First School of Science PhD has ties with Sunway
In October 2009, Eric Chan Wei Chiang became the first PhD graduate from the School of Science, Monash University, Sunway Campus (MUSC). Eric was formerly a Canadian International Matriculation Programme (CIMP) student at Sunway University College where he obtained his Ontario Secondary School Diploma. After his matriculation in 2000, he pursued his BSc Biotechnology (2001–2003), BSc (Honours) Biotechnology (2004–2005) and PhD (2006–2009) in Monash University Sunway Campus.
Meeting staff of Sunway University College: Eric is second from left with Cheng Mien Wee (Director, Pre-U Studies) to his right and Roslee Yahya (Deputy Director, CIMP) second from right and John Futa (Director of CIMP), extreme right
From his PhD work, Eric Chan has published six papers in international refereed journals as the lead author. The journals included Food Chemistry, LWT – Food Science and Technology, and Gardens’ Bulletin Singapore. One of the papers in Food Chemistry was published as Rapid Communication. He has also presented his findings at international conferences such as the Fourth International Symposium on the Family Zingiberaceae (ginger family), Singapore Botanic Gardens, 3–6 July 2006, Singapore, and the Fifth International Symposium on the Family Zingiberaceae, Xishuangbanna Botanic Gardens, 6–9 July 2009, Yunnan, China.
Leaves of the widely cultivated Etlingera elatior or kantan have outstanding antioxidant, antibacterial and antityrosinase properties. Currently, an agricultural waste with no economic value, the leaves have great potential to be developed into useful natural preservatives and herbal products. Monash University Sunway Campus PhD graduate Eric Chan Wei Chiang has published these findings as part of his pioneering work on ginger leaves.
Eric Chan won the Consolation Prize of the Merck Young Scientist Award (MYSA) 2009 Chromatography Category. He is a Life Member for Academic Excellence, Monash University Chapter of the Golden Key International Honour Society since 2002, and a Member of the International Society for Mangrove Ecosystems (ISME) in Okinawa, Japan since 2008. His PhD degree and doctorate title will be conferred during the graduation ceremony in March 2010.
Eric shared on his pre-university experience, “I completed the Canadian International Matriculation Programme (CIMP) at Sunway in 2000 and this turned out to be an important milestone in my career. The pre-university programme had transformed me from a mediocre student in high school to become the best Honours Student (2005) and the first PhD Graduate (2009) of the School of Science, Monash University Sunway Campus. To-date, I have several research publications in international refereed journals as the first author.
Providing an international education experience, CIMP places more emphasis on continuous evaluation of coursework and projects than on examinations. With a balance of science and art subjects in the syllabus, the class environment is conducive for learning, liberal and non-restrictive. Rather than being taught what is right and proper, free expression of views is allowed and even encouraged in class. Students are also trained to conduct research projects, followed by documentation and presentation of findings. I feel these are crucial aspects of the CIMP curriculum, which I have fond memories. My brother Aaron and cousin Li Li also obtained their CIMP diplomas from Sunway in 2002 and 2003, respectively.”
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