Curtin Malaysia marks World Water Day with hands-on education and industry collaboration

Miri, Sarawak – 22 April 2025 – In conjunction with World Water Day 2025, Curtin University Malaysia (Curtin Malaysia) strengthened its collaboration with Sarawak Water Sdn. Bhd. (formerly LAKU Management Sdn. Bhd.) to advance public understanding of sustainable water practices and highlight the role of engineering innovation in solving global water challenges.

Themed ‘Glacier Preservation’, the event hosted by Sarawak Water at its Lambir Water Treatment Plant, brought together over 250 participants, including students, educators, public sector representatives, and members of the community. It featured a series of interactive workshops, facility tours, and a technology showcase led by Curtin Malaysia’s environmental engineering team.

In a speech delivered by Chief Operating Officer Sharon Chong, Professor Vincent Lee, Interim Pro Vice-Chancellor, President and Chief Executive of Curtin Malaysia, said the university remains deeply committed to initiatives aligned with the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs).

“Our partnership with Sarawak Water reflects our dedication to meaningful, community-driven engagement and our mission to equip students to lead in environmental sustainability,” said Professor Lee.

Environmental engineering students from Curtin Malaysia conducted hands-on workshops using Water Purifier Science Kits to demonstrate basic purification techniques to visiting secondary school students and teachers. Participants also toured the treatment plant, gaining insights into water purification processes including sedimentation, filtration, and lab testing.

These outreach activities were supported by Curtin Malaysia’s Community Engagement Fund through a project titled ‘Enhancing Knowledge of Environmental Engineering Students in Water Sustainability through Community Engagement’. The initiative is led by Ir. Dr. Tan Yee Yong with co-investigators Ts. Dr. Paran Gani and Dr. Lai Wai Yan.

Faculty members and postgraduate researchers also hosted a showcase on advanced water treatment technologies ranging from algae biomass filtration to biomass-based coagulants, demonstrating practical, scalable solutions for clean water access.

“We believe in transforming theory into impact,” said Professor Tang Fu Ee, Dean of Learning and Teaching at Curtin Malaysia. “Community engagement and industry partnerships are key to that transformation.”

“Our students are emerging leaders in sustainability,” added Professor Tuong-Thuy Vu, Dean of Curtin Malaysia’s Faculty of Engineering and Science. “Their technical skills and commitment to environmental stewardship set them apart.”

The event was officiated by Affendi Taher, Chief Operating Officer of Sarawak Water, and supported by organising chairman and Sarawak Water Miri Area Manager Ir. Ts. Gs. Dr. Geoffery Ranggu Anak Thomas.

For more information on Curtin Malaysia, visit its website at curtin.edu.my or follow Curtin Malaysia on Facebook, Instagram, YouTube, Twitter, LinkedIn, and TikTok.

Sarawak Water management team and Curtin Malaysia representatives at the World Water Day event

Environmental engineering students providing in-depth explanation of water treatment processes to secondary school students

Environmental engineering demonstrating water filtration experiments

Faculty of Engineering and Science academics and students hosted public research showcase