KUCHING – A total of 414 graduates from Swinburne University of Technology Sarawak Campus marked a significant milestone in their academic journey at the university’s graduation ceremony on 14 October 2026, celebrating years of dedication, resilience, and growth.
Held at the Borneo Convention Centre Kuching (BCCK), the ceremony saw 319 graduates receive their bachelor’s degrees across a range of disciplines, comprising 143 in the field of business, 85 in computing, 38 in engineering, 35 in design, 11 in science, 6 in media and communication, and 1 graduate who received a double degree in Bachelor of Engineering (Honours) (Mechanical) and Bachelor of Business.
A further 76 graduates were awarded their diplomas, comprising 31 in business management, 20 in digital media design, 12 in information technology, 7 in early childhood education, and 6 in accountancy.
At the postgraduate level, five graduates received the Master of Arts (Teaching English to Speakers of Other Languages), three the Master of Business Administration (International), two the Master of Science (Research), and one each from the Master of Information Technology, Master of Engineering (Research), Master of Arts (Research), and Master of Information and Communication Technologies (Research).
Additionally, five graduates were conferred their Doctor of Philosophy degrees in the fields of engineering; information systems; and humanities, arts, and social sciences.
The ceremony held special significance with the posthumous conferral of a Doctor of Philosophy in Humanities, Arts, and Social Sciences upon Augustus Raymond Anak Segar. His widow, Veronica Vong, received the award on his behalf, honouring his academic achievement and the culmination of his research journey.
Veronica Vong (centre right) receives the posthumous award on behalf of the late Augustus Raymond Anak Segar.
The graduating cohort comprised students from across Malaysia as well as Bangladesh, Brunei, China, India, Indonesia, Kenya, Pakistan, Qatar, Sri Lanka, the United Arab Emirates, Vietnam, and Zimbabwe, reflecting the vibrant international character of Swinburne Sarawak’s student community. In addition to the 414 graduates attending the ceremony, 79 graduates received their awards in absentia during this graduation cycle.
Valedictorian Rodney Leonardo Liaw Shoon Yung, who graduated with a Bachelor of Engineering (Honours) (Robotics and Mechatronics), described his journey at Swinburne Sarawak as one of resilience, growth, and fulfilment.
“I am definitely a much different person now than the one who first set foot on these grounds five years ago. I feel more well-equipped with the necessary knowledge and skills to achieve my aspirations and goals in life. I feel that all the experiences I gained throughout my studies have been instrumental in shaping who I’ve become today.
“Nearing the end of my journey at Swinburne Sarawak, I feel fulfilled and grateful for the knowledge, experiences, and connections that I have gained. My journey, though long and arduous, is something that I will never forget,” he said.
Liaw shared that after graduating, he hoped to pursue a career in research and development, applying his engineering skills to work on automation and research-related advancements.
“I want to build intelligent systems that solve real-world problems, but most importantly, I want to bring this innovation to Sarawak. I hope to play a part in ensuring Sarawak remains at the forefront of technological progress, giving back to the community and contributing to a better future,” he said.
He encouraged his fellow graduates to always value growth over perfection and not to compare themselves with others, remarking, “The only person who can make the biggest change in your life is yourself, so always step forward, look ahead, and never be afraid to improve.”
Valedictorian Rodney Liaw (centre) with his parents.
Presiding over the graduation ceremony was Mr Ewan Evans, Vice-President, Education, Experience, and Employability, and Registrar of Swinburne University of Technology.
Also present at the ceremony were Datuk Amar Jaul Samion, Chairman of the Board of Directors, Swinburne Sarawak; Dato Professor Ir Lau Hieng Ho, Pro Vice-Chancellor and Chief Executive Officer, Swinburne Sarawak; and members of the Council, Board of Directors, and Executive Group of Swinburne Sarawak.
Attending representatives from Swinburne’s main campus in Melbourne were Professor Lan Snell, Executive Dean of the School of Business, Law, and Entrepreneurship; Mr Luke Bell, Director of Advancement; and Ms Adalina Coelho, Senior Manager, Alumni Engagement.
The graduation ceremony was also livestreamed on Swinburne Sarawak’s official YouTube channel, allowing families and friends to join in the celebration virtually.
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 is ranked among the top 300 of universities globally in the QS World University Rankings 2027, Academic Ranking of World Universities 2026, and Times Higher Education World University Rankings 2026.
For more information on Swinburne Sarawak, visit its website, Facebook page (@swinburnesarawak), Instagram page (@swinburnesarawak), LinkedIn page (Swinburne University of Technology Sarawak Campus), X page (@Swinburne_Swk), TikTok page (@swinburnesarawak), YouTube channel (Swinburne Sarawak), or Xiaohongshu page (@SwinburneSwk).