Future engineers rise to the challenge at Curtin Malaysia’s Civil Engineering Competitions

Miri, Sarawak – 5 May 2025 – In a lively showcase of creativity, critical thinking, and real-world problem-solving, nearly 100 secondary and university students put their engineering skills to the test at Curtin University Malaysia’s (Curtin Malaysia) annual Civil Engineering Competitions last week.

Organised by Curtin Malaysia’s Department of Civil and Construction Engineering in collaboration with its Office of Learning and Teaching and Domestic Student Recruitment Department, the event featured two flagship challenges: the Road Safety Awareness e-Poster Competition and the crowd-favourite Spaghetti Construction Competition.

Students from seven local secondary schools – SMK Chung Hua Miri, SMK Riam, SMK Dato Permaisuri, SMK Baru, SMK Taman Tunku, SMK Pujut, and SMK Lutong – competed alongside Curtin Malaysia undergraduates, turning theory into action and learning crucial lessons about safety, design, and resilience.

“The scale of Malaysia’s road accidents demands urgent action. By equipping young minds today, we can shape a safer tomorrow,” said Senior Lecturer Ir. Meheron Selowara Joo during the e-poster competition judging.

The participants designed digital campaigns highlighting road safety solutions, addressing one of the nation’s most pressing public health issues. Meanwhile, the Spaghetti Construction Competition provided a thrilling spectacle as teams raced to design the strongest possible bridge using only dry spaghetti and glue. In a dramatic ’build-and-break’ finale, bridges were tested to their limits.

Ir. Dr. Lee Yeong Huei, who oversaw the competition, said the lesson was clear: “When structures fail, people’s lives are at stake. Whether it is a bridge, a stage, or a scaffold, good design saves lives.”

For the students, the experience was unforgettable. “It was a thrilling mix of creativity and physics,” said one participant. “Seeing our bridge break was devastating, but it taught us exactly where we went wrong, and that’s the best way to learn.”

In his closing remarks, Professor Tuong-Thuy Vu, Dean of the Faculty of Engineering and Science, urged participants to embrace the skills they had developed. “Problem-solving is not just for competitions; it is the foundation of every great innovation. Carry this mindset into everything you do.”

Professor Tang Fu Ee, Dean of the Office of Learning and Teaching, highlighted the university’s broader vision, “Through initiatives like Community Engagement Learning (CEL), we connect expertise with real needs, inspiring students to become changemakers in their communities.”

Building on the success of this year’s competitions, Curtin Malaysia plans to expand its civil engineering outreach initiatives, reaffirming its commitment to accessible STEM education and impactful community engagement.

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

Professor Thuy Vu Tuong emphasises the lifelong value of experiential learning during his closing remarks

Ir. Meheron Selowara Joo engages participants on the life-saving importance of road safety

Students team up for a dramatic ‘build-and-break’ moment during the Spaghetti Construction Competition