2016-2017 FULBRIGHT MALAYSIAN GRADUATE STUDY AND RESEARCH PROGRAM
Au Yo
ng Seok Wun
Home Institution: Sunway Universit & Freelancer
Host Institution: Syracuse University
Field of Study: Filmmaking
Au Yong Seok Wun is an independent filmmaker, educator and underwater cinematographer. She graduated in 2001 with BSc (Hons) Computing for Business from University of Northumbria. Her film career began when she became an underwater camerawoman in 2006. Making films on a daily basis helped Seok Wun realize her true passion, which is cinema. In 2013, Seok Wun received a grant from MDeC to attend an eight-week filmmaking course in New York Film Academy (NYC). Since then, she has been actively involved in the independent film industry. Most of her work revolves around environmental and social issues. One of her films, ‘Angmo & Amoi’, has been screened at several film festivals in South East Asia and USA. She is also a past winner at Kota Kinabalu International Film Festival for the ‘Best Pitch’. In 2015, Seok Wun started teaching film at Sunway University as a part time lecturer. She hopes to strengthen her film foundation in USA and looks forward to pass on the knowledge to young filmmakers in Malaysia.
Dominique Faustina Fernandes
Host Institution: Harvard Law School, Harvard University
Field of Study: Law
Dominique Fernandes received her Bachelor’s in Law (Hons.) from Universiti Kebangsaan Malaysia in 2009 and joined the Judicial and Legal Service shortly afterwards. Gazetted as both a federal counsel and deputy public prosecutor, Dominique spent 7 years at the Attorney General’s Chambers rendering advice to the Government of Malaysia on various matters, such as its international human rights obligations, civil litigation, international cooperation, multilateral meetings at the UN, and others. At the Harvard Law School, Dominique’s studies will be guided by her deep interest in international law generally and human rights law specifically. She will be concentrating on the relationship between freedom of speech and the offence of sedition, and its correlation with both the greater framework of human rights and race relations. She believes that the unique curriculum at Harvard will expose her to intersect classes on public policy with law, which will enable a better understanding of sub-issues related to her area of interest.
Nisha Kamilla Sundra Rajoo
Host Institution: Boston University
Field of Study: LLM (Banking and Finance)
Nisha graduated from University College London with a Bachelor in Laws. She joined Securities Commission Malaysia in 2010, and was involved in various aspects of capital market regulation. She was also involved in addressing market misconduct. She has since worked at the London operations of a banking conglomerate, being involved in various due diligence and regulatory compliance related projects pursuant to international, Financial Conduct Authority and Prudential Regulatory Authority anti-money laundering and counter terrorism financing requirements. Nisha is keen to develop her existing knowledge and interests in legal and governance issues concerning financial institutions. This is particularly with regards to developing suitable and workable safeguards to prevent financial institutions from being used as tools for terrorism financing and money laundering. In her free time, she enjoys designing and making personalized jewelry, using various wirework and bead-weaving techniques.
Su-Anne Lee
Host Institution: Columbia Law School
Field of Study: Master of Laws (LLM)
Trained as a lawyer, Su-Anne is qualified to practice in the United Kingdom and Malaysia. Her interest in humanitarian work began a decade ago when she volunteered with an NGO assisting Acehnese refugees living in poor urban areas of Kuala Lumpur. After several years in corporate and commercial legal practice, she joined the United Nations High Commissioner for Refugees (UNHCR) where she has worked with refugees, stateless people and victims of trafficking for more than 6 years. Her work with UNHCR in Malaysia and Hong Kong has focused on refugee protection and status determination in asylum processes. She has a special interest in working with marginalized and underserved groups, and in exploring how law might be used to more effectively help such groups. Su-Anne will be pursuing an LLM at Columbia Law School, where she has been awarded the LLM Human Rights Fellowship. During her LLM, Su-Anne will specialize in international law and human rights.
2016-2017 FULBRIGHT-MCMC GRADUATE STUDY GRANT
Tan Win Son
Home institution: AmInvestment Bank
Host institution: ASU / Rutgers
Field of Study: Big Data Science – Analytics
Winson has over 5 years of experience as a management consultant and business analyst in Kuala Lumpur. He has helped companies to improve their operational performance in various sectors – namely media, banking, government, and healthcare. His inspiration for data arose while working at PwC Consulting, where he was involved in data intensive and risk-related projects. Notably, he helped to develop a technology-enabled quantitative risk management framework called Corridor Budgeting, which won a national award in Europe. Currently, Winson is an analyst at AmInvestment Bank, where he conducts his research on the Malaysian media and technology sector. In his free time, Winson is an avid chess player and swimmer. Winson intends to use his Masters of Analytics education to push the envelope of Big Data applications in Malaysia, particularly in the domain of public services.
2016-2017 FULBRIGHT-MCMC SENIOR RESEARCH GRANT
Mohammad Faizal Ahmad Fauzi
Home Institution: Multimedia University
Host Institution: Ohio State University
Field of Study: Biomedical Informatics
Mohammad Faizal Ahmad Fauzi (MIEM, SMIEEE) received his B.Eng. in Electrical and Electronic Engineering from Imperial College London in 1999 and his Ph.D. in Electronics and Computer Science from University of Southampton in 2004. He is currently an Associate Professor at the Faculty of Engineering, Multimedia University, Cyberjaya. His main research interests are in the area of signal and image processing, pattern recognition, computer vision and biomedical informatics. He has published more than 70 journal and conference articles to date. Mohammad Faizal is a Senior Member of the Institute of Electrical and Electronics Engineers (IEEE). He was the chair for the Signal Processing Society Malaysia Chapter from 2008 to 2013. Under his stewardship, the chapter won the IEEE Signal Processing Society Chapter of the Year Award in 2011. He is currently serving as the Vice Chair of the IEEE Malaysia Section since 2015.
2016-2017 FULBRIGHT VISITING SCHOLAR PROGRAM
Dr. Lim Kheng Seang
Home institution: University of Malaya
Host institution: Cleveland Clinic Epilepsy Center
Field of Study: Medical Sciences – Neurology
Dr. Lim Kheng Seang, a University of Malaya (Malaysia) graduate, is a Professor in Faculty of Medicine, University of Malaya and Consultant Neurologist specialized in epilepsy in University of Malaya Medical Centre, Malaysia. He has been trained in University of Malaya for his neurology subspecialty training, followed by fellowship training in Melbourne for epilepsy. He is currently the president of the Malaysian Society of Neurosciences, the member of the Malaysian Epilepsy Council, the president of the Malaysian Society of Epilepsy, and member of the Commission of Asian and Oceanian Affairs, International League against Epilepsy. He has published numerous original papers in epilepsy, especially on the psychosocial aspects of epilepsy, pharmacogenomics and pharmacokinetics of antiepileptic drugs, and is currently involved in various researches in neurology and epilepsy.
Associate Professor Dr. Mui-Yun Wong
Home institution: Universiti Putra Malaysia
Host institution: University California, Riverside
Field of study: Plant Pathology/Molecular Biology
Dr. Mui-Yun Wong obtained her PhD from North Carolina State University, Raleigh USA, in 2004, majoring in Plant Pathology and minoring in Biotechnology. She later joined the Department of Plant Protection, Faculty of Agriculture, as a Lecturer. Besides teaching, her research interests include plant disease diagnosis, biological control and molecular plant pathology focusing on plant-pathogen interactions in oil palm, fruits and vegetables. Dr. Wong was a visiting scientist to the Department of Plant Pathology and Plant-Microbe Biology, Cornell University, USA, from 2009 to 2010. She is also actively engaging with the oil palm industry in Malaysia in combating a threatening Ganoderma basal stem rot disease as effective and sustainable control method is currently unavailable. Her stay at UC Riverside will focus on the development of host-induced gene silencing (HIGS) technology to combat this devastating disease. Aside from teaching and research, Dr. Wong is also a keen traveler to various places for cultural exchanges.
2016-2017 FULBRIGHT U.S.-ASEAN VISITING SCHOLAR PROGRAM
Norhayati Abdullah
Home Institution: Universiti Teknologi Malaysia
Host Institution: University of Michigan
Field of Study: Environmental Engineering
Norhayati obtained her PhD via collaborative works between UTM and Newcastle University, England in 2012. She began her academic career with UTM in 2008 and is actively involved with the International Water Association (IWA) since 2002. Norhayati is the Chair of the IWA Young Water Professional International Steering Committee. She published her research on industrial wastewater treatment and also presented her findings on aerobic granulation developed using palm oil mill effluent at the House of Commons, London during the SET for Britain Engineering Competition in 2010. In 2012, Norhayati received the IWA Young Water Professional Award in Busan, Korea for her outstanding involvement in wastewater research and professional development activities. At the University of Michigan, Norhayati will specialize in anaerobic digestion for sustainable palm oil production. She will evaluate the possibilities of palm oil mill effluent which is an energy rich waste from the manufacturing of palm oil, a major commodity in Malaysia.
2016-2017 FULBRIGHT FOREIGN LANGUAGE TEACHING ASSISTANT PROGRAM (FLTA)
Nor Farizah Ahmad
Home institution: SMK Taman Yarl
Host Institution: University of Puget Sound, WA
Nor Farizah graduated with a degree from Macquarie University, Sydney, Australia which was fully funded by the Malaysian Ministry of Education. She was formerly based in Johor for four years before she was transferred to her current post in a public secondary school in Kuala Lumpur. In Sydney, she was one of the four Executive members of Oaktree Foundation in her university who were responsible in making Macquarie University the first Fairtrade accredited university in Australia. Upon moving back to Kuala Lumpur from Johor in 2015, Nor Farizah, with a group of other passionate people, started a project called Projek Layang-Layang, which aims to empower adults in Malaysia with knowledge about child sexual abuse. Through her involvement in the 日博电竞 FLTA program, she looks forward to experiencing life and the learning culture of her liberal arts host university, while also spreading the beauty of Malaysia to the other side of the world.
Yoong Yui Jien (Regina)
Home Institution: Methodist College Kuala Lumpur
Host Institution: Ohio University
Regina Yoong is currently pursuing her Masters in English Literature in University of Malaya, whilst teaching English Literature in Methodist College Kuala Lumpur. She is a young and passionate teacher who believes in the power of education and its significance in shaping the country, one classroom at a time. Seeing teaching as more than a job to pay the bills, Regina is inspired to give her best to her students every day. Being a people-person, she always enjoys engaging herself with others, sharing in their experiences, cultures and unique stories. She is excited to be heading to the States, knowing that all the experiences and knowledge gained would be shared with everyone around her, Americans and Malaysians alike. During her free time, she likes to indulge in a good game of
Batu Seremban
, which is something she looks forward in sharing with her American friends.
2 017 INTERNATIONAL LEADERS IN EDUCATION PROGRAM (ILEP)
Teo Ha
m (Jewel)
Home Institution: Ministry of Education Malaysia
Host Institution: Indiana University of Pennsylvania
Teo Ham graduated from Universiti Sains Malaysia in 2009 with a Bachelor’s degree in Science with Education. She has been teaching in Sekolah Menengah Kebangsaan Jelutong since. Teo Ham teaches Science and Computer Literacy to secondary school students. Through her teaching experience, she found her passion for education equity – that every child deserves quality education, regardless of their races, socio-economic and geographical background. In 2015, her school started a new program, Ground Up School Transformation Program (GUSTO). Her leadership skills and her passion to see transformation in education stood out and she was chosen to be one of the change teachers to facilitate transformation in her school. Under her team’s initiative, her school has successfully implement Subject Based Classroom (SBC) fully in the afternoon school. At Indiana University of Pennsylvania, Teo Ham will work with seasoned teachers from different countries to produce a professional development module that she will bring back to her school and district. Her passion to see transformation in education is continued to be flamed as she actively participates in classes offered by the ILEP program. Besides transformation in education, Teo Ham is also very passionate about diversity in cultures and hopes to build friendship and network with her classmates in Indiana University of Pennsylvania.
Calvin Anak Mikeng
Home Institution: Ministry of Education Malaysia
Host Institution: Indiana University of Pennsylvania
Calvin Anak Mikeng graduated from Universiti Teknologi Mara (UiTM) in 2008 with a Bachelor’s Degree in Education (TESL). Upon his graduation, he was posted to Sekolah Menengah Kebangsaan Spaoh, Betong Sarawak; and taught English Language for 5 years. He is currently teaching English language in Sekolah Menengah Sains Kuching Utara (SAKURA) and involved actively in any co-curricular activities that are related to English language. Calvin is very passionate about using drama techniques to teach English language and he believes that creativity and innovation in the classroom are keys to getting students’ participation. Calvin is currently participating in the ILEP program 2017 at Indiana University of Pennsylvania and hopes that the experience will further enhance his teaching skills and meet his desired goals. One of his goals is to be more techno savvy and utilize instructional methods techniques that support technology integration in English language. Calvin is also interested to share about the beautiful cultures in Malaysia. In his spare time, Calvin also loves to draw and design clothes and hopes to promote Malaysia through modern and traditional fashion design.
Christy Kong Siew Choo
Home Institution: SMK Bahang, Penampang
Host Institution: Arizona State University
Christy Kong has been teaching Science and Mathematics at secondary school in Malaysia since 2005. She has taught both in rural and urban schools. She is an active advisor of the school’s nature society club and has worked with the community on environmental projects. Currently, she teaches at SMK Bahang, Penampang. Christy received a bachelor’s degree in education from Putra University in 2005. Her main objective for participating in ILEP is to learn and explore new methodologies for engaging students to be more active in classroom. She also plans to share Malaysia’s culture and heritage to American students.
Stella Veronica Bulugu
Home institution : SMK Datuk Haji Panglima Jakarullah, Semporna
Host Institutions : Mary Lou Fulton Teachers College, Arizona State University and Metro Tech High School, Phoenix, Arizona
Stella Veronica Bulugu graduated from Universiti Malaysia Sabah with Bachelor’s degree of Education with TESL in 2009. Upon completing her degree, she is posted to Semporna and has been teaching for the past 7 years. Stella is teaching English to secondary school in Semporna, a home for one of the most beautiful island in the world, Sipadan. In her school, she is the head of English panel and actively involved with coordinating English activities in the school and around the district of Semporna. She enjoys teaching and always initiate interesting collaboration with local community and exploring international networking to give authentic exposure to her students. In 2015, Stella successfully completed a book project – compiling short stories from her students as future reference and motivation for students to write. She carried out postcard project connecting individuals around the world to her classroom. Her goal is to make education meaningful to everyone and to bridge the gap between the school and community leading to school effectiveness. Besides teaching, Stella is also passionate about environment conservation effort and therefore encouraging the local environmental society to include the schools around the district to join the effort of spreading awareness, protecting and conserving marine life in Semporna. She hopes to gain global perspectives, building networks and exploring professional learning community in ASU.
2016-2017 GLOBAL UNDERGRADUATE EXCHANGE PROGRAM (FINALISTS)
Siti Shahirah binti Saidin
Home Institution: University Technology MARA, Shah Alam,
Host Institution:
Field of Study: Civil Engineering
Siti Shahirah graduated from University Technology MARA (UiTM), Pulau Pinang in 2004 with a Diploma in Civil Engineering. During her diploma, she was actively involved with activities organized by UiTM and was a Kesatria Commander. She graduated with a CGPA of 3.80 and received the Vice Chancellor Award. Currently, she is studying at UiTM Shah Alam after three months working with Keeway Benelli Motorcycle Sdn Bhd as an Assistant Technician. During her semester break in January 2015, she worked as a Mathematics replacement teacher for two months at SMK Bandar Sungai Buaya. Leadership has been a part of her life since she was young, and she’s looking forward to the challenges of living abroad without her family or friends. The thought of immersing herself in a new environment excites her and she is hoping to gain a new outlook and perspective on life throughout her time in the Global UGRAD Exchange Program.
Khor Zhen Yee
Home Institution: Universiti Sains Malaysia
Host Institution:
Field of study: Film and broadcasting
Khor Zhen Yee is a third year Film and Broadcasting student at the School of Communication, Universiti Sains Malaysia. Inspired by the works of contemporary film director, Christopher Nolan, Zhen Yee decided to pursue a bachelor’s degree in Communications. He has been actively involved in the creative productions for competitions and commercial works as a script writer, editor, director and he had recently won the Videography Category award in the Vision Petron Nasional Student Art Competition 2015. He is also actively involved in documentary making and community services. In his free time, he is a multi-instrument musician who plays mainly pop/jazz music. He is the lead singer and percussionist leader of the USM Jazz Band. He is also a passionate baker who bakes a sort of ugly but delicious pastries. One of his biggest dreams is to serve Christopher Nolan his “ugly” baked goods at his movie premiere.
Naomi Ng Ru Mi
Home Institution: University of Malaya
Host Institution:
Field of Study: Economics
Naomi Ng, a born-and-raised Johorean is an Economics student at the University of Malaya. Naomi enjoys volunteering at events, with the Langkawi International Maritime and Aerospace (LIMA) Exhibition contributing much to her self-development, hence why she’s done it for three consecutive years. Appointed as a Volunteer Leader of the Liaison Officers department in 2015, she gained invaluable experiences in handling various responsibilities. Growing up in The Vineyard Church, she served in the children’s ministry up till when she left for university. In her second academic year, she lent a hand at recycling centres of the Tzu Chi Foundation and volunteered at IQ70+, a home for those with mental disabilities. A constant reminder to herself is to appreciate the things in life, and thank God for every opportunity and experience she’s been blessed with. Naomi’s mission through UGRAD is to gain new experiences in the US and be a good ambassador for Malaysia.
Moris Deri
Home institution: Universiti Tun Abdul Razak
Host institution:
Field of Study: Government & Public Policy
An avid reader of legal philosophies and socioeconomic theories, Moris exhibits profound interest in matters concerning human rights and social justice. He has helped run several charity drives to help the homeless around Kuala Lumpur, and feels deeply connected to various issues affecting minority groups, particularly the rural poor and the LGBTQ. Moris’ newspaper articles on issues such as corruption and scientific literacy were regularly featured on The Malaysian Insider (now defunct). His paper on environmental conservation won him the prestigious Rotary Club essay-writing award in 2014. Moris speaks five languages, including Iban and Bidayuh, and is in the process of acquiring a sixth language – German – believing that mastery of different languages gives great insights into how the native speakers of such languages perceive the ordinary world. The prestigious Global UGRAD program would serve as an important platform for him to enhance his knowledge and social skills in this global village.
Khoo Sher Rynn
Home Institution: University of Malaya
Host Institution:
Field of Study: Bachelor of Law
Her passion in helping homeless families and uneducated children led Khoo Sher Rynn to pursue law. She is a passionate person who volunteers her time in different causes and programs, both locally and internationally. Previously, she participated in the Raleigh International 7-weeks expedition in Borneo, where she was engaged with the community and helped built a gravity-fed water system to help supply water to the villages. In 2015, she participated in a 6-weeks travel journalism exchange program in Kyrgyzstan, where she documented her experiences to be used as part of the nation’s initiatives to promote their travel industry. She has also represented Malaysia in the 2016 Oxford Intellectual Property Moot Competition in the United Kingdom. At the same time, she maintains active in sports as she played for the varsity basketball team in national tournaments and also embarked on a 2-weeks winter trek to Annapurna Base Camp in the Himalayas, Nepal.
