Curtin Malaysia and Advancecon bring real-world construction knowledge to rural schools

Miri, Sarawak – 19 September 2025 – Hundreds of secondary school students across Sarawak are getting a head start in understanding the construction industry, thanks to a series of hands-on STEM workshops conducted by Curtin University Malaysia (Curtin Malaysia) in collaboration with Advancecon (Sarawak) Sdn Bhd.

The workshops, held at SMK Merapok in Lawas, SMK Julau No. 2 in Sarikei, and SMK Tinjar in Beluru, Baram, introduced students to core concepts of civil and construction engineering while giving them a glimpse into career opportunities in one of Sarawak’s fastest-growing industries.

Made possible through Advancecon’s generous sponsorship, the initiative reflects a strong partnership between academia and industry to nurture the next generation of engineers and construction professionals.

Associate Professor Wong Kwong Soon, Head of the Department of Civil and Construction Engineering at Curtin Malaysia’s Faculty of Engineering and Science, said the workshops were designed to inspire curiosity while laying the groundwork for students’ future aspirations.

“Advancecon’s support reflects a deep commitment to building Sarawak’s human capital. By exposing students to real-world engineering concepts, such as soil permeability and its importance in construction, we are equipping them with knowledge that can shape their academic and career choices,” he said.

The students were especially engaged during hands-on activities that demonstrated how soil properties affect construction projects, turning abstract theory into an interactive and eye-opening learning experience. Their teachers also praised the workshops for making STEM both fun and relevant to their students’ futures.

This outreach is part of Curtin Malaysia’s wider mission to bring quality STEM education to underserved communities, bridging the gap between classroom learning and industry practice while contributing to Sarawak’s development goals.

For more information on Curtin Malaysia, visit curtin.edu.my or look for Curtin Malaysia on Facebook, Twitter, Instagram, YouTube, LinkedIn, or TikTok.

SMK Merapok students gathered in the school hall for the STEM workshop.

Associate Professor Wong (in white shirt) and Curtin Malaysia staff with students and teachers of SMK Julau.

A STEM workshop session with students of SMK Tinjar.