Curtin Malaysia and DBNA Miri empower indigenous futures, inspiring youth with education and career talk

Miri, Sarawak – 14 December 2024 – The General Studies Department of the Faculty of Humanities and Health Sciences at Curtin University Malaysia (Curtin Malaysia), in partnership with the Dayak Bidayuh National Association (DBNA) Miri, recently hosted an Education and Career Path Talk at its campus, offering a platform to empower Bidayuh youths and their families with essential career insights and opportunities for the future.

Drawing over 80 participants, including youths and their parents, and featured an inspiring roster of industry leaders who shared their expertise and personal journeys, the event offered valuable insights into potential educational pathways and career opportunities following graduation. This collaboration, now in its second year, underscores Curtin Malaysia’s commitment to fostering community engagement and advancing the aspirations of indigenous communities.

Among the event’s distinguished speakers were Benard Ralphie, a senior petroleum engineer with over 30 years of experience in the oil and gas industry; Lawrence Sinel, a seasoned Health, Safety, and Environment (HSE) expert; Capt. Eutychus Paul Joseph, an offshore helicopter pilot; Capt. Brian De Gray, a marine industry operations manager; Valia Nagreg, a former educator; Philip Sidadum, an electrical consultant; and Heineken Laluan, founder of Timogah and a celebrated entrepreneur.

The talks provided a rare opportunity for participants to gain firsthand insights into various industries while inspiring them to explore diverse career paths.

Building on the success of this collaboration, the General Studies Department is set to deepen its engagement with the indigenous community through its 2025 Service-Learning Innovation and Community Engagement (SLICE) Programme. This forward-thinking initiative will integrate students’ academic learning with impactful community work, focusing on fostering entrepreneurship and addressing healthcare needs among older adults in rural communities.

Valerie Velina Anaelechi, Chair of Community Engagement at the Faculty of Humanities and Health Sciences, highlighted the programme’s transformative potential. “Service-learning allows us to blend education with real-world impact. By working with the Bidayuh community, we co-create solutions to address their unique challenges while equipping our students with invaluable leadership and social responsibility skills,” she said.

She added, “These initiatives align with Curtin Malaysia’s vision to drive inclusivity, sustainability, and innovation. Our ongoing collaboration with DBNA reflects our unwavering commitment to empowering indigenous youth and strengthening community ties.”

Simon Ilus, Chairman of DBNA Miri, lauded the programme’s long-term benefits. “This partnership not only equips our youth with the knowledge they need to succeed but also strengthens the bonds within our community, ensuring no one is left behind,” he remarked.

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Chyrl David, Assistant Manager for Student Recruitment and Business Development (East Malaysia), introduces Curtin Malaysia to DBNA Miri members and their families

Simon Ilus (front row, centre) poses with speakers and participants in a group photo