Curtin Malaysia IChemE Student Chapter hosts ‘CTRL + SHIFT’ career talk to jumpstart engineering futures

Miri, Sarawak – 18 November 2025 — The Institution of Chemical Engineers (IChemE) Student Chapter at Curtin University Malaysia (Curtin Malaysia) ignited fresh career inspiration among engineering students with its industry-focused hybrid talk, “CTRL + SHIFT: Jumpstarting Your Engineering Journey,” featuring Lim Jia Yi, Process Engineer at The Haskell Company, recently.

Students from Chemical, Electrical and Electronic, Mechanical, and Energy Engineering, along with participants from Curtin Malaysia’s Engineering and Science Foundation programmes, attended the session, drawn by the promise of real-world insights into life as a practising engineer.

Lim delivered an engaging and candid account of his pathway into the engineering profession, unpacking what truly defines the work of a modern process design engineer. From industrial design workflows and project management realities to the sometimes-overlooked human and interpersonal dimensions of engineering practice, he offered students a rare, firsthand look at how projects and careers unfold in the industry.

While affirming the importance of technical mastery, Lim stressed the increasing value of soft skills in today’s engineering landscape.

“Communication, adaptability, teamwork – these are not optional. They are essential,” he said, highlighting how engineers must constantly make informed decisions, lead teams, and navigate complex, people-centred challenges.

Mechanical Engineering student Chia Zim Yung found the session eye-opening: “The talk gave me a clear picture of the challenges engineers face – making tough decisions, solving people-related issues, and continuously learning even after graduation. Being adaptable is key to applying our skills effectively.”

The event was co-chaired by Lester Chang Shi Yang (Chemical Engineering) and Chia Zim Sheng (Electrical and Electronic Engineering), under the leadership of IChemE Student Chapter President Chong Siew Wen.

Chong described the session as “a motivating first step into understanding engineering work culture,” adding that it offered students “a realistic sense of what employers expect and how to thrive in a rapidly evolving industry.”

Advisor to the IChemE Student Chapter, Dr. Angnes Tiong, praised the programme for inspiring students to pursue their professional goals with purpose: “Events like this not only broaden students’ understanding of industry expectations but also build the confidence and resilience needed to become future-ready engineers.”

The IChemE Student Chapter expressed its sincere appreciation to Lim and The Haskell Company for their time, expertise, and commitment to shaping the next generation of engineering talent.

The talk underscores Curtin Malaysia IChemE Student Chapter’s ongoing mission to bridge the gap between academia and industry by promoting cutting-edge developments and creating valuable networking opportunities for students. To learn more about the IChemE Student Chapter at Curtin Malaysia, email csichemesc@gmail.com or visit the chapter’s Facebook page.

Curtin Malaysia offers Curtin University’s Bachelor of Engineering (Hons.) in Chemical Engineering, a four-year programme accredited by Engineers Australia, the Board of Engineers Malaysia, and IChemE. Students benefit from strong industry partnerships, hands-on learning, and direct exposure to Sarawak’s dynamic energy and industrial sectors, including those within the nearby Sarawak Corridor of Renewable Energy (SCORE).

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

Participants engage in a Q&A session with Lim.

A group photo of participants, lecturers, and Lim at the end of the session.