The first of a series of workshops called The Nuts and Bolts of Writing: Writing Introduction, Problem Statement and Research Questions was held on February 22, 2023, at Ujana Sarjana, UiTM Sabah Branch, Kota Kinabalu Campus. The anticipated event was the brainchild of UiTM Sabah’s Forward Research Dialogue Committee (FRD) and the Research, Industry Network, Community, and Alumni Division (PJIMA). The Rector’s Special Research Project includes this workshop. Its goal is to foster academic collaboration and create an environment conducive to academic writing by encouraging researchers to form groups. The workshop lasted all day with around 60 lecturers and administrative staff in attendance.

The event was officiated by Associate Prof. Dr Firdausi Suffian, Deputy Rector of Academic Affairs, and welcomed by Dr Alice Wong, Chairperson of FRD. The participants were excited to listen to the talks given by Ms Laura Elizabeth Hancock, an English Language Fellow (ELF) from the United States of America. Since December 2022, Ms Laura has taught English at the Academy of Language Studies. She is currently training academic and non-academic staff at the UiTM Sabah branch on English for Professionals, allowing students to learn from a native English speaker.

The workshop kickstarted by exploring the various types of research papers and patterns of literature reviews. The dynamic and knowledgeable speaker then elaborated on the contents and structure of a research paper and proceeded on to research proposals, of which she provided several examples. The topic served as a transition to the afternoon activity of writing a research proposal. Ms Laura urged each research group to develop their research proposals. The FRD Telegram group distributed the research proposal templates to the audience. The audience then enjoyed lunch at the venue.

The afternoon saw the dedicated teams of researchers brainstorming ideas for their research proposals or discussing how to improve their previous research ideas. The FRD team, assisted by Ms Laura, moderated the session and checked each group’s progress. The session gave lecturers an opportunity to ask burning questions about their research. The group presentation was the workshop’s high point. The lecturers introduced themselves as well as the names of their groups. The session included enthusiastic performances of group cheers. Throughout the meeting, refreshments were served.

The workshop received favourable feedback. As a result, it is hoped that the event will continue to spark academic dialogue, collaborations, and writing among UiTM Sabah’s academic staff. The second workshop will take place in March.