Curtin Malaysia partners with MACC to strengthen ethical awareness among future engineers

Miri, Sarawak – 26 September 2025 – Future engineers at Curtin University Malaysia (Curtin Malaysia) are being equipped not just with technical knowledge but also with the ethical grounding needed to lead responsibly in their professions. The university recently hosted an industry talk titled ‘Major Corruption Offences and Case Sharing’ featuring Superintendent Nur Faidah Roslan from the Malaysian Anti-Corruption Commission (MACC).

The talk, attended by over 40 academic staff and students from the Environmental Engineering, Civil and Construction Engineering, and Construction Management programmes, explored the realities of corruption risks in professional practice and how engineers can safeguard their integrity in the workplace.

Superintendent Nur Faidah delivered an eye-opening presentation on major corruption offences under the MACC Act 2009, with particular focus on false claims and abuse of power. Drawing on real case studies, she highlighted how even seemingly small ethical lapses can have serious consequences for individuals, organisations, and society. She also underscored the dangers of accepting gifts, reminding participants of the need to uphold honesty, accountability, and due diligence in all professional dealings.

The talk was part of Curtin Malaysia’s Teaching Innovation Project, ‘Implementing the Universal Design for Learning (UDL) Framework in the Engineering Ethics Component of the Civil and Environmental Engineering Programme,’ spearheaded by Ir. Dr. Tan Yee Yong and Ir. Meheron Selowara Joo from the Department of Civil and Construction Engineering.

In conjunction with the talk, Dr. Tan introduced an innovative online module, ‘Code of Conduct & Ethics for Registered Engineers,’ which leverages videos, case studies, and interactive content to deliver flexible, engaging learning on professional ethics in both local and global contexts.

“This talk is crucial because it helps students understand that engineering ethics goes beyond technical skills,” said Ir. Meheron. “It is about integrity, honesty, and responsible decision-making in real-world situations.”

Echoing this, Dr. Tan added, “Through the online module and industry talk, we provide diverse approaches aligned with Universal Design for Learning. Our goal is not only to guide students to do things right, but more importantly, to do the right thing.”

By embedding ethical training into its engineering programmes and collaborating with agencies like the MACC, Curtin Malaysia reinforces its commitment to producing graduates who are not only highly skilled but also ethically grounded professionals ready to contribute responsibly to society.

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

(Front row, right to left) Dr. Tan, Ir. Meheron, Superintendent Nur Faidah, and a colleague pose with participants.

Ir. Meheron (second from left) presenting a souvenir to Superintendent Nur Faidah, as Dr. Tan looks on.

Superintendent Nur Faidah (right) with a participant who won the quiz competition.