Curtin Malaysia equips Miri students with future-ready ICT skills

Miri, Sarawak – 25 September 2025 – From designing presentations to analysing data, students at two secondary schools in Miri have gained new digital skills through Curtin University Malaysia’s (Curtin Malaysia) TECH-Reach Knowledge Transfer Programme (KTP), preparing them for success in classrooms and future careers.

The initiative, designed to empower secondary school students with practical information and communication technology (ICT) skills, introduced participants to key Microsoft Office applications – PowerPoint, Excel, and Word – that are vital for both academic and professional success.

At SMK Pujut, many students were learning PowerPoint for the first time. Guided by Curtin Malaysia’s academic mentors and student volunteers, they gained hands-on experience in designing, saving, and enhancing presentations. Post-training surveys revealed a notable boost in students’ confidence, with many reporting a marked improvement in their ability to create presentations.

At SMK Baru, students participated in two workshops covering Excel and Word. The Excel session went beyond simple formulas, showing how data analysis and quantitative measurement can be applied to real-world problems. Meanwhile, the Word session gave students valuable practice in formatting and editing documents – skills that will support both their studies and future careers.

The programme was led by Dr. Noraisikin Sabani, Dr. Anita Jimmie, Valerie Velina Anaelechi, and Puteri Nurul Fatihah Mohamad Azli from Curtin Malaysia’s Faculty of Humanities and Health Sciences and School of Pre-U and Continuing Studies, with support from student mentors Praveena A/P Munianday and Nur Yusrina Muhammad Hasmi.

Speaking on behalf of the mentors, Dr. Noraisikin said the workshops went beyond technical skills: “The programme is not solely about teaching ICT. It’s about promoting digital equity, making sure every student, regardless of background, has the tools to thrive in today’s digital world. At the same time, our Curtin students gain invaluable leadership, teamwork, and problem-solving experience through direct community engagement.”

This was Curtin Malaysia’s second TECH-Reach KTP initiative of 2025, with another session already planned for the final quarter of the year. The programme is part of Curtin Malaysia’s wider commitment to fostering digital literacy, empowering youth, and preparing future-ready learners across the community.

For more information on Curtin Malaysia, visit curtin.edu.my or follow Curtin Malaysia on Facebook, Instagram, LinkedIn, YouTube, TikTok, and X (Twitter).

SMK Pujut Principal Su Yien Jiong (front row, 3rd right) presenting certificate of appreciation to Dr. Noraisikin and Curtin Malaysia student volunteers.

SMK Pujut students focused during a hands-on PowerPoint session.

SMK Baru students participating in digital literacy workshop.

Curtin mentors and volunteers with SMK Baru students after the training.