Curtin Malaysia engineering students explore Sarawak’s geologic past at Tusan Beach

Miri, Sarawak – 9 September 2025 – Tusan Beach, famed for its dramatic cliffs and layered rock formations, became a living laboratory for 26 engineering students from Curtin University Malaysia Curtin Malaysia) during an immersive geological site visit recently.

Led by Dr. Yong Leong Kong, lecturer in the Department of Civil and Construction Engineering at the Faculty of Engineering and Science, the field trip offered the students a rare opportunity to step beyond textbooks and into the heart of one of Sarawak’s most geologically significant coastlines. The hands-on outing focused on sedimentary structures, lithology, stratigraphy, and coastal geomorphology – key areas in engineering and geoscience studies.

“Fieldwork is where theory meets reality,” said Associate Professor Ir. Dr. Wong Kwong Soon, Head of the Department of Applied Science, as he addressed the students before departure. “Seeing geology in the field fosters critical thinking and observation – skills that no classroom alone can provide.”

Adding further academic weight to the excursion was Associate Professor Elisabeth Lesley Dominique Dodge-Wan, a seasoned geoscientist and faculty member of the Department of Applied Science. Specially invited to lead the geological fieldwork, she guided the students through detailed rock analyses and coastal formations, aided by her students Aristotle Joshua Endaya and Shumirai Brain Manjengwa.

At Tusan Beach, the students practiced essential field techniques, measuring strike and dip, identifying bedding planes, and interpreting features like cross-bedding and load structures. They also examined tectonic features such as fault lines, folds, and uplift patterns, gaining insights into how millions of years of geological processes have shaped Sarawak’s coastline.

“Tusan Beach is a remarkable outdoor classroom,” said Dr. Yong. “Seeing students engage with the rocks, measure formations, and connect those observations to what they have learned in class is incredibly rewarding.”

The visit wrapped up with a group reflection session, where students shared their insights and newfound appreciation for Earth sciences. Many described the trip as a transformative moment in their academic journey, some even calling it a turning point in their interest in geology and geotechnical engineering.

As part of Curtin Malaysia’s continued emphasis on experiential learning, this site visit reflects the university’s commitment to equipping students with both technical knowledge and real-world field experience, preparing them for careers in the energy, construction, and environmental sectors.

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Ir. Dr. Wong Kwong Soon addressing the students before departure.

Dr. Elisabeth Lesley Dominique Dodge-Wan leading geological analysis on-site.

Students investigating rock formations and collecting field samples.

Group photo at Tusan Beach.