KUCHING – A total of 296 graduates of Swinburne University of Technology Sarawak Campus proudly marked the end of their academic journey and the beginning of an exciting new chapter at the university’s graduation ceremony held at the Borneo Convention Centre Kuching on 30 April 2025.
At the ceremony, awards were conferred on 251 undergraduates, comprising 117 graduating with degrees in business, 46 in computer science, 44 in engineering, 12 in information and communication technology, 17 in design, 6 in media and communication, 5 in science, and 4 with double degrees in Bachelor of Engineering (Honours) (Robotics and Mechatronics) and Bachelor of Computer Science.
The ceremony saw 21 diploma graduates receive their parchments – 18 with the Diploma of Business Management and 3 with the Diploma of Accountancy.
Awards were also presented to 21 Master’s graduates, including 7 with a Master of Business Administration (International), 4 with a Master of Engineering (Research), 4 with a Master of Arts (TESOL), 2 with a Master of Information and Communication Technologies (Research), 2 with a Master of Science (Research), and 1 each with a Master of Construction Management and a Master of Business (Research).
Three graduates were also conferred their Doctor of Philosophy in the field of business.
The graduating cohort in attendance comprised students from Malaysia alongside international students from Bangladesh, Brunei, China, India, Indonesia, Kenya, Pakistan, South Korea, Sri Lanka, Syria, Vietnam, Yemen, and Zimbabwe. In addition to the 296 attending graduates, 31 others received their awards in absentia for this graduation cycle.
YB Tan Sri Datuk Amar Haji Mohamad Asfia bin Awang Nassar, Speaker of the Sarawak State Legislative Assembly, and his wife, YBhg Dato Hajah Fatimah binti Haji Mohd Iskandar, were present at the ceremony to celebrate their son, Muhammad Abu Bakar bin Mohamad Asfia, who graduated with a Bachelor of Design.
Valedictorian Brenda Lau Leh Xuan, who graduated with a Bachelor of Science (Biotechnology), described her experience at Swinburne Sarawak as a transformative journey of growth, learning, and self-discovery.
“It wasn’t always easy, but every challenge helped shape who I am today. I’m grateful for the supportive environment and valuable experiences I gained both academically and beyond the classroom,” she said.
She encouraged her fellow graduates not to be afraid of taking risks or stepping beyond their comfort zones, remarking, “The real world may seem intimidating at first, but every small step forward counts. Trust yourself, keep learning, and always stay true to your values. Now, step forward with curiosity and kindness – and go make your mark on the world.”
Valedictorian Brenda Lau Leh Xuan.
Presiding over the graduation ceremony was Professor Simon Ridings, Senior Deputy Vice-Chancellor and Chief Academic Officer of Swinburne University of Technology, who also presented the awards to the graduates.
Also present at the event were His Excellency Tuan Sheikh Abdul Mahdani bin Dato Paduka Sheikh Abdul Gani, Consul General of Brunei Darussalam in Kuching; Dr Douglas J Proctor, Pro Vice-Chancellor (Global Engagement), Swinburne Melbourne; Ir Professor Lau Hieng Ho, Pro Vice-Chancellor and Chief Executive Officer, Swinburne Sarawak; members of the Council, Board of Directors, and Executive Group of Swinburne Sarawak; and representatives from Swinburne Melbourne.
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 ranks among the world’s top 300 universities in the QS World University Rankings 2025 and the latest Academic Ranking of World Universities (ARWU). Additionally, Swinburne Sarawak has been recognised as one of the country’s Top 10 Preferred Private Universities by JobStreet.com.
This year marks Swinburne Sarawak’s 25th anniversary, a significant milestone in its journey of driving education, championing research excellence, and fostering innovation. Over the past quarter-century, Swinburne Sarawak has empowered thousands of students to achieve their aspirations while playing a pivotal role in nurturing the development of future leaders across industries. The university remains steadfast in its commitment to shaping the future through world-class learning and teaching, innovation, and industry collaboration.
For more information on Swinburne Sarawak, visit its website, Facebook page (@swinburnesarawak), Instagram page (@swinburnesarawak), X page (@Swinburne_Swk), TikTok page (@swinburnesarawak) or YouTube channel (Swinburne Sarawak).