Curtin Malaysia empowers Kolej Tun Datu Tuanku Haji Bujang students with skills for the future

Miri, Sarawak – 21 August 2025 – Sixty-eight enthusiastic students from Kolej Tun Datu Tuanku Haji Bujang (KTDTHB) recently got a taste of university life and hands-on learning when Curtin University Malaysia (Curtin Malaysia) brought a dynamic half-day programme to their school.

Funded by the Curtin Malaysia Community Engagement (CMCE) 2025 Grant, the initiative titled “Supporting Boarding Students: Learning Entrepreneurship, Finance, and Creativity Together” combined fun, interactive workshops with practical lessons designed to inspire critical thinking, creativity, and confidence in young learners.

Led by eight staff and 17 student mentors from Curtin Malaysia’s School of Pre-U and Continuing Education (SPACE), the programme kicked off with a Financial Literacy Talk where students explored real-world essentials like budgeting, saving, and smart investing – vital skills for navigating life beyond the classroom.

The energy picked up with a lively session of Giant Monopoly, a life-sized board game that challenged teams to apply problem-solving and economic strategies in a fast-paced, competitive setting. Timed mini-games, such as spelling “ENTREPRENEUR” under pressure, added excitement, while playful penalties like frog jumps paired with loud chants kept the atmosphere buzzing with laughter and learning.

Creativity then took centre stage in a Photography Workshop led by mentors from the Diploma of Media Studies programme. Students learned DSLR camera techniques and showcased their talent in a photo exhibition, impressing both peers and facilitators with their quick grasp of skills.

Project Coordinator Susana Tiew highlighted the broader impact of the initiative, saying that the programme went beyond passing on knowledge.

“It is about empowering students to think critically, make informed choices, and discover their creative potential. It’s incredibly rewarding to see them leave more confident and inspired,” Tiew said.

By blending academic expertise with engaging, hands-on experiences, Curtin Malaysia continues to demonstrate its strong commitment to community engagement and youth development, preparing the next generation with the mindset and skills to thrive in the future.

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

SPACE facilitators with KTDTHB’s teachers and students.

Project Coordinator Susana Tiew briefing participants at the start of the programme.

Budding photographers in action during the hands-on photography session.