KUCHING – Seventeen graduates of Swinburne University of Technology Sarawak Campus were awarded for their exceptional achievements during the university’s “Appreciation and Awards Dinner: A Night with Alumni and Partners” held at The Waterfront Hotel on 2 October 2024.
The Industry Awards were presented by Yayasan Sarawak as well as the university’s industry partners, including Sarawak Energy Berhad, Sarawak Information Systems Sdn Bhd, CPA Australia Ltd, Ernst & Young PLT, Crowe Malaysia PLT, Board of Engineers Malaysia, Hock Seng Lee Berhad, Kim Hin Industry Berhad, Serapi Farm Sdn Bhd, My Team Stars (M) Sdn Bhd, Melinau Auto Sdn Bhd and SOP Foundation.
The annual event gathered over 300 industry partners and alumni of the university for a memorable evening of networking and fostering connections.
Gracing the dinner event as the Guest of Honour was YB Datuk Dr Annuar bin Rapaee, Sarawak Deputy Minister for Education, Innovation and Talent Development I (Education and Innovation), representing the Sarawak Premier and Pro-Chancellor of Swinburne Sarawak The Right Honourable Datuk Patinggi Tan Sri (Dr) Abang Haji Abdul Rahman Zohari bin Tun Datuk Abang Haji Openg.
YB Datuk Dr Annuar bin Rapaee (fourth right) arrives at the Appreciation and Awards Dinner, accompanied by Professor Pascale Quester (fifth right) and Ir Professor Lau Hieng Ho (sixth right).
“Swinburne Sarawak has consistently produced graduates who are well-equipped with the skills and knowledge needed to drive our high-technology industries, enhance business competitiveness, and boost our human resource capacity. This perfectly aligns with Sarawak’s vision as we continue to industrialise and globalise our economy.
“As such, the university plays a crucial role in supporting Sarawak’s vision to become a developed region by 2030,” said YB Datuk Dr Annuar when delivering the Premier’s speech.
YB Datuk Dr Annuar bin Rapaee delivers the Sarawak Premier’s speech.
Swinburne University of Technology Vice-Chancellor and President Professor Pascale Quester highlighted the essential role played by Swinburne’s partners and alumni in building and maintaining the university’s reputation and success.
“From our industry partners and alumni, to our faculty, staff and students and, of course, the Sarawak government, we are so grateful that you are such fantastic ambassadors for Swinburne. Your friendship, support and generosity are so vital to our future, and I look forward to us continuing to work together as we head beyond Horizon 2025 on our journey to the stars,” she remarked.
Professor Pascale Quester speaks at the Appreciation and Awards Dinner.
Commenting on the Industry Awards, Swinburne Sarawak Pro Vice-Chancellor and Chief Executive Officer Ir Professor Lau Hieng Ho said, “With the support of our esteemed industry partners, these awards symbolise the culmination of hard work and dedication, not only on the part of our students but also from our partners who continue to support and inspire them.”
This year’s Industry Awards ceremony saw two excellent graduates honoured with Yayasan Sarawak awards, namely Adeline Yong Qian Yi with the Anugerah Graduan Cemerlang and Audrey Stefanie anak Julip with the Anugerah Galakan Bumiputera.
Audrey Stefanie anak Julip (second left) receives Yayasan Sarawak’s Anugerah Galakan Bumiputera. Seen are (from left) Ir Professor Lau Hieng Ho, YB Datuk Dr Annuar bin Rapaee and Professor Pascale Quester.
Yong, who completed her Bachelor of Science (Environmental Science), shared that what captivated her the most about her field of study was the opportunity to explore and develop possible solutions, standards and regulations to achieve sustainability and make a real impact on the world.
“I am fascinated by the challenge of finding innovative solutions to reduce pollution and mitigate environmental degradation. The idea of enhancing the sustainability of various projects – whether in urban planning, agriculture or industry – drives my passion for this field,” she said.
Meanwhile, Audrey, who completed her Bachelor of Engineering (Honours) (Chemical), said, “I am especially interested in chemical engineering as it plays a critical role in the oil and gas industry and it is closely involved in the discovery of renewables and sustainable energy sources. I am motivated by the opportunities of engaging with major industry players when it comes to energy exploration and production.”
Awards were also presented to 14 best graduates in selected undergraduate degrees for their excellent academic achievements. The recipients were:
- Lim Jia Kuang, Best Graduate in the Bachelor of Business (Accounting and Finance)
- Hwang Zi Xin, Best Graduate in the Bachelor of Business (Accounting)
- Allycia Vunga anak Pandang, Best Graduate in the Bachelor of Business (International Business)
- Melanie Kuek Xia Wun, Best Graduate in the Bachelor of Business (Management)
- Anson Yeo, Best Graduate in the Bachelor of Business (Human Resource Management)
- Chan Kai Zen, Best Graduate in the Bachelor of Engineering (Honours) (Civil)
- Tiffany Ang Jia Ning, Best Graduate in the Bachelor of Engineering (Honours) (Chemical)
- Jee Ke Wei, Best Graduate in the Bachelor of Engineering (Honours) (Electrical and Electronic)
- David Ngu Tai Wei, Best Graduate in the Bachelor of Engineering (Honours) (Electrical and Electronic)
- Gavin Siaw Chun Heng, Best Graduate in the Bachelor of Engineering (Honours) (Electrical and Electronic)
- Jaden Choo Wei Chiat, Best Graduate in the Bachelor of Computer Science
- Wang Yin Han, Best Graduate in the Bachelor of Information and Communication Technology
- Danial Hadi Wong bin Mohd Hariz @ Wong Mee Hoe, Best Graduate in the Bachelor of Engineering (Honours) (Mechanical)
- Ryan Liaw Tze Cherng, Best Graduate in the Bachelor of Engineering (Honours) (Mechanical)
Ryan Liaw also received the BEM President Award whereas Jaslyn Wong Chee Chee received the award for Outstanding Performance in Accounting Theory.
Professor Pascale Quester (right) presents a token of appreciation to YB Datuk Dr Annuar bin Rapaee as Ir Professor Lau Hieng Ho (left) looks on.
Also present at the dinner event were His Excellency Tuan Sheikh Abd Mahdani Dato Paduka Sheikh Abdul Gani, Consul General of Brunei Darussalam in Kuching; Mrs Ely Syafitri Handayani, Consul of Education, Culture and Social, Consulate General of the Republic of Indonesia in Kuching; members of the Council, Board of Directors and Executive Group of Swinburne Sarawak; and members of Swinburne Melbourne’s management team.
A vibrant performance at the dinner event.
For more information on Swinburne Sarawak, visit its website, Facebook page (@swinburnesarawak), Instagram page (@swinburnesarawak), Twitter page (@Swinburne_Swk), TikTok page (@swinburnesarawak) or YouTube channel (Swinburne Sarawak).