Miri’s geological heritage becomes a living classroom for Curtin Malaysia geology students

Miri, Sarawak – 3 November 2026 – From ancient trace fossils embedded in sandstone to geological faults that reveal millions of years of Earth’s history, Miri’s remarkable geological landscape provided a real-world classroom for Applied Geology students from Curtin University Malaysia (Curtin Malaysia) during a recent field excursion across the city.

The geological field trip brought Year 1 and Year 2 students face-to-face with significant geological features in the Miri region, allowing them to apply classroom knowledge, investigate natural formations and develop practical skills essential for careers in the geoscience industry.

Organised as part of Curtin Malaysia’s commitment to experiential learning, the excursion was led by Dr. S. Vijay Anand and supported by Dr. Prasanna M.V., Head of the Department of Applied Sciences, Associate Professor Dominique Dodge-Wan, Fiona Bassy anak William, and Dr. Syed Bilawal Ali Shah.

One of the highlights was a visit to the recently established Taman Awam Geopark, Miri’s first geopark, which showcases the city’s geological heritage and offers valuable opportunities for scientific observation and study.

The site features prominent sandstone formations containing a series of geological faults that have attracted the interest of oil and gas geologists. These faults compartmentalise the rock mass and making the formations relevant to understanding geological structures and their significance in petroleum geology.

The students also examined trace fossils preserved within the sandstone. These remarkable features provide evidence of ancient organisms that disturbed soft sediments millions of years ago, leaving traces that were subsequently preserved as the sediments hardened into rock.

The discovery offered the students a fascinating glimpse into ancient environments and the geological processes responsible for preserving evidence of past life.

The excursion also included visit to transported igneous rocks along the shoreline of Miri coast near Miri City Council (MCC).

Through these field observations, the students explored the characteristics of different rock types, examined geological structures and investigated the processes involved in the formation, transportation and preservation of rocks over geological time.

Guided by their lecturers, the students undertook scientific observations and interpreted geological evidence, linking their findings to fundamental concepts in sedimentology and petrology. The hands-on exercises provided valuable opportunities to strengthen their understanding of geological processes beyond what can be achieved through classroom instruction alone.

Beyond technical knowledge, the field trip also helped the students develop essential professional competencies, including scientific inquiry, field documentation, analytical thinking, teamwork and effective communication.

The experience further deepened their appreciation of Sarawak’s geological heritage and demonstrated how geology contributes to understanding Earth’s history, natural resources and environmental processes.

The university’s media team also documented the excursion through photography and videography, capturing the students’ fieldwork experiences and the geological features that make Miri an important location for geological learning.

Through field-based initiatives such as this, Curtin Malaysia continues to strengthen its emphasis on practical, industry-relevant education, equipping future geologists with the scientific knowledge, observational skills and field experience needed to meet the demands of the geoscience profession.

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Curtin Malaysia Applied Geology students and lecturers at Rock Cliff Park.

Students examining geological features during their field excursion.