Curtin Malaysia students immerse in Iban culture during experiential longhouse field trip

Miri, Sarawak – 7 September 2025 – In a powerful cultural and educational exchange, students from Curtin University Malaysia’s Faculty of Business recently ventured to Rumah Salin, a traditional Iban longhouse in Beluru, for an unforgettable deep dive into Sarawak’s indigenous heritage.

Organised in collaboration with the Dayak Association Miri (DAM) and supported by the Malaysian Institute of Certified Public Accountants (MICPA) and Chartered Accountants Australia and New Zealand (CA ANZ), the field trip blended classroom learning with lived experience. The initiative also received partial funding from Curtin Malaysia’s Community Engagement Project Fund, demonstrating the university’s ongoing commitment to community-focused, experiential education.

Over the course of the visit, the students engaged in a multi-sensory journey through Iban culture. They participated in traditional dance and music demonstrations, explored the architecture and social structure of the longhouse through guided tours, and took part in hands-on cultural activities such as ‘Pansuh’ (bamboo cooking) and traditional weaving. These immersive experiences provided the students with valuable insights into indigenous customs, sustainable living practices, and the communal values that have sustained longhouse communities for generations.

Many students described the visit as both eye-opening and deeply enriching. One participant shared that learning about traditions preserved over centuries gave them a renewed appreciation for the depth of Sarawak’s cultural diversity. Others noted how the experience challenged their preconceptions and gave context to their academic studies, particularly in areas related to sustainability, ethical leadership, and community development.

Dr. Ho Jie Min, academic lead of the project, reflected on the broader impact of the trip, highlighting the importance of partnerships in creating meaningful educational experiences. She noted that the warmth and hospitality of the Rumah Salin community, along with the strong support from DAM, made the visit particularly memorable. According to Dr. Ho, the students returned not only with new knowledge, but also with a greater sense of respect, empathy, and cultural awareness – qualities that are essential in an increasingly interconnected world.

This initiative also aligns with Curtin Malaysia’s commitment to the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), particularly those related to quality education, sustainable communities, and meaningful partnerships. By embedding real-world, culturally rich experiences into the academic journey, the university continues to foster globally minded graduates who are socially responsible and community-oriented.

Encouraged by the success of this field trip, the Faculty of Business plans to expand such collaborations in the future. By working closely with DAM, MICPA, CA ANZ, and local communities, Curtin Malaysia aims to promote cultural understanding, support community empowerment, and create transformative learning opportunities that extend far beyond the classroom.

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

Students and lecturers, and members of DAM and the Rumah Salin community pose for a group photo after a day of cultural exchange, reflection, and learning.