Testimonial by Wong Yuen Hwa
Doctor of Philosophy candidate at Faculty of Accountancy and Management
Ms Wong with her Supervisors Dr AyeAye from the left and Dr Lim on the right
My PhD research topic focuses on the development of a framework for chicken growth performance, feed efficiency and profitability in native chicken meat production based on different diet systems in Malaysia. The research was conducted at Bintang Maju Agri Chicken Farm using a completely randomised design. Six distinct locally sourced additives were incorporated into Premium Starter Feed, namely: (1) Premium Starter Feed (Control Feed), (2) Pokok Ketum Ayam, (3) Protein Larva Askar Hitam, (4) Crude Palm Kernel Oil, (5) Organic acid, and (6) Yellow Pigment. The study aims to investigate the impact of these diet systems on chicken growth performance, feed efficiency and profitability in chicken meat production. The findings of this study will provide valuable insights into food safety in Malaysia and offer guidance to chicken farmers in selecting the most effective and cost-efficient diet system for profitable chicken meat production.
Undertaking a PhD has been a lifelong dream, and I consider myself privileged to have pursued this journey at UTAR. The University’s dedicated and professional staff, from supervisors to faculty and university management, have provided unwavering support, enabling a smooth and successful research experience. I am immensely grateful to my supervisors, Assoc Prof Dr Aye Aye Khin and Dr Lim Chee Seong, for their continuous guidance and support throughout the research process.
UTAR offers a serene and conducive research environment, which has greatly facilitated my academic pursuits. The Sungai Long Campus promotes a collaborative and inclusive atmosphere, encouraging knowledge sharing and collaboration among fellow PhD students and faculty members. This engagement has fostered the exchange of ideas and enriched the research experience.
During my time at UTAR, I have developed expertise in research and development, and I have gained the confidence to present my work at various conferences, including international ones such as IABC Conference and EBES International Conference. The University has equipped me with essential skills such as patience, problem-solving, effective presentation, professionalism, time management, and project management.
From the very beginning, I embraced the university life at UTAR and took advantage of the diverse opportunities it offered. Engaging in various activities and programmes organised by the University has played a pivotal role in my personal and professional growth. I also had the privilege of supporting university activities, such as the MBA Seminar: #1 Postgraduate Colloquium. UTAR’s emphasis on professional development, social contribution and engaging activities has enriched my overall experience.
I am grateful to UTAR for providing me with a supportive research environment, experienced supervisors, valuable skills and diverse opportunities. My PhD journey at UTAR has been transformative, shaping me into a confident and capable researcher. I am proud to have been associated with UTAR and will cherish the knowledge and experiences gained during this remarkable academic endeavour.
