KUCHING – It was a significant milestone achieved for 408 graduates of Swinburne University of Technology Sarawak Campus who received their parchments on 23 and 24 March as well as today. Notably, this was Swinburne Sarawak’s first physical graduation ceremony following the onset of the Covid-19 pandemic, spread over three days in the interest of the safety of students and attendees.
The graduation series commenced on 23 March at Borneo Convention Centre Kuching (BCCK). Awards were conferred to 190 undergraduate students in the field of business. On 24 March, the ceremony proceeded with the conferment of awards to 129 undergraduate students in the Engineering field along with 36 undergraduates from the Bachelor of Science (Biotechnology), Bachelor of Computer Science and Bachelor of Information and Communication Technology.
The culmination of the three-day series took place at Pullman Hotel Kuching today, with awards conferred to five Doctor of Philosophy graduates in Engineering and Science programmes.
Awards were also presented to 26 Master graduates from the Master of Arts (TESOL), Master of Business (Research), Master of Business Administration (International), Master of Construction Management and Master of Science (Research). In addition, 22 graduates from the Bachelor of Design (Multimedia Design) received their awards.
The 21st physical graduation ceremony saw attending graduates from Malaysia, as well as Egypt, India, Indonesia and Sri Lanka from the 2022 undergraduate cohorts, and 2020 and 2021 postgraduates in attendance. The last physical graduation was held in October, 2019.
For valedictorian Sara Nadia Binti Suib, her time at Swinburne Sarawak was the most memorable. “I am excited to be finally graduating and to meet up with friends, and lecturers. All the knowledge I gained are useful and applied greatly at work, thanks to lecturers who had helped me throughout my time at Swinburne. I am still learning as life itself is a learning process, and to not give up no matter how much I might feel like I want to,” said the Master of Business Administration (International) graduate.
Valedictorian Lai Chung Yi (centre) with his parents.
Lai Chung Yi, the undergraduate valedictorian and Bachelor of Engineering (Robotics and Mechatronics) (Honours) graduate, said his participation in activities hosted by clubs and external organisations made his university experience fulfilling and exciting.
“These experiences, and that I made so many friends with people of various backgrounds, helped me to become who I am today. I am much more open-minded when talking to people now, no matter who they are,” Lai said. “I’ve been working for more than a year now, but I am applying to further my education at Swinburne, so I hope I’ll return as a Swinburne student soon,” he added.
Meanwhile, Emily anak Rogos, who graduated with a Master of Business (Research), described Swinburne Sarawak’s work culture and environment as completely different, remarking that she felt as though she were studying abroad. “The study environment here is relaxing, with everyone always encouraging and respectful of each other. I have made so many friends, they are like family to me. This experience allows me to learn their culture which is a bonus and a pleasant experience.”
“I know my experience here has given me the confidence to face life’s challenges. I am also excited to explore this new journey in life,” she said, also expressing her hopes to give back to the local community through her experience gained at Swinburne Sarawak.
The graduation ceremony was graced by Sarawak Premier and Pro Chancellor of Swinburne Sarawak Datuk Patinggi Tan Sri (Dr) Abang Haji Abdul Rahman Zohari bin Tun Datuk Abang Haji Openg who also presented the awards to the graduates while Swinburne Sarawak Pro Vice-Chancellor and Chief Executive Officer Ir Professor Lau Hieng Ho presented the awards on 23 and 24 March. Also in attendance were the University’s Council members and honoured guests from institutions of higher learning in Kuching.
Swinburne is an Australian university based in Melbourne, Australia. The Sarawak campus in Kuching is the only international, full-fledged branch campus of the university. Swinburne Sarawak offers a range of industry-applicable courses such as business, computing, design, engineering and science at pre-university (foundation), diploma, degree, masters and PhD levels. Swinburne is ranked among the top 1.5% of universities globally by QS World University Rankings 2021.
For more information about Swinburne, visit its website (www.swinburne.edu.my), Facebook page (@swinburnesarawak), Instagram (@swinburnesarawak), Twitter page (@Swinburne_Swk) or YouTube channel (Swinburne Sarawak).