Curtin students explore high-tech road-building processes

Miri, Sarawak – 8 May 2025 – A group of aspiring engineers from Curtin University Malaysia (Curtin Malaysia) gained rare behind-the-scenes access to one of Sarawak’s key infrastructure players during a technical site visit to the Borneo Hot Mix Asphalt Plant recently.

Organised by the Institution of Engineers Malaysia – Young Engineers Section (IEM-YES) Miri Branch, in collaboration with the Curtin IEM Student Section and Curtin Civil Society, the visit offered the students a unique window into real-world engineering practices.

The visit brought together 30 civil and construction engineering students, three Curtin Malaysia lecturers, and two industry professionals for a full-day exploration of modern asphalt production technologies, quality control protocols, and the practical challenges behind road construction in the region. Student leaders included Chan Chi Hong, President of the Curtin IEM Student Section, and Leonard Yong Jun Jie, President of the Curtin Civil Society, Curtin Malaysia’s academic society for civil and construction engineering students.

Hosted by Lee Wen Ten, Managing Director of Borneo Hot Mix, the visit spotlighted the company’s critical role in supplying asphalt and paving materials for Miri’s expanding road network.

“We want young engineers to see what their textbooks cannot show, that is, the complexity, precision, and responsibility that come with engineering on the ground,” said Lim Chuan Jet, Project/Design Engineer and Chairman of IEM-YES Miri Branch, who led the delegation. Lim, a Curtin alumnus himself, emphasised the importance of early industry exposure in shaping competent future professionals.

Throughout the visit, the students observed production processes up close, participated in a hands-on laboratory session on asphalt quality testing, and engaged directly with engineering staff. One highlight included a demonstration by Lau Ee Li, a plant engineer, on how the company ensures consistent asphalt quality under varying environmental conditions.

“This kind of experience is essential. It helps students connect classroom theory to industry reality,” said Dr. Yong Leong Kong, organising chairperson and lecturer in Curtin Malaysia’s Faculty of Engineering and Science. “It also encourages them to think about how they can contribute meaningfully to Malaysia’s infrastructure development.”

IEM-YES Miri Branch Committee members Jameson Malang and Dr. Paran Gani, who also serve as lecturers and advisors to the Curtin IEM Student Section, joined the tour, reinforcing the strong academia-industry collaboration IEM-YES promotes.

The IEM-YES Miri Branch continues to build platforms for young engineers to explore, engage, and innovate, ensuring that future civil engineers are not only academically equipped but industry-ready.

Curtin Malaysia offers Curtin’s four-year Bachelor of Engineering in Civil and Construction Engineering (Honours), combines comprehensive civil and construction engineering studies with strong industry collaboration and practical training. Accredited by the Malaysian Qualifications Agency, Board of Engineers Malaysia, and Engineers Australia, the course is internationally recognised through the Washington Accord, ensuring global job mobility for graduates.

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

A guided tour of the plant and in-depth overview of the asphalt production process

Group photo of participants at the Borneo Hot Mix Plant

Hands-on lab session with Borneo Mix engineer Lau Ee Li demonstrating asphalt quality control