KOTA SAMARAHAN: Nearly three decades of research, close to 600 scholarly publications and a commitment to ensuring academic work benefits society have defined the career of Universiti Malaysia Sarawak (UNIMAS) professor Dr Ting Su Hie.
Speaking at Ting’s inaugural lecture today (July 29), UNIMAS Faculty of Education, Language and Communication (FELC) Dean Dr Dilah Tuah described her career as one that has advanced language studies while making meaningful contributions to minority communities and young researchers.
He added that the occasion was especially meaningful as it coincided with FELC’s 10th anniversary.
“At UNIMAS, an inaugural lecture is a tradition that allows our university to formally acknowledge and celebrate the appointment of a professor.
“Beyond accolades, this is a moment to reflect on and be inspired by their journey, the ideas they have championed, the impact of their scholarship and the communities they have helped to build,” he said.
His speech was delivered by FELC Deputy Dean (Academic and International) Dr Remmy Gedat during the lecture held at the Faculty of Applied and Creative Arts (FACA) Experimental Theatre.
Since joining UNIMAS in 1995, Ting has built an extensive academic portfolio spanning language studies, English education, applied linguistics and health communication.
Among her notable contributions are helping align the Malaysian University English Test (MUET) with the Common European Framework of Reference for Languages (CEFR), serving as an evaluator for the Fundamental Research Grant Scheme (FRGS) since 2017, and founding the Scopus-indexed journal Issues in Language Studies in 2012.
Dilah said Ting has published almost 600 scholarly works, supervised 160 undergraduate and postgraduate students, reviewed more than 430 journal articles and conference papers, examined 74 master’s and doctoral theses, and served on the editorial boards of 21 academic journals.
He said she has also secured RM5.1 million in research grants while leading projects that extend beyond academia, including the establishment of the Lengilo Archive in Ba’ Kelalan to preserve the language and cultural heritage of the Lengilo community.
Describing Ting as a researcher who believes knowledge should improve lives, Dilah said many of her projects have focused on minority communities.
“If there is one word that best describes Ting, it is generous,” he said, noting that she frequently mentors young researchers and helps them achieve their first academic publications.
The inaugural lecture, titled Language Choice and Power, explored how language, identity and power intersect, and how language choices influence social interaction, opportunity and inclusion in everyday life.
