Curtin Malaysia IEEE students gain real-world engineering insights at Bakun Dam and Press Metal

Miri, Sarawak – 30 April 2026 – Future engineers from Curtin University Malaysia (Curtin Malaysia) stepped beyond the classroom and into the heart of Sarawak’s energy and industrial backbone, as 30 members of the IEEE Curtin Malaysia Student Branch completed a three-day educational site visit to the Bakun Hydroelectric Dam and Press Metal Aluminium Holdings Berhad.

The immersive trip offered the students a rare, end-to-end view of how renewable energy powers large-scale industry, connecting theory with practice in one of Malaysia’s most significant energy corridors. From witnessing the generation of up to 2,400 megawatts of electricity at Bakun to observing its downstream use in aluminium production, the students experienced firsthand the full lifecycle of energy management.

They were struck by the sheer scale and complexity of operations. At the Bakun Dam, they observed how water pressure is converted into electrical power, while at Press Metal, they saw how that energy drives one of the region’s most energy-intensive manufacturing processes. The stark contrast between the dam’s vast turbine halls and the high-intensity smelting environment provided a vivid, real-world illustration of engineering systems in action.

Lai Yong Jun, a third-year student and IEEE Curtin Malaysia Student Branch President, described the visit as transformative. “Seeing how the Bakun Dam generates 2,400 MW of power was truly eye-opening. It helped us connect what we learn in lectures to real engineering applications,” he said.

Vice President I Darren Chew Yong Jun highlighted the practical exposure gained, saying, “This experience deepened my understanding of engineering beyond textbooks. It was especially valuable to observe safety protocols and the management of large-scale systems in operation.”

For Vice President II Kam Siew Hui, the visit offered valuable career insights. “Observing both renewable energy generation and its industrial application has broadened my perspective on large-scale engineering and the critical role of sustainable energy in industry,” she noted.

Lecturer and IEEE advisor Pang Po Ken emphasised the educational impact of the initiative. “Experiences like this bridge the gap between academic knowledge and real-world practice. They reinforce the responsibility engineers carry in balancing energy demands with environmental considerations,” he said.

Echoing this sentiment, Professor Garenth Lim expressed appreciation to industry partners for their support. “We are grateful to Sarawak Energy Berhad and Press Metal for providing our students with this invaluable exposure. Such initiatives are crucial in developing well-rounded graduates who understand both theory and application,” he remarked.

Beyond technical learning, the trip also included a cultural dimension, with students spending a night at the traditional Umar Belor longhouse, where they experienced the hospitality and heritage of the Kayan community, adding depth to an already enriching journey.

The initiative underscores the IEEE Curtin Malaysia Student Branch’s commitment to experiential learning, equipping students with the knowledge, skills, and perspective needed to thrive in the evolving engineering landscape.

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IEEE Curtin Malaysia students posing for a group photo at Bakun Dam.

Students and lecturers during their visit to Press Metal Aluminium Holdings Berhad.

Students experiencing local culture at the Umar Belor Longhouse.