Curtin Malaysia offering Curtin’s pioneering Energy Engineering programme to meet growing demands of energy sector

Miri – 19 February 2024 – Curtin University Malaysia (Curtin Malaysia) has introduced Curtin University’s new Bachelor of Engineering in Energy Engineering (Honours), providing students with a cutting-edge, industry-relevant programme tailored to meet the growing demands of the energy sector in Malaysia and globally. It also comes at a crucial time as it aligns with Sarawak’s Post COVID-19 Development Strategy 2030 goals, particularly in energy transition and renewable energy.

The programme is the first of its kind to offer the full breadth and depth of knowledge needed to conceive, design, build and operate a clean energy future. It equips students with the knowledge and skills to address the challenges and opportunities in energy sustainability, renewable energy technologies, and energy management.

It leverages on technological solutions beyond classical sub-surface resources to address climate impact and population growth, embraces the digital revolution, and offers students the opportunity to focus on a specific area of interest through extension specialisation in years three and four.

“Energy engineering is a rapidly emerging field and energy engineers play a critical role in the effort for transition to a clean energy future, both locally and globally. They work to develop, implement, and manage energy systems that are efficient, reliable, and environmentally friendly,” said Dean of Curtin Malaysia’s Faculty of Engineering and Science, Professor Tuong-Thuy Vu.

He said the programme curriculum adopts a multidisciplinary approach, incorporating elements of electrical, mechanical, and chemical engineering to prepare graduates for diverse roles in the energy sector.

“Sarawak’s development goals in energy transition and renewable energies are well-supported by the introduction of this programme. As the state strives to diversify its energy sources and embrace sustainable practices, graduates of this programme will be at the forefront of driving innovation and change in the industry,” said Prof. Vu. “They will play a pivotal role in shaping Sarawak’s energy landscape, contributing to the growth of renewable energy initiatives and the overall sustainability of the region.”

As one of five tertiary institutions owned by the Sarawak government, Curtin Malaysia is committed to fostering a new generation of engineers equipped with the necessary expertise to lead Sarawak towards a more sustainable and environmentally friendly future. The Bachelor of Engineering in Energy Engineering represents a significant step towards fulfilling this vision and supporting Sarawak’s development goals in the energy sector.

This view was supported by Sarawak Deputy Minister for Energy and Environmental Sustainability Datuk Dr. Hazland Abang Hipni who, when officiating at the soft-launch of the programme at Curtin Malaysia on 17 January 2024, said that Sarawak is fully committed to mitigating climate change through various innovative initiatives that are setting the stage for making Sarawak a regional powerhouse for green technologies.

“Before we embark on any green energy initiative, we need to prepare our manpower by equipping them with enough knowledge and specialisations to work in our Carbon Capture, Use and Storage (CCUS) plants, which include hydrogen, hydro, floating solar, microalgae, and biofuel facilities. With this new energy engineering programme, we can provide the needed expertise and manpower to develop this industry in the future,” he remarked.

The programme is expected to open new geo-energy opportunities, such as geothermal, hydrogen systems, systems engineering, environmental compliance, sustainable energy, and conventional and emerging renewable energy technologies, including green hydrogen production.

Meanwhile, Curtin Malaysia’s Pro Vice-Chancellor, President and Chief Executive Professor Simon Leunig said that, in a regional and global context, the programme is designed to establish Curtin as the recognised global leader in research, education and engagement for

energy and resources transition, with special emphasis on stewardship of air, water and land. This squarely fits within the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals.

“As Curtin’s largest global campus and hub in ASEAN, Curtin Malaysia fully supports this initiative. Upon completing the programme, graduates will be ready to assist in driving forward Energy in Transition technologies globally,” said Prof. Leunig.

He added that the pioneering four-year programme, uniquely focused on the Energy in Transition movement and having a robust curriculum, is well-equipped to prepare students for crucial roles in shaping a sustainable future. With a strong foundation in fundamental engineering concepts acquired in their first year (Engineering Foundation Year, or EFY), they will undertake comprehensive study of diverse aspects of energy engineering.

As they progress, they will have options to choose various specialisations, including Energy Conversion Technologies, Low Carbon Transition, Subsurface Energy Engineering, and Power Systems Engineering, and others. Furthermore, in their final year, they will undertake a major research project and a team capstone design project.

With these specialisations, graduates can look forward to exciting careers as energy systems engineers, energy transition consultants, subsurface energy engineers, energy researchers, energy conversion consultants, researchers and academics in relevant fields, and more.

Intakes for the programme are in February and July each year. Applications for the July intake are now open. More information can be found at curtin.edu.my/study/undergraduate/, or by contacting Curtin Malaysia’s Student Recruitment Department at +60 85 630 000, or by sending an email to enquiries@curtin.edu.my.

For more information on Curtin Malaysia, visit curtin.edu.my, or look for Curtin Malaysia on Facebook, Twitter, Instagram, YouTube, LinkedIn, or TikTok.

Programme prepares students for a variety of roles in the energy sector