(Miri, 8th) Dr. Yong Leong Kong, lecturer at the Faculty of Engineering and Science, Curtin University Malaysia and a native of Sibu, recently returned to his hometown Sibu to host a series of inspiring workshops themed around Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics (STEM) at Chung Hua Middle School, Methodist Secondary School, and Woodlands International School. The events attracted hundreds of enthusiastic secondary school students.
This activity was organized by the Curtin Malaysia campus, aiming to help students understand how the STEM fields are shaping the future. The workshops combined vivid explanations with interactive experiments to ignite students’ spirit of exploration and career interest.
Dr. Yong used his own academic and overseas experiences as examples to explain how Sarawak’s economic development relies on engineering innovations, covering areas such as green energy, artificial intelligence, digital manufacturing, and smart city development. He pointed out: “Engineers are not only the executors of technology, but also the key driving force behind Sarawak’s economic transformation and social progress.” He emphasized that there is an urgent local need for more engineering talent to push forward major projects like the Baleh Dam and Sarawak’s green energy initiatives.
During the event, students participated firsthand in a “buoyancy design challenge” practical session, experiencing the process of solving real-world problems, which sparked lively discussions and questions. Many students said the workshops not only deepened their understanding of engineering but also inspired them to pursue related industries.
The event was held as the Sarawak government announced policies to provide free higher education for Sarawakians in key disciplines—including engineering, computer science, law, medicine, and finance—starting from 2026. This initiative will further strengthen the local talent pool and broaden the educational and employment prospects for young students.
As an institution under the Sarawak government and the largest global campus of Curtin University, Curtin Malaysia campus is one of the region’s leading engineering education centers in Borneo. Its Faculty of Engineering and Science covers majors including civil and construction, environmental, mechanical, electrical and electronic, mechatronic, chemical, and energy engineering, emphasizing both theory and practice and dedicating itself to cultivating internationally competitive graduates.
This activity was organized by the Curtin Malaysia campus, aiming to help students understand how the STEM fields are shaping the future. The workshops combined vivid explanations with interactive experiments to ignite students’ spirit of exploration and career interest.
Dr. Yong used his own academic and overseas experiences as examples to explain how Sarawak’s economic development relies on engineering innovations, covering areas such as green energy, artificial intelligence, digital manufacturing, and smart city development. He pointed out: “Engineers are not only the executors of technology, but also the key driving force behind Sarawak’s economic transformation and social progress.” He emphasized that there is an urgent local need for more engineering talent to push forward major projects like the Baleh Dam and Sarawak’s green energy initiatives.
During the event, students participated firsthand in a “buoyancy design challenge” practical session, experiencing the process of solving real-world problems, which sparked lively discussions and questions. Many students said the workshops not only deepened their understanding of engineering but also inspired them to pursue related industries.
The event was held as the Sarawak government announced policies to provide free higher education for Sarawakians in key disciplines—including engineering, computer science, law, medicine, and finance—starting from 2026. This initiative will further strengthen the local talent pool and broaden the educational and employment prospects for young students.
As an institution under the Sarawak government and the largest global campus of Curtin University, Curtin Malaysia campus is one of the region’s leading engineering education centers in Borneo. Its Faculty of Engineering and Science covers majors including civil and construction, environmental, mechanical, electrical and electronic, mechatronic, chemical, and energy engineering, emphasizing both theory and practice and dedicating itself to cultivating internationally competitive graduates.