Curtin Malaysia engineering students gain industry insights in Bintulu

MIRI (Nov 30): Thirty-five students from the Department of Civil and Construction Engineering, Faculty of Engineering and Science at Curtin University Malaysia recently gained invaluable insights into cutting-edge engineering practices during a two-day industrial visit to Bintulu.

The trip, held during the second to fourth-year students’ tuition-free week, featured visits to key industrial sites, offering a rare opportunity to interact with industry experts and observe large-scale infrastructure projects in action.

Led by senior lecturer Dr Paran Gani, the trip reflects Curtin Malaysia’s commitment to equipping students with real-world skills and knowledge to meet industry demands and contribute to sustainable development.

“Field visits like this bridge the gap between classroom learning and practical applications, preparing our students for real-world challenges,” he said in a statement issued by the university.

Among the highlights was a guided tour of the Nyabau Water Treatment Plant, where the students learned about water intake, purification, and distribution processes under the guidance of the plant’s production executive Ng Kok Hua.

The visit, which included a tour of the plant’s water reservoir, provided a comprehensive understanding of water treatment challenges and solutions.

The students also visited the Jepak Cable-Stayed Bridge construction site, a landmark infrastructure project in Sarawak.

Witnessing the innovative design and advanced construction techniques firsthand, they gained practical insights into structural engineering and project management.

“Experiencing projects like the Jepak Bridge firsthand helps students connect theory with practice, deepening their understanding of engineering principles,” said accompanying lecturer Dr Timothy Ting.

In addition, the students toured the facilities of Pertama Ferroalloys Sdn Bhd, Malaysia’s largest manganese alloy producer, where they observed cutting-edge production processes and learned about the company’s focus on sustainability.

“These experiences broaden students’ perspectives, showing them how engineering integrates industrial efficiency with environmental responsibility,” said another lecturer on the trip, Dr Muhammad Noor Hazwan Jusoh, highlighting the importance of such exposure.

Meanwhile, final-year Civil and Construction Engineering student Wong Sing Fong said it was “incredible” to see how large and complex structures come together.

“This experience has truly motivated me to pursue a career in civil engineering.”

The industrial visit underscores Curtin Malaysia’s dedication to providing experiential learning opportunities that align with the latest industry trends, fostering a new generation of skilled and socially responsible engineers.