STEM Innovations Ignite Young Minds at Swinburne Big Day Out 2024

KUCHING – Swinburne University of Technology Sarawak Campus hosted its flagship outreach event, Swinburne Big Day Out (SBDO) 2024 on 25 May and 20 July respectively. The highly anticipated event, organized by the School of Engineering and Science, was designed to increase interest in science, technology, engineering and mathematics (STEM) subjects among secondary school students.

The theme “Hydrogen Power: Interdisciplinary Innovation for a Sustainable Future,” showcased the collaborative efforts among the Australian university’s student associations and clubs. The Swinburne Sarawak IET (SSIET) On Campus, IMechE Swinburne Sarawak Student Chapter, Swinburne Sarawak IChemE Student Chapter and the Postgraduate Research Society (PGRS). At SBDO 2024, students participated in hands-on workshops, witnessed interactive demonstrations and attended engaging talks presented by Swinburne’s faculty members.

“The participation and enthusiasm from participating schools highlight the growing interest in STEM and the importance of these events in inspiring future generations,” said Ir Dr Jiuan Jing Chew, Deputy Head of School (Engineering and Science). The activities organized offered participants a deep dive into the fascinating world of engineering and science, with a special focus on hydrogen power, a key player in the quest for sustainable energy solutions.

The first day of SBDO drew more than 100 enthusiastic students from five schools in Kuching, including SMK Bandar Kuching No.1, SMK Jalan Arang, SMK Kuching High, St. Joseph’s Private School, and SMK St Joseph. SMK Kuching High emerged as the overall champion in the first session. The second session continued the momentum with more than 100 students from SMK Tun Abang Haji Openg, SMK Bako, Tunku Putra, and SMK Sungai Tapang participating. SMK Bako took home the title of champion at this session.

Swinburne’s initiative aligns with Sarawak’s clean energy goals and underscores Swinburne’s commitment to sustainability. “The collaborative spirit shown by faculty and students enriches the university’s educational initiatives while empowering our community to drive positive change towards a sustainable future,” said Dr Chew.

Swinburne Big Day Out is part of Swinburne Sarawak’s ongoing commitment to promoting STEM education and in support of the development of a skilled workforce in Sarawak. Through SDBO, Swinburne aims to engage young minds in innovative and sustainable technologies like hydrogen power and help nurture future leaders who will play a pivotal role in shaping a more sustainable world.

Swinburne offers engineering and science programs at diploma and undergraduate levels. Programs offered at the Sarawak campus are undifferentiated from those at the home campus in Melbourne in terms of curriculum and learning outcomes so students earn the same testamurs and qualifications.

For more information on Swinburne Sarawak, visit its website, Facebook page, Instagram page (@swinburnesarawak), Twitter page, TikTok page or YouTube channel.