Writing a thesis is a complex yet crucial aspect of postgraduate studies, demanding high conformity to academic conventions. This is particularly true for PhD theses in the
Engineering discipline, which present a unique set of challenges. This study aims to uncover the rhetorical structure of the Introduction chapters in 25 high-ranking Engineering PhD theses from Malaysia, applying Move Analysis based on the Bunton Model. The focus lies on the Introduction section, a part of the thesis often cited as the most difficult to compose. The findings reveal several novel insights: the identification of move-independent steps such as highlighting background information, reviewing prior research, and term definitions; a prevalent focus on claiming centrality and identifying gaps in existing research; the use of discipline-specific linguistic techniques; and the influence of institutional culture on chapter structuring. A distinct rhetorical model for the Engineering discipline in PhD thesis introduction from Malaysia was also discovered. These insights have both theoretical and practical implications, offering actionable guidelines for thesis writers, supervisors, academic writing instructors, and curriculum developers. The study thus fills a gap in existing research, contributing to a more nuanced understanding of the academic writing process in the Engineering discipline in Malaysia.
