Curtin Malaysia Electrical Engineering students gain firsthand insight into power generation at SEB Miri Power Station

Miri, Sarawak – 17 October 2024 – Electrical engineering students from Curtin University Malaysia (Curtin Malaysia) recently experienced an exclusive behind-the-scenes look at the workings of Sarawak Energy Berhad’s (SEB) Miri Power Station, offering a unique glimpse into Sarawak’s power generation and distribution processes.

The field visit, organised by Curtin Malaysia’s Department of Electrical and Computer Engineering, was part of an ongoing initiative to bridge academic learning with real-world industry practices.

This visit aimed to provide students with a practical understanding of the complex operations behind energy production, while also exposing them to the latest sustainability efforts undertaken by SEB, a key player in Sarawak’s transition toward greener energy solutions. The experience allowed students to witness firsthand the immense scale and complexity of power generation infrastructure, going beyond classroom theory.

Kicking off the tour was a welcoming address by SEB’s Factory Manager, Samuel Tang Kah Hung, and Senior Maintenance Manager, Donny Yong Ing Siew, who shared SEB’s mission in powering Sarawak’s homes and industries. They outlined the Miri Power Station’s historical significance and ongoing technological advancements in energy generation, before taking students through an engaging overview of its facilities.

The students were introduced to the intricate maintenance activities required to keep the power plant running efficiently. “Managing the power plant demands continuous, rigorous maintenance to ensure stable production and meet growing domestic energy needs,” explained Tang. He also highlighted the operational challenges posed by Sarawak’s rising demand for electricity, underscoring the station’s critical role in sustaining the region’s energy supply.

During the tour, the students were taken through a detailed inspection of key components such as the combustion chambers and gas turbines – vital machinery in power generation. Technical officers on-site provided in-depth explanations on the maintenance routines and operations of the power station, giving the students rare insights into the day-to-day workings of an industrial-scale facility.

In the control room, the students witnessed the complex electrical control systems that monitor and regulate power output, gaining an appreciation for the precision required in managing Sarawak’s electrical grid. The interactive session that followed allowed the students to engage directly with SEB’s technical team, who patiently answered questions and offered career guidance.

The students were inspired by the opportunity to apply classroom knowledge to real-world engineering challenges. Yap Zhi Shuan, one of the participating students, shared her excitement: “Seeing the components up close and learning how they work in practice was an eye-opener. It gave me a much deeper understanding of how energy systems operate, something we can only grasp so much in lectures.”

Ariel Chourlain Aboghe Athomo, another student on the visit, echoed the sentiment, emphasising the value of observing industrial machinery in person. “It’s a rare opportunity to see this level of technology in action. The technical officers made the whole process easy to understand, and I now feel more motivated to pursue a career in this field.”

The field trip was not only a learning experience but also a window into potential careers for the students. Dr. Chew Ing Ming, an Electrical and Electronic Engineering lecturer at Curtin Malaysia, said the visit for giving students a real-world glimpse into their future careers. “For those looking to join the power and energy industries, this is invaluable. It helps them envision what their professional paths might look like and the impact they could have on the industry.”

Dr. Salem Mgammal Awadh Nasser Al-Ameri, another lecturer accompanying the group, described the visit as a “golden opportunity” for students to explore the full scope of power generation systems, from step-up transformers to the complexities of voltage transmission across the grid.

Curtin Malaysia offers Curtin’s Bachelor of Engineering (Electrical and Electronic Engineering) (Honours) programme that equips students with the skills to design and develop cutting-edge electrical and electronic systems. The programme is accredited by Engineers Australia (EA) and the Board of Engineers Malaysia (BEM), ensuring that graduates are ready to meet the demands of the industry.

For more information about Curtin Malaysia’s engineering programmes, visit curtin.edu.my or connect with Curtin Malaysia on Facebook, Twitter, Instagram, YouTube, LinkedIn, or TikTok.

(Seated from left) Dr. Salem, Dr. Chew, Donny Yong Ing Siew (second from right), and students from Curtin Malaysia during their visit to SEB Miri Power Station