Curtin Malaysia academics bring river conservation to life through ‘River Guardians’ programme

Miri, Sarawak – 22 August 2026 – More than 200 students and teachers from five schools in Miri recently took part in hands-on activities to learn how technology, circular economy practices and community action can help protect the region’s rivers.

The activities were part of “The River Guardians: Empowering Community through Circular Economy and Sustainable River Stewardship,” an environmental outreach programme jointly organised by the Natural Resources and Environment Board (NREB) Miri Office and Curtin University Malaysia (Curtin Malaysia).

Held in two phases at Kampung Pengkalan Lutong on 3 August and Kampung Piasau Utara on 6 August, the programme brought together students and teachers from SMK Lutong, SMK Pujut, SMK Dato Permaisuri, SK Lutong and SK Pulau Melayu.

Curtin Malaysia’s academic team shared practical knowledge through interactive environmental talks, hands-on circular economy activities and demonstrations of real-time river monitoring technologies. The activities were designed to help students better understand river ecosystems while encouraging them to become active environmental stewards in their communities.

The Curtin Malaysia delegation was co-led by Ir. Dr. Tan Yee Yong and Dr. Tan Yin Ling and comprised 21 academic staff with expertise spanning environmental sustainability, engineering, technology and related fields.

They included Associate Professor Ir. Lau Shiew Wei, Professor Ir. Ts. Bridgid Chin Lai Fui, Ir. Dr. Jenney Ngu Lim Song, Ts. Dr. Mustakimah Binti Mohamed, Professor Prasanna Mohan Viswanathan, Fiona Bassy William, Carrie Ho Lee Ing, Dr. Tina Ting Chui Huon, Ir. Dr. Lee Yeong Huei, Dr. Timothy Ting Zhi Hong, Dr. Muhammad Noor Hazwan Jusoh, Ts. Dr. Paran Anak Gani, Dr. Lai Wai Yan, Dr. Munirah Hussein, Dr. Wong Kiing Ing, Associate Professor Ir. Dr. Lim Chye Ing, Associate Professor Dr. Jundika Candra Kurnia, Dr. Kyaw Myo Aung, Dr. Lee Yih Nin, Dr. Agnes Ngieng Tze Tiong, and Dr. Yong Leong Kong.

Corporate partner Mercure Hotel Miri also supported the programme by sponsoring vouchers to encourage active participation among attendees.

The initiative reflects a shared commitment by NREB Miri, Curtin Malaysia, local schools and corporate partners to strengthen environmental awareness and protect vital river ecosystems through education, innovation and community action.

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Curtin Malaysia academics with NREB Miri officers and students.

Mercure Hotel Miri and NREB Miri representatives assess participants’ innovative projects.