Curtin Malaysia engineering students gain industry insights in Bintulu

Miri, Sarawak – 22 November 2024 – Thirty-five students from the Department of Civil and Construction Engineering, Faculty of Engineering and Science at Curtin University Malaysia (Curtin Malaysia) recently gained invaluable insights into cutting-edge engineering practices during a two-day industrial visit to Bintulu.

The trip, held during the second to fourth-year students’ tuition-free week, featured visits to key industrial sites, offering a rare opportunity to interact with industry experts and observe large-scale infrastructure projects in action.

Among the highlights was a guided tour of the Nyabau Water Treatment Plant, where the students learned about water intake, purification, and distribution processes under the guidance of Production Executive Ng Kok Hua. The visit, which included a tour of the plant’s water reservoir, provided a comprehensive understanding of water treatment challenges and solutions.

“Seeing the operations up close gave us a better understanding of the complexities involved. It was a great learning experience, far beyond what we see in textbooks,” said Jonathan Tham, a final-year Environmental Engineering student.

The students also visited the Jepak Cable-Stayed Bridge construction site, a landmark infrastructure project in Sarawak. Witnessing the innovative design and advanced construction techniques firsthand, they gained practical insights into structural engineering and project management.

“Experiencing projects like the Jepak Bridge firsthand helps students connect theory with practice, deepening their understanding of engineering principles,” said Dr. Timothy Ting, one of the accompanying lecturers.

In addition, the students toured the facilities of Pertama Ferroalloys Sdn. Bhd., Malaysia’s largest manganese alloy producer, where they observed cutting-edge production processes and learned about the company’s focus on sustainability.

Dr. Muhammad Noor Hazwan Jusoh, a lecturer on the trip, highlighted the importance of such exposure, saying, “These experiences broaden students’ perspectives, showing them how engineering integrates industrial efficiency with environmental responsibility.”

The visits were not just educational but also inspiring for many students. “It’s incredible to see how large and complex structures come together. This experience has truly motivated me to pursue a career in civil engineering,” said final-year Civil and Construction Engineering student Wong Sing Fong.

Led by Senior Lecturer Dr. Paran Anak Gani, the trip reflects Curtin Malaysia’s commitment to equipping students with real-world skills and knowledge to meet industry demands and contribute to sustainable development.

“Field visits like this bridge the gap between classroom learning and practical applications, preparing our students for real-world challenges,” he said.

The industrial visit underscores Curtin Malaysia’s dedication to providing experiential learning opportunities that align with the latest industry trends, fostering a new generation of skilled and socially responsible engineers.

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

The students and lecturers posing for group photo at Jepak Cable-Stayed Bridge construction site