Highlighting Academic Excellence

Psychology Students' Showcase of Brilliance

In an exhilarating display of academic prowess and presentation skills, two Bachelor of Science (Honours) in Psychology students from the Asia Pacific University of Technology & Innovation (APU) emerged as winners in the highly competitive Thesis in 5 Minutes Series 2/2023 event hosted by the MNNF Network, an event management company based in Negeri Sembilan, Malaysia.

This competition, which took place on the 21st of October 2023, challenges participants to distil and present their complex thesis research in a concise, engaging, and understandable format — all within a tight five-minute timeframe.

Both Faiza Fatima Ahmed and Kirollos Said Soubhi Fahmy, led by the School of Psychology (SOP) academic staff, Dr. Zhooriyati Sehu Mohamad, secured a total of 3 victories in this event.

Faiza Fatima Ahmed’s thesis titled “Analyzing the Relationship Between Perceived Social Support and Resilience Level among Students at Asia Pacific University”, won her a Silver Award. Fatima was mentored by Ms. Izzati Bashir and Dr. Zhooriyati Sehu Mohd.

Faiza’s award-winning thesis explores the crucial relationship between perceived social support and resilience among students at APU. Her research stands out for its insightful analysis and relevance to student well-being.

Faiza's thesis holds significant implications for student support services and mental health initiatives at universities. By establishing the link between social support and resilience, her work underscores the importance of fostering supportive communities within academic institutions.

The findings could inform the development of programs and policies aimed at enhancing the support networks available to students, ultimately contributing to their academic success and overall well-being. She won a silver award for her presentation.

“Faiza’s ability to articulate complex psychological concepts in a simple yet profound manner was truly remarkable. Her presentation was not just informative but also engaging, making a usually complex topic accessible to all attendees,” commented Dr. Zhooriyati on her student’s achievement.

Adding icing on the cake, Fiiza was also one of the cash prize YouTube lucky draw winners.

​Kirollos Said Soubhi Fahmy won a bronze award after presenting his thesis titled “Exploring the Implications of Using Educational Tools in Completing Assignments among University Students”. He was supervised by Dr. Zhooriyati Sehu Mohd.

On the other hand, Kirollos' research holds substantial implications for educational policy, teaching methodologies, and student support services. By highlighting the critical role of educational tools, his work encourages universities and educators to reassess and potentially revamp their approach to integrating these tools in academic settings. His work won him a bronze award.

According to his supervisor, Dr. Zhooriyati Sehu Mohd, “Kirollos’ research contributes to a deeper understanding of how technology and traditional tools can be harmonised to enhance the educational experience of university students. His energetic delivery and clear passion for the subject left a lasting impression on the audience.”

The Thesis in 5 Minutes competition provided a platform for these bright minds to not only showcase their hard work but also to make their research accessible to a broader audience. Both winners demonstrated exceptional skill in distilling complex research into digestible content, a crucial skill in the field of psychology.

The event was more than a competition; it was a learning experience for all. Attendees, ranging from fellow students to faculty members, were exposed to cutting-edge research and innovative ideas in the field of psychology, among others. The winners' presentations sparked curiosity and inspired many, potentially shaping future research directions and personal interests.

Kirollos Said Soubhi Fahmy and Faiza Fatima Ahmed’s success is a testament to their hard work, dedication, and mastery of their respective research areas. The School is excited to see what the next generation of psychology students will bring to the table.