Curtin Malaysia engineering students gain firsthand insight into high-tech manufacturing in Sabah

Miri, Sarawak – 7 May 2025 — A group of 24 engineering students from Curtin University Malaysia (Curtin Malaysia) recently had the opportunity to gain firsthand insight into the future of manufacturing during a four-day industrial visit to Kota Kinabalu, Sabah.

Organised by the Curtin Malaysia IEEE Industry Applications Society (IAS) Student Chapter, the trip gave the students exclusive access to two cutting-edge facilities – SBH Kibing Solar New Materials (M) Sdn. Bhd., a global player in solar panel components, and SK Nexilis Malaysia Sdn. Bhd., a leader in high-performance copper foil production for electric vehicle batteries.

Accompanied by their chapter advisor, Professor Garenth Lim King Hann, the students explored advanced automation systems, artificial intelligence applications, and sustainable industrial practices, reinforcing their academic learning with practical exposure.

“Visits like these bridge the gap between theory and practice, allowing students to engage with real-world technologies shaping the future,” said Prof. Lim. “They are essential to preparing engineers who can meet global challenges and drive meaningful innovation.”

At Kibing Solar, the students witnessed how raw materials are transformed into photovoltaic glass panels using AI-controlled precision processes. Over at SK Nexilis, they observed electroplating techniques and waste heat recovery systems that support energy-efficient manufacturing.

“Seeing smart factories in action, where robotics, sensors, and AI work seamlessly, was incredibly inspiring,” said Samuel Co Seng Lau, organising chair of the visit. “It gave us a fresh perspective on how innovation is redefining industrial efficiency.”

Vice President II of the IEEE Curtin Malaysia Student Branch, Lai Yong Jun, said the visit helped solidify their classroom knowledge. “From process engineering to sustainability, everything we have learned came alive during this visit. It was an eye-opener to see how our academic foundation directly supports industrial solutions,” said Lai.

Prof. Lim reiterated the importance of such experiential learning in Curtin Malaysia’s engineering curriculum, saying, “Our aim is to produce graduates who are not only technically skilled but also industry-ready. These site visits are vital in equipping them with insights into real-world practices and career pathways.”

Curtin Malaysia offers the four-year Bachelor of Engineering in Electrical and Electronic Engineering (Honours) course, which is accredited by both Engineers Australia and the Board of Engineers Malaysia. The course integrates theory, computer simulations, and hands-on learning to develop well-rounded, industry-relevant graduates. To learn more about the course, visit  courses.curtin.edu.my.

The Institute of Electrical and Electronics Engineers (IEEE) is the world’s largest professional association advancing technology for humanity, with over 400,000 members in over 160 countries. The IEEE IAS Student Chapter at Curtin Malaysia actively promotes student-industry engagement through educational visits, workshops, and conferences.

For more information on the IEEE Student Branch of Curtin Malaysia, e-mail ieee.curtinsarawak@gmail.com or visit ewh.ieee.org/sb/malaysia/curtinsarawak. One can also visit its Facebook page at https://www.facebook.com/IEEE.CurtinMalaysia.

Prof. Lim (second row, left) and students with Kibing Solar staff during the industrial visit

Students observe photovoltaic glass production at Kibing Solar’s manufacturing plant

Group photo with SK Nexilis representatives during the site tour of its advanced copper foil facility