Curtin Malaysia environmental engineering students take learning to Kuala Lumpur

Miri – 11 November 2019 – 13 environmental engineering students of Curtin University Malaysia (Curtin Malaysia) extended their learning beyond the classroom by visiting the Palace of Justice and the construction site of 8 Conlay Branded Service Residences in Kuala Lumpur recently.

The study visits constituted a crucial component of the learning activities for the ENST3003 Environmental Law and Regulations and ENEN4002 Environmental Considerations in Construction units being taken by the students who are in their third year and final year of the Bachelor of Engineering in Environmental Engineering respectively.

Organised by senior lecturer Dr. Daniel Tang Kuok Ho, who accompanied the students, the visits were aimed at giving the students exposure to the legal practice in Malaysia, as well as the environmental management of construction sites.

This is in line with Curtin University’s commitment to providing students opportunities for work-integrated learning (WIL) to help them develop industry-ready skills and enhance their future employability, and to foster industrial networks.

At the grandiose Palace of Justice located in Putrajaya, the students were welcomed by a legal officer who brought them to view an empty courtroom where she briefed them about the Malaysian legal system and protocols. They were later ushered into a courtroom in session where they witnessed an actual trial taking place. This was followed by a tour of the court’s museum and library.

At the construction site of the 8 Conlay Branded Service Residences, the country’s first ‘twisted’ structure located in the Kuala Lumpur City Centre, the students were briefed by the contractors on the health, safety and environmental practices at the site.

Following this, People & Culture Assistant Manager Alan Tan of KSK Land, the developer of 8 Conlay, briefed them on career and internship opportunities with the company under its Global Apprentice Programme.

As they toured the construction site, the students viewed first-hand the health, safety and environmental measures being practiced across the site.

According to Dr. Tang, the students thoroughly enjoyed the trip and were elated that they had the chance to understand how environmental law and environmental management are practiced in real work environments. He said they asked numerous questions related to working in the legal and construction sectors, which their hosts gladly responded to.

Dr. Tang further opined that such study visits provide an important avenue for students to understand the nature of work in various industries and the career opportunities they offer. He was glad that the students were able to network with people in the legal and construction sectors through the visits, which could prove quite advantageous for them in the future.

“Environmental engineering students now have many career options thanks to the increasing awareness, legislation and enforcement of environmental protection,” he said.

Dr Tang (left) receiving a souvenir from legal officer at the Palace of Justice.

Students being briefed by contractors at 8 Conlay construction site.