Curtin Malaysia champions future water leaders at BIWWEC 2026

Miri, Sarawak – 28 July 2026 – Curtin University Malaysia (Curtin Malaysia) strengthened its role in advancing sustainable water management and nurturing future industry leaders through its active participation in the Borneo International Water & Wastewater Exhibition & Conference 2026 (BIWWEC 2026).

Held from 15 to 17 July at the Borneo Convention Centre Kuching (BCCK), BIWWEC 2026 brought together government agencies, industry leaders, researchers, and young professionals to address emerging challenges in the water and wastewater sector.

Curtin Malaysia made a significant contribution through four academics from its Faculty of Engineering and Science – Associate Dean of Learning and Teaching Ir. Dr. Tan Yee Yong, and civil and construction engineering and environmental engineering lecturers Ts. Dr. Paran Gani, Dr. Lai Wai Yan, and Dr. Yong Leong Kong.

A major highlight of the conference was the Young Water Professionals (YWP) Programme, a one-day initiative held on 16 July to inspire and equip the next generation of water-sector professionals. The programme welcomed university and secondary school students from across Kuching, providing them with valuable opportunities to engage directly with industry experts, academics, regulators, and practitioners.

The participants took part in a series of interactive activities, including the Regional Youth Debate, Youth Asking Workshop, engagement games, quizzes, and an exhibition challenge designed to deepen their understanding of the water industry and its growing role in sustainable development.

Curtin Malaysia’s academics played key leadership and organisational roles throughout the programme. Ts. Dr. Paran served as Vice Programme Director for the YWP Programme, while Ir. Dr. Tan was an invited panellist at the Youth Asking Workshop. Dr. Yong served on the organising committee and emceed the event, while Dr. Lai oversaw information and communication technology (ICT) coordination as a member of the organising committee.

During the Youth Asking Workshop, Ir. Dr. Tan shared insights into engineering education, graduate employability, and the evolving expectations of today’s workforce. He highlighted the importance of combining strong technical expertise with communication skills, leadership, adaptability, and professional ethics to prepare graduates for the rapidly changing water sector.

Reflecting on the university’s participation, Ts. Dr. Paran said initiatives such as the YWP Programme are essential for developing the next generation of industry leaders.

“The water sector needs knowledgeable, innovative, and socially responsible young professionals who can work across disciplines and collaborate effectively with industry, government, and communities,” he said.

He added that the Young Water Professionals Programme provided students with an excellent platform to exchange ideas, interact with experts, and gain a deeper appreciation of the role they can play in building a sustainable and climate-resilient water future.

Curtin Malaysia’s participation at BIWWEC 2026 reflects the university’s ongoing commitment to producing industry-ready graduates while strengthening partnerships with government and industry to address real-world sustainability challenges. Through initiatives such as the YWP Programme, the university continues to bridge academic learning with professional practice, empowering students to become future leaders in engineering and environmental sustainability.

For more information on Curtin Malaysia, visit curtin.edu.my or follow Curtin Malaysia on Facebook, X (Twitter), Instagram, YouTube, LinkedIn or TikTok.

Curtin Malaysia representatives (from left) Ts Dr Paran Gani, Dr Yong Leong Kong, Dr Lai Wai Yan, and Ir Dr Tan Yee Yong at BIWWEC 2026.

Ir Dr Tan Yee Yong (2nd right) shares insights on engineering education, graduate employability, and industry readiness during the Youth Asking Workshop.