Curtin Malaysia’s ‘Let’s Talk Career’ inspires students with real-world industry insights

Miri, Sarawak – 4 November 2025 – Over 80 Curtin University Malaysia (Curtin Malaysia) students and staff gained invaluable career insights and real-world inspiration during the highly engaging ‘Let’s Talk Career’ event held recently on campus.

Jointly organised by Curtin Malaysia’s Institute of Marketing Malaysia (IMM) Student Committee and several Faculty of Business academic clubs, including the Accounting Club, Entrepreneurship Club, and Finance and Investment Club, the event created a dynamic platform for students to connect directly with industry leaders and explore the realities of today’s fast-evolving job market.

Led by Dr. Ivy Hii, Associate Dean of External Engagement, and Dr. Fayrene Chieng, Associate Dean of Learning and Teaching and Advisor of the IMM Student Chapter, the session brought together professionals from diverse sectors to share career wisdom and first-hand experiences.

In her opening address, Professor Pauline Ho, Dean of the Faculty of Business, praised the initiative for empowering students to “bridge the gap between classroom learning and professional practice,” emphasising that such dialogues are vital for preparing graduates for the demands of the modern workforce.

The highlight of the event was a lively panel session featuring three distinguished speakers: Shan Ravendran, General Manager of Mercure Miri City Centre; Arif Abdul Rahman, Co-founder and Director of Sarawak Gastronomy Group and Retrospective Discovery; and Christine Mening Ngau, Road Transport Contract Holder (Malaysia) in Business Development for Shell Malaysia.

Drawing from their personal career journeys, the speakers shared powerful insights on employability skills, leadership, adaptability, and navigating opportunities in a rapidly changing economy. Their candid stories sparked meaningful dialogue between students and professionals, giving participants a clearer understanding of the qualities and mindsets employers value most.

Feedback from attendees was overwhelmingly positive, with many describing the event as “eye-opening,” “motivational,” and “a game-changer” in how they now view their future careers. Several students expressed enthusiasm for more such sessions that connect academic learning to industry realities.

Such ‘Let’s Talk Career’ sessions are part of the Faculty of Business’s broader initiative to enhance career readiness and strengthen industry engagement, ensuring Curtin Malaysia graduates are well-equipped with the skills, knowledge, and networks needed to thrive in their chosen professions.

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

Students gain invaluable career insights during Curtin Malaysia’s ‘Let’s Talk Career’ event.

(Third from left) Professor Ho, Shan Ravendran, Arif Abdul Rahman, Christine Mening Ngau, Dr. Hii, Dr. Chieng, and members of the student committee.