KUCHING – Swinburne University of Technology Sarawak Campus has proudly emerged among the top institutions recognised at the Private Education Excellence Awards 2025, with faculty members receiving national awards for their excellence in teaching, research, and academic leadership.
The Private Education Excellence Awards 2025, organised by the Private Education Co-operative of Malaysia (EDUCOOP), were held in grand fashion at the Mandarin Oriental Kuala Lumpur on 9 July 2025, honouring outstanding achievements across Malaysia’s private education sector.
The prestigious ceremony, supported by Emerald Publishing Malaysia, brought together academic leaders, educators, and researchers to celebrate contributions that have elevated the quality and impact of private education in the nation. The event attracted over 100 submissions, with more than 40 finalists shortlisted across various categories. In total, 21 winners were announced.
Dr Gabriel Wee Wei En, Chief of the Entrepreneurship Hub, won the National Outstanding Young Educator Award in recognition of his innovative leadership in embedding entrepreneurship into university curricula and pioneering initiatives that link students with industry and community.
“This award is not just a personal milestone – it affirms the power of embedding real-world venture creation, community engagement, and applied research into education. At Swinburne Sarawak, we are redefining entrepreneurship education by positioning students as co-creators of scalable impact. I’m proud to represent Sarawak and contribute to shaping a generation of purpose-driven, innovation-ready graduates,” said Dr Wee.
Meanwhile, Professor Dr Brian Wong Kee Mun, Dean of the Faculty of Business, Design, and Arts, was honoured with the National Outstanding Educator Award (University Category), acknowledging his strategic leadership, impactful scholarship, and unwavering commitment to student success.
“Education is more than just a degree. It’s about people, experience, and transformation. From sustainability to innovation, educators need commitment in shaping public discourse – grounded in knowledge, driven by purpose. Good educators often prioritise their purpose to society instead of themselves,” said Professor Wong.
Also recognised was Dr Voon Mung Ling, Associate Dean (Research and Development) of the Faculty of Business, Design, and Arts, who was a finalist in the same category and received a Certificate of Merit, Highly Commended for her contributions to higher education and academic development in Malaysia.
Adding to the university’s accolades, Professor Dr Cham Tat Huei from the Faculty of Business, Design, and Arts was named the Emerald Malaysia Private Education Top Cited Researcher 2025, recognising his continued research excellence and influence within the academic community.
These awards underscored Swinburne Sarawak’s commitment to transforming Malaysia’s private education landscape through visionary leadership, innovative teaching, and impactful research.
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