Kuching – In a high-impact event, the School of Foundation Studies at Swinburne University of Technology Sarawak Campus delivered its Beyond Foundation session last May. The event empowered over 70 Foundations students to chart their next academic journey with confidence and clarity.
The aptly named event was designed to help the Australian university’s Foundation students gain insights into their learning preferences, personal strengths, and long-term goals. The session aimed to equip them with practical tools to make informed choices when it comes to their degree pathways.
Opening the session, Ms Hephi Liauw, Head of School, School of Foundation Studies, reinforced the University’s future-focused approach. “The Foundation year is more than preparation; it is a launchpad for building the skills, confidence, and mindset students need to thrive,” she said. Hephi also added that Swinburne Sarawak is committed to creating seamless, purposeful pathways for students in its Foundation studies to degree, and beyond.
An engaging aptitude test kickstarted the session, where students were encouraged to reflect on how their unique traits could align with career fields. Early observations from the test pointed the students to their strong interest in fields such as ICT, design, and engineering, mirroring national and global industry demand.
Students also benefited from a detailed briefing by Mohammad Ehwan, the Student Engagement Executive, who contextualised the test results and highlighted the importance of aligning interests with career goals.
The heart of the session came to light during a candid, talk-show style panel moderated by lecturers Bryan Khoo and Gloria Law. Eight inspiring Swinburne Sarawak students – representing the business, design, engineering, and media and communication programs, took the stage to share their journeys from Foundation to their current degree programs. Their individual stories struck a chord with the audience, blending humour with honesty and practical advice.
Bernice Lim, now in her final year of the Bachelor of Design (Multimedia Design), urged students to pursue what excites them. “Interest is important when choosing your path. You can’t just pick a course because you don’t know what else to study. I chose Multimedia Design because I’m really into art.”
Bryan Khoo interviewing Design and Media degree students during the panel session.
Similarly, Victoria Frances Teng, a Media and Communication student, reflected on the joy of creative expression. “You don’t have to be naturally good at reading or writing. But if you enjoy telling stories and exploring ideas, the media and communication program gives you that freedom,” said the final-year student.
The event also honoured academic achievement, with commendation letters awarded to 14 high-performing Foundations students for their outstanding results in the previous semesters. The award was to recognise their resilience and potential for success in their academic journey.
The Beyond Foundation initiative exemplifies Swinburne’s holistic, student-centred approach to education. By providing early exposure to expectations of degree studies, peer mentorship and personality-career alignment, the School of Foundation helps students make meaningful, future-oriented decisions.
The strong turnout at the session included senior academic leaders, including Professor Sim Kwan Yong, Deputy Pro Vice-Chancellor (Academic), Heads of Schools and Departments, and faculty from the Schools of Engineering, Computing and Science, and the Faculty of Business, Design and Arts.
Swinburne’s Foundation Studies pathway into the university’s various bachelor’s degree programs. The pre-university program is essential in preparing and equipping students with the mandatory academic and communication skills needed for students to succeed in the later stages of their tertiary education.
At Swinburne Sarawak, Foundation Studies streams are in Business, Design, Engineering/Science, and IT/Multimedia.
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).