INTRODUCTION
The YSN-ASM Chrysalis Award (formerly known as the YSN-ASM Rising Star Award in 2019), is targeted specifically at final year Malaysian PhD students. The term “Chrysalis” refers to “a transitional stage of life when undergoing a transformation between the immature and mature stages”, in analogy to the process that postgraduate students (pupal) undergo that culminate in successful graduation as competent researchers (butterfly). We aim to identify and nurture promising PhD candidates to be the future pillars of our Science, Technology and Innovation (STI) ecosystem. Selected YSN-ASM Chrysalis Award Finalists will also experience continuous support and mentoring for the next five years after the program. This step is to ensure that these finalists are groomed to be outstanding researchers who will contribute towards Malaysia’s STI ecosystem. In recognition for their talents, we will award RM 10,000 cash prizes (in total) for the top three winners for their professional development. Suitable candidates will also be recommended to prestigious fellowships or internships in reputable institutions and establishments. With these attractive prizes, we hope to attract promising talents from Malaysia to apply for this very first installation of YSN-ASM Chrysalis Award.
OBJECTIVES
- To identify and recognise the talents of promising future researchers in Malaysia.
- To develop and nurture these future researchers to fulfil their potential.
- To empower these future researchers in alignment with the Science, Technology and Innovation (STI) outlook of Malaysia.
CRITERIA
- Malaysian citizens aged 35 years and below at 1 January 2020.
- Final year PhD students studying in Malaysia
- Research expertise falls within (but not limited to) the following domains:
- Engineering Sciences
- Medical and Health Sciences
- Physical and Chemical Sciences
- Biological, Agricultural and Environmental Sciences
- Science and Technology Development Industry
- Social Sciences and Humanities
GENERAL GUIDELINE
Our aspiration for the Chrysalis Award is not only to build the talents and skills of our young scientists to positively impact the STI ecosystem, but also to inculcate the spirit of giving back to our society.
The journey of this leadership programme is divided into four stages:
(1) IDENTIFY: Shortlisting of Fifteen young scientists as YSN-ASM Chrysalis Award Finalists.
(2) DEVELOP: Development of these YSN-ASM Chrysalis Award Finalists through training modules organised by YSN-ASM to bolster relevant transferable skills and networking with outstanding local scientists.
(3) RECOGNISE: Recognising Three winners for the YSN-ASM Chrysalis Award. These Finalists are shortlisted based on their demonstration of knowledge, enthusiasm, leadership, creativity, teamwork, presentation skills, and performance throughout the workshops and pitching programme.
(4) EMPOWER: Invitation to all YSN-ASM Chrysalis Award Finalists and Winners to contribute to the STI ecosystem through YSN-ASM activities for the following years.
Application Process
Applications open from 1 May 2020. The closing date is 31 May 2020. Any enquiry can be directed to ysnchrysalisaward@akademisains.gov.my. Click here to submit your application.
You are required to prepare the following for the application process:
- Curriculum Vitae (with supporting evidences) and Passport photo
- Motivational Essay (200 words): Describe your research and life experience, and how have these shaped your ambitions for the future? How would society benefit from this?
- Design an A4-sized Poster (PNG, TIFF format) in softcopy. The poster should explain about your PhD research work and its impact or value to the society. The poster should be creative but concise, and targeted at non-specialist researchers. Please send the high resolution poster to ysnchrysalisaward@akademisains.gov.my
Applicants are encouraged to go through the application form first before preparing your materials.
IMPORTANT DATES
1st May 2020
Opening of the new call for YSN-ASM Chrysalis Award.31st May 2020
Application for YSN-ASM Chrysalis Award will be closed.1st July 2020
Shortlisted YSN-ASM Chrysalis Award Finalists will be contacted via email. All finalists must commit to attend all virtual workshops. Schedule will be given to all finalists.15th July - 31st August 2020
Online Skills Development Workshop SeriesSeptember/October 2020
Online Proposal Preparation Workshop SeriesNovember 2020 (exact date to be confirmed)
Online Public Pitching Session (Finals)December 2020 (exact date to be confirmed)
YSN-ASM Chrysalis Award ceremony (at YSN Colloquium 2020)