Dr. CY Wong Memorial Award (Monash Malaysia)

Dr. CY Wong Memorial Award (previously named as Wong Swee Soon Memorial Award

Brief Introduction and History

Over the past decade, the Wong Swee Soon Memorial Award has been presented by the School of Information Technology. The award was instigated to recognise the Best IT graduates annually. In 2021, this award will be presented twice a year to coincide with Monash's two graduation ceremonies. This award is intended to encourage young graduates to strive for academic excellence in their studies. An award of RM3,000 will be presented to the winner along with a certificate.

About Dr. Wong Chek Yoon

In honour of his father, Mr. Wong Swee Soon, the award has been funded by the late Dr. Wong Chek Yoon from Wong Swee Soon Sdn Bhd.

After completing his undergraduate degree in electrical engineering at Monash University (BE 1982, PhD Eng 1993), Dr. Wong spent 24 years in the information technology industry, including 17 years as a Microsoft employee in Australia and Malaysia. As a professional with an enviable career background and strong industry connections, Dr Wong was passionate about helping shape the career paths of young professionals.

Dr. Wong was also affiliated with the School of Information Technology at Monash University Malaysia for seven years. An active member of the school's Industry Advisory Panel, he focused on assisting students in developing an awareness of the industry and professionalism at work. He initiated the industry insight program activities, mainly organising industry talks for all students of the School of Information Technology.

Dr. Wong believes that students should be introduced to the IT industry at an early age. According to him, industry placements provide students with an opportunity to gain insights into how theories learned in class are applied in the real world. We were able to organise a group of companies with the support of his leadership, who collaborated to provide our undergraduate students with opportunities for Industry Based Learning (IBL).

The School of IT gratefully appreciates his donations and contributions.

Future direction of the award

From 2023, the award was renamed to Dr. CY WONG MEMORIAL AWARD in honor of the late Dr Wong Chek Yoon. To honour his great service to society, particularly to Monash University Malaysia and the IT industry, the award will be extended for a further five years.

Award Recipients to date