Innovation for Disability-Inclusive Education Competition (iDIEC) 2025 Sarawak

 My team. Thank you for everything....

Participating in the Innovation for Disability-Inclusive Education Competition (iDIEC) 2025 has been a year-long journey marked by dedication, resilience, and countless learning moments. From the initial registration and abstract submission to preparing the video and poster presentations, and finally reaching the physical pitching session as a finalist, every stage demanded unwavering focus and perseverance.

Throughout this process, I encountered numerous challenges. Among the most disheartening parts of this journey was my proposal defense experience. Despite months of meticulous preparation, I was left devastated to receive a major correction verdict—without the opportunity to properly defend my work. One evaluator did not attend the session at all, while the other offered no questions, leaving me in a state of confusion and disbelief. It felt deeply unfair—how could such a critical academic milestone be reduced to silence and absence?

When I attempted to express my disappointment to my supervisor, hoping for some understanding or support, I was instead told that I could either request a new supervisor or redo the proposal defense altogether. Those words crushed me. I kept asking myself: What did I do wrong? Was my effort not visible? Why did I not deserve a fair platform to be heard?

In the days following after i met my first supervisor, I was emotionally shaken, yet trying to hold on to hope. But what came next only deepened the hurt: an email informing me of a supervisory restructuring—without my knowledge or consent. My first supervisor had requested to step back as second supervisor, and he suggest my second supervisor become my first supervisor. I was not consulted. There was no meeting, no conversation—just an email to propose it......

I was devastated.

When I tried to communicate, hoping for clarity and mutual understanding BUT my calls went unanswered. I now feel not only confused but also sidelined in a decision that directly affects my academic journey and personal wellbeing. I later found out my second supervisor was angry, assuming that I did not want him to take the lead. But that was never my intention.

I never wanted any change at all.
I have never requested or intended to change my supervisor. I value the academic relationship that we have built, and I chose my current supervisor with careful consideration based on expertise, guidance, and shared understanding of my research direction.

All I wished for was to continue under the supervision I had chosen from the beginning—someone I had trusted to guide me through this complex journey. I was merely voicing my disappointment with how the proposal defense unfolded—not rejecting or blaming anyone. I only wanted a chance to be heard, to be treated fairly, and to work things out with mutual respect.

What hurt the most was being silenced at a time when I needed clarity the most.

This experience has taught me that even in academic settings, emotional intelligence, communication, and compassion are crucial. I still believe in rebuilding trust, and I hold on to the hope that mutual understanding can be restored. I didn't ask for conflict—I only asked for fairness and guidance.

I AM AN OBJECT!!!!!How can you just pass me to other people! I AM SO SAD.....

This is my PhD journey, and I believe decisions like this should be made with the student, not for the student. What I needed was support after a difficult proposal defense—not silence, not avoidance, and certainly not an unexplained shift in supervision. I only voiced my disappointment with how the defense unfolded, and I was seeking understanding—not a restructuring, not re-pd.

Despite this difficult situation, I sincerely hope everything can be settled peacefully, without hurting anyone. I am not here to oppose or offend—I just wish to continue my PhD journey with the supervisor I originally chose, in an environment of mutual trust and open communication.

During the recent innovation competition in Kuching, I was sincerely hoping that my supervisor might visit my booth—not just to evaluate the work, but to offer support and encouragement. It was a special moment for me, especially after a challenging period. Unfortunately, he didn’t come by until I personally messaged and requested it. While I appreciate that he did eventually come, it was hard not to feel overlooked and disheartened. At that moment, more than anything, I was just hoping to feel seen and supported by someone whose presence mattered to me.