Curtin Sarawak offers postgraduate research scholarships

MIRI: Curtin University, Sarawak Malaysia (Curtin Sarawak) is offering full postgraduate scholarships for qualified candidates to conduct advanced research study at the university’s Faculty of Engineering and Science.

Among the latest being offered is a Master of Philosophy ( MPhil) scholarship for an electrical engineering research project entitled ‘ Non- linear Optimisation Framework for Deep Learning Neural Network’.

The project, funded by the Malaysian Ministry of Education through its Fundamental Research Grant Scheme ( FRGS), aims to develop an efficient learning algorithm for a deep neural network that will lead to a significant leap in the advancement of artificial intelligence applicable to various human-machine interventions.

To be eligible for the scholarship, candidates must be Malaysian citizens and holders of bachelor’s degrees in electrical or electronic engineering, computer science or applied mathematics; and possess good knowledge of image processing, engineering mathematics, probability, and neural network as well as a good command of written and spoken English.

Interested candidates can contact Dr. Garenth Lim King Hann (the project supervisor) at 085- 443 833 or by email to glkhann@ curtin.edu.my.

Meanwhile, a Doctor of Philosophy ( PhD) scholarship in mechanical engineering is available for a candidate to undertake a research project entitled ‘ Thermal and Total Performance Enhancement of Inclined Solar Chimney Power Plant using Underneath Air-vent and Thermal Storage Medium’ which is also funded by the Ministry of Education.

The research will lead to developing an inclined solar chimney power plant ( SCPP) with underneath air-vents to enhance collector performance and reduce thermal losses associated with the collector.

Interested candidates must be Malaysian citizens and possess backgrounds in heat transfer and fluid mechanics. They can contact Dr. Aja Ogboo Chikere of the Department of Mechanical Engineering at 085- 443 209 or e-mail aja.ogboo@ curtin.edu. my for more details.

Another PhD scholarship focusing on renewable energy is for a research project entitled ‘ Modelling and Design of a Rotary Vane Expander for Oil Palm Waste- fired Organic Rankine Cycle Power Plants’ which will look into the possibility of replacing costly conventional steam power plants to minimise environmental impact.

More details on the scholarship can be obtained by contacting Dr. Hyung- Chui Jung of the Department of Mechanical Engineering at 085- 443 830 or by email to jung.hc@ curtin.edu. my.

A ll the scholarships cover full tuition fees and monthly stipends.

The successful candidates will be awarded degrees directly by Curtin University in Australia.

For more information on research at Curtin Sarawak, visit www.curtin. edu.my/R& D/.