Curtin Malaysia’s Programming Competition pushes students to their coding limits

Miri, Sarawak – 15 August 2025 – It was a marathon three hours of intense concentration, rapid problem-solving, and lightning-fast keystrokes as 24 Curtin University Malaysia (Curtin Malaysia) students battled it out in the Computing Nation Club’s annual Programming Competition.

The cross-faculty event saw competitors from Curtin Malaysia’s Faculty of Engineering and Science, Faculty of Business, and School of Pre-U and Continuing Education pit their skills against 14 algorithmic challenges designed to test creativity, technical expertise, and speed.

Now in its eighth year since launching in 2017, the competition has become a signature platform for sharpening problem-solving agility, self-directed learning, and industry readiness.

Club advisor Foad Motalebi, a lecturer in the Department of Electrical and Computer Engineering (ECE), emphasised that its purpose goes far beyond coding: “This isn’t just about writing code; it is about preparing students for real-world challenges. The growing participation from non-technical disciplines shows just how valuable these skills have become.”

Working in C, C++, Java, Python, or C#, participants tackled problems that grew progressively more difficult. The challenges, crafted and judged by ECE academics Dr. Ahlam Khaled, Dr. Rama Abirami, Dr. Saaveethya Sivakumar, Dr. Sivaraman Eswaran, Dr. Han Yi Chiew, Dr. Mohammad Sultan, Dr. Veeramani Shanmugam, and Foad, demanded precision and speed.

While online references were permitted, generative AI tools were strictly banned, with active monitoring in place to ensure competitors relied solely on their own abilities.

The competition’s top honours went to Software Engineering student Dennis Nwanevu Chong Ochulor, Software Engineering student Yee Ming Cheing, and Cybersecurity student Kelvin Nyeoh Chuan Yeong. The trio won cash prizes amounting to RM500, RM200, and RM100 respectively.

Presenting the awards, Professor Tuong-Thuy Vu, Dean of the Faculty of Engineering and Science, praised the event for its strong alignment with Curtin Malaysia’s work-integrated learning philosophy.

“Competitions like this bridge the gap between academic theory and industry needs. They help students develop the agility and resilience required in the tech sector,” said Professor Vu.

ECE Head Dr. Chew Ing Ming also commended the students’ dedication, noting the value of spending a weekend investing in skill-building rather than leisure.

As Curtin Malaysia strengthens its role as a hub for tech talent in Sarawak, the Programming Competition continues to nurture the next generation of innovators, problem-solvers, and coding leaders.

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

Academics and participants in a group photo during the Programming Competition.

Professor Vu (2nd right) awards first place to Dennis Nwanevu.

Yee Ming Cheing (2nd left) receiving second-place honours from Professor Vu.

Third-place winner Kelvin Nyeoh (2nd left) receiving his prize from Professor Vu.