KUCHING – A total of 21 students successfully completed Swinburne University of Technology Sarawak Campus’ English Enhancement Program (EEP) and were awarded their certificates of completion on 2 February 2024.
Held at Swinburne Sarawak’s campus, the EEP Certificate Award Ceremony was attended by the university’s Pro Vice-Chancellor and Chief Executive Officer Ir Professor Lau Hieng Ho, members of the university’s Executive Group and parents of the students.
Fully sponsored by Yayasan Sarawak, the EEP is a specially designed four-week program aimed at enhancing students’ English language proficiency while paving the way for a seamless transition into university life. All Sarawakian students who meet the entry criteria can join the program.
In addition to having their EEP tuition fees fully funded, students enrolled in the EEP will receive a one-off RM300 settling-in allowance and free on-campus accommodation throughout the duration of the program.
Upon completing the EEP, students can articulate into a foundation, diploma or degree program at Swinburne Sarawak.
Lecturer Marione Anne Foo said that the EEP provides students with an immersive environment to hone their English language skills, such as academic reading and writing, communication and more. On top of this, students benefit from motivational, hands-on and personal awareness workshops. These workshops – which cover various topics including self-care, library literacy skills, laboratory sessions and an introduction to student clubs and societies – aim to better equip EEP students for their upcoming university journey.
“Furthermore, the ‘Uni Life Experience’ program is an integral part of the EEP, allowing students to explore the multitude of opportunities available both on- and off-campus. Through this program, the students also engage in social activities, networking events and adventurous experiences,” she said.
She said that this batch of EEP students had enjoyed excursions to the Borneo Cultures Museum, Serapi Farm Sdn Bhd and the Sarawak State Legislative Assembly Building.
(From left) Muhammad Fawwaz Fakhri, Phoebe Lo Zhi Xuan, Gneshya Duwie anak Maurice and Jap Kai Huai.
Students from Swinburne Sarawak’s EEP January cohort expressed positive feedback towards the program. Muhammad Fawwaz Fakhri said that joining the EEP had helped him to improve his social skills, which he found very beneficial. Meanwhile, Jap Kai Huai described the program as an enjoyable and positive experience, adding that he was grateful for the opportunity to discover what an Australian university has to offer.
“With the EEP, I am more confident in speaking English. I also made lots of new friends through this program,” said another student, Phoebe Lo Zhi Xuan.
Gneshya Duwie anak Maurice said, “The EEP has been amazing. The program definitely made a difference in how I would approach university life, since I’ve now had a glimpse of it.”
Foo encouraged more students to join the EEP. She said, “The first step in adjusting to university life will not only expand our minds, but it may also make us a little uncomfortable, challenge our identity and – at times – make us doubt our abilities. Therefore, the EEP program is a valuable opportunity for students to gain an advantage over their peers in adjusting to university life.
“Through a combination of academic and extracurricular activities, students engage in hands-on tasks and learning materials that foster the development of both interpersonal and intrapersonal skills. This program presents an excellent chance for all students to uncover their potential as they embark on their higher education journey,” she remarked.
Swinburne Sarawak’s next EEP intake falls on 29 April. For further details or enquiries on entry requirements, applications and more, visit https://www.swinburne.edu.my/apply-now/eep/, call +6082-415 353 or email to study@swinburne.edu.my.
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).