KUCHING – Swinburne University of Technology Sarawak Campus’ first-ever batch of English Enhancement Program (EEP) students received their certificates of completion during an award ceremony held at the university on 25 August.
Gracing the certificate award ceremony were Mr Zamahari bin Haji Saidi, Principal Assistant Director of Scholarship, Programs and Assistance Division, Yayasan Sarawak representing Yayasan Sarawak Director Tuan Haji Mersal bin Abang Rosli, Swinburne Sarawak Executive Dean (Academic) Ir Professor Sim Kwan Yong, Swinburne Sarawak Executive Group members, students’ families and invited guests.
The 41 students successfully completed the special four-week programme, which is fully sponsored by Yayasan Sarawak. Open to all Sarawakian students who meet the entry criteria, the programme serves as a pathway from SPM, STPM, or equivalent qualification to a foundation, diploma, or degree programme. The EEP is designed to develop students’ English language proficiency in preparation for their university journey. Those who enrol in the EEP at Swinburne Sarawak are eligible to continue their studies at foundation, diploma, or degree levels at the university.
During the programme, the students took part in English classes, acquiring English language skills through an immersive approach. Besides improving their English skills such as academic reading and writing, the students also had the opportunity to enhance their communication skills and critical thinking skills, among others.
Motivational, personal awareness and skills workshops were also organised, including stress management, self-care, leadership and so on, to prepare the EEP students for university life.
A student receives her certificate of completion from Zamahari bin Haji Saidi as Ir Professor Sim Kwan Yong looks on.
In addition, the students benefitted from the ‘Uni Life Experience’ programme, where they were able to discover all the opportunities that university life can offer – not only on campus but also throughout the community via social engagement, networking and adventure. For example, the students visited the Borneo Cultures Museum and Kuching Festival Food Fair, enjoyed a movie night and on-campus BBQ Day and interacted with their seniors through the Buddy Support System.
Commenting on the university’s first round of the EEP, Dr Bibiana Lim Chiu Yiong, Head of Learning and Teaching Unit at Swinburne Sarawak, said the programme ran smoothly with the assistance of over 30 academic and professional staff.
“There have been observable improvements in the students’ English writing and speaking skills, critical thinking skills and others. Furthermore, the EEP students have also improved their communication skills as they frequently socialised with their peers and even the campus community during the programme,” she said.
Elaborating on more ways that students could benefit from the programme, she said, “Through the various academic and extra-curricular activities carried out during the EEP, the students are exposed to hands-on tasks and learning materials that further develop both their interpersonal and intrapersonal skills. This programme is indeed a very good opportunity for all students to discover their potential as they embark on their journey into their tertiary education.
“Other than that, the EEP students are familiarised with the campus systems and facilities like the library system, available courses, gym, computer labs, sports facilities and student support systems such as the counsellors. All of this prepares them better to handle their university life in the future.”
Overall, Dr Lim said the EEP offers a valuable experience to students, allowing them to be a step ahead of their peers in adapting to university life.
“It was our pleasure and a great experience to have the first batch of students for Swinburne Sarawak’s EEP. They have been a delightful batch and we hope they had a pleasing and meaningful experience. We wish them the best in their future endeavours and much success in the future,” she said.
During the ceremony, Swinburne Sarawak also introduced its latest courses, including Diploma of Accountancy, Bachelor of Engineering (Honours) (Software), Bachelor of Quantity Surveying (Honours), Bachelor of Media and Communication and Master of Information Technology.
The next intake for Swinburne Sarawak’s EEP is in November 2022. Students who have completed their SPM, STPM, or equivalent qualification and are seeking to embark on their university journey should not miss out on the chance to enrol in this fully sponsored programme. To find out more about the EEP, contact Faizin at +6013-811 2509 or Linda at +6019-864 2941. Alternatively, enquiries can be emailed to study@swinburne.edu.my.
For more information on Swinburne Sarawak, visit its website (www.swinburne.edu.my), Facebook page (@swinburnesarawak), Instagram (@swinburnesarawak), Twitter page (@Swinburne_Swk) or YouTube channel (Swinburne Sarawak).