On 21 August 2025, MDPI, in collaboration with Taylor’s University and Universiti Kebangsaan Malaysia, hosted a half-day Academic Publishing Workshop at Taylor’s University. The event gathered undergraduates, PhD students, early career researchers, and faculty members from both institutions.

The workshop opened with remarks from Associate Professor Dr. Camelia May Li Kusumo, Head of the School of Architecture, Building and Design, Taylor’s University, before moving into a series of engaging sessions. Dr. Colin Wee (MDPI Singapore) introduced MDPI, the principles of open access, and the editorial process, followed by key insights on common reasons for rejection at pre-check.

Dr. Lee Wei Thye then covered how to effectively respond to peer reviewers and shared practical advice on writing and structuring an academic paper. His session concluded with an interactive “Reviewer Says, You Respond” Skills Lab, where participants practiced drafting responses to reviewer comments.

In the afternoon, Dr. Colin discussed AI in Academic Writing, outlining MDPI’s approach to its use in publishing. This set the stage for a panel discussion, moderated by Dr. Lee, featuring Prof. Ar. Dr. Lim Chin Haw (UKM), Prof. Wong Hyuk Nien (NUS), Assoc. Prof. Dr. Keith Tan Kay Hin (Taylor’s University), and Dr. Colin. The panellists shared their perspectives on AI as a tool in scholarly publishing, institutional challenges, and the need for clearer policies, with Professor Wong drawing parallels between AI-assisted language checks and traditional proofreading practices.

The workshop concluded with Prof. Wong Hyuk Nien offering valuable advice from his experience publishing in Q1 and Q2 journals, leaving participants with both practical strategies and words of encouragement.

MDPI warmly thanks Taylor’s University and Universiti Kebangsaan Malaysia for their partnership, and the professors and speakers for their generous contributions. Above all, we are grateful to the participants whose enthusiasm and engagement made the workshop a success.