Aya Alsadig Sidahmed Ali, a Psychology student from Sudan at Asia Pacific University of Technology & Innovation (APU), was recently honoured with the Best Presenter Award at the Student Research Symposium 2025, organised by the Secretariat of Psychology; student representative body for psychology students at the International Islamic University Malaysia (IIUM).

The Student Research Symposium 2025 served as a key academic platform that brought together students from various higher education institutions across Malaysia to showcase scholarly research, exchange diverse perspectives, and engage in meaningful academic discourse that encouraged critical thinking and interdisciplinary learning.

Aya carried out her research under the supervision of Ms Raihan Munira Moh Sani (Lecturer, School of Psychology), whose academic expertise, thoughtful mentorship, and continuous guidance were instrumental in shaping the study, refining its analytical depth, and supporting Aya throughout both the research process and her presentation at the symposium. 

Shedding Light on Student Mental Health during Conflict 

Aya delivered her research presentation in the highly competitive Three Minute Thesis (3MT) format, a challenge that requires researchers to communicate complex ideas clearly, confidently, and concisely within just three minutes to a diverse academic audience. 

Competing alongside peers from various institutions, she demonstrated strong presentation skills, critical thinking, and the ability to distil complex qualitative findings into a compelling and accessible narrative, which distinguished her presentation from others. 

Her research titled “Exploring the Psychological Well-being and Social Support among Sudanese International University Students in Malaysia during the 2023 Armed Conflict,” examined the lived experiences, coping strategies, and resilience of Sudanese international students navigating the psychological impact of conflict while continuing their academic journeys abroad, to which it underscores the importance of culturally sensitive support systems within higher education institutions, and reflecting the real-world relevance and applied impact of research conducted within APU’s Bachelor of Science (Honours) in Psychology programme. 

A Proud and Memorable Achievement 

Reflecting on the moment Aya received the award, she shared that winning the Best Presenter Award was deeply fulfilling, marking a meaningful milestone in her academic journey. 

She expressed a strong sense of pride in seeing her research recognised on a national platform, describing the experience as affirming and motivating after months of careful research, refinement, and preparation. 

She also noted that the recognition boosted her confidence as a young researcher and presenter, encouraging her to continue exploring research that addresses real-world psychological challenges. 

Advancing Psychological Research

Highlighting Aya’s achievement, Ms Vinorra Shaker (Head, SoP at APU) emphasised the importance of nurturing psychology students who are not only academically capable, but also socially aware and research-driven. 

She noted that Aya’s success represents SoP’s aspirations to encourage meaningful psychological research that addresses real-world challenges, while motivating future psychology students to engage in rigorous inquiry, uphold ethical practice, and apply their knowledge in ways that create positive impact both within and beyond the classroom.