The Faculty of Arts and Social Sciences (FASS) recognizes the importance of postgraduate candidates presenting papers at conferences, conducting fieldwork, undertaking research activities and publishing scholarly work to enhance knowledge, receive constructive feedback and build academic networks.
The fund aims to assist candidates to:
i. Gain constructive feedback on their research. ii. Obtain further knowledge and expertise in their research fields. iii. Disseminate information about their current and innovative research. iv. Make a name for themselves as specialists in their fields. v. Network with other scholars for possible future professional collaborations and other opportunities. vi. Assist candidates in fulfilling the academic requirements for graduation.
ELIGIBILITY
a. General requirements:
i. The applicant must be an active postgraduate candidate at the Faculty. ii. The applicant has received official acceptance for a conference presentation/publication. iii. The conference/ publication/ fieldwork/ research activity must be complete before the candidate is conferred the degree by the Senate. iv. The conference/ publication/ fieldwork/ research activity is related to the candidate's research area and organized by a recognized academic institution or professional organization. v. The conference/ publication/ fieldwork/ research activity must be original and innovative. vi. The application is supported by the supervisor(s).
b. Specific Requirements:
i. Research mode: Obtained pass in Candidature Defense (CD). ii. Mixed mode: Minimum CGPA of 3.00 and obtained pass in Proposal Defense (PD). iii. Coursework mode: Not applicable.
EXPENSES COVERED
a. Costs associated with conferences/ publications/ fieldwork/ research activities and other related academic activities approved by the Faculty.
b. Financial assistance may be provided in full or in part for the following expenses:
i. Transportation/Airfare (Economy class). ii. Accommodation expenses (maximum RM60 per night or in accordance with the prevailing University/Faculty regulations, whichever is lower). iii. Registration fees. iv. Article publication fees. v. Other expenses (visa/ travel pass/ travel insurance).
c. The amount approved is subject to the availability of Faculty funds and recommendation of the relevant committee(s), based on the type of activity applied as follows:
i. International conference : maximum RM 2,000.00 (subject to the prevailing University/Faculty policy). ii. Local conference : maximum RM 1,500.00 (subject to the prevailing University/Faculty policy). iii. Publication : maximum RM 2,000.00 (subject to the University's graduation publication requirements). iv. Fieldwork/ Research activity : maximum RM 1,500.00 (Applicable to candidates conducting fieldwork/research activities in Semester III of their candidature).
d. Financial aid is provided strictly on a claim basis.
APPLICATION PROCEDURE
a. Applicants must submit the completed application form and all supporting documents to the Faculty within one (1) month after the completion of the conference/fieldwork/research activity/publication.
b. Required documents:
i. Completed Fund Application Form (Appendix A) duly signed by supervisor(s) and Head of Department. ii. Original receipts/ proof of payment (certified true copy where applicable). iii. Copy of credit card statement/ copy of bank statement. iv. The name of the payer must be the same as the name of the applicant. v. Publication abstract (copy of the front page of the publication). vi. Acceptance letter from publisher. vii. Invoice from publisher. viii. Letter of acceptance of the Application for Permission to Travel (Overseas) through UM Globe. ix. Other related attachments (receipts, proof of currency conversion and actual transaction amount in Ringgit Malaysia (RM), etc.).
c. The Faculty reserves the right to request additional supporting documents where necessary.
d. Incomplete applications may be returned to the applicant for amendment. The Faculty reserves the right to reject any application found to contain false, misleading or non-compliant with these Guidelines.
e. Each candidate is eligible to receive this financial assistance only once (1) throughout the duration of their candidature, covering a maximum of two (2) types of approved activities.
PAYMENT PROCEDURE
a. Reimbursement will only be processed after the event has concluded and all required documents are submitted.
b. Approval of funding is subject to the availability of funds and the decision of the Faculty Committee.
c. All approved financial aid will be reimbursed directly to the candidate through the candidate's active bank account registered in the MAYA and F1RST, subject to the University's financial procedures and requirements.
d. The decision of the Faculty shall be final and no appeal shall be entertained.
COMMITTEE OF APPROVAL
a. The committee consists of:
i. Dean of the Faculty ii. Deputy Dean of Postgraduate Studies iii. Accountant iv. Head of Department v. Assistant Registrar - Secretariat
b. Meeting quorum shall be one-third (1/3) of the committee members.
