talent that addresses pressing global challenges through innovation and cross-border partnerships.

“Receiving the SEED scholarship is an honour and a responsibility,” Tan Jing Jie said and added, “It validates years of hard work but more importantly, it connects me to a network of scholars equally passionate about using technology for social good. I’m determined to make the most of this opportunity to benefit Malaysia’s AI ecosystem.”

Tan Lee Hang also said, “This experience will shape my growth as a researcher. Beyond the academic work, I’m looking forward to building lasting collaborations between UTAR and Concordia University that can continue producing impactful research long after my exchange ends.”

The SEED scholarship provides each recipient with CAD 10,200 to support their four-month research exchange in Canada. With access to advanced facilities and guidance, Tan Jing Jie and Tan Lee Hang are prepared to contribute to their fields and bring new expertise back to Malaysia.

Congratulations to Tan Jing Jie and Tan Lee Hang. UTAR takes great pride in your accomplishments and looks forward to the positive impact your research will create for communities in Malaysia and beyond.