KUCHING – Nearly 220 alumni of Swinburne University of Technology Sarawak Campus and approximately 80 institutional partners gathered at the university’s annual Appreciation and Awards Dinner to celebrate its alumni, recognise outstanding graduates, and strengthen ties with its wider community.
Held on 13 October 2026 at The Waterfront Hotel, Swinburne Sarawak’s “Appreciation and Awards Dinner: A Night with Alumni and Partners” event brought together alumni, partners, and staff for a night of recognition, networking, and engagement.
The significance of the occasion was further underscored by the presence of the Premier of Sarawak and Pro-Chancellor of Swinburne Sarawak, The Right Honourable Datuk Patinggi Tan Sri (Dr) Abang Haji Abdul Rahman Zohari bin Tun Datuk Abang Haji Openg, who graced the dinner as Guest of Honour.
Speaking at the event, the Premier highlighted the importance of developing skilled talent to support Sarawak’s economic transformation, noting that graduates need to possess not only technical qualifications but also critical thinking, communication, leadership, creativity, and collaborative skills to navigate emerging technologies and meet evolving industry needs.
“Our most important asset remains our people. We need engineers who can develop and maintain advanced industrial systems, technologists who can apply emerging technologies, researchers who can generate new knowledge, and business leaders who can turn ideas into sustainable economic opportunities,” he said.
The Right Honourable Datuk Patinggi Tan Sri (Dr) Abang Haji Abdul Rahman Zohari bin Tun Datuk Abang Haji Openg delivers his speech.
Meanwhile, Mr Ewan Evans, Vice-President, Education, Experience, and Employability, and Registrar of Swinburne University of Technology, emphasised the crucial role that partnerships play in addressing society’s most pressing challenges, remarking that innovation happens when education, research, industry, and governments come together for a common purpose.
“Our industry partners help shape curriculum, provide opportunities for work-integrated learning, support research and commercialisation, and ensure that our graduates are ready to thrive in an increasingly complex and rapidly changing world,” he said.
In his speech, Datuk Amar Jaul Samion, Chairman of the Swinburne Sarawak Board of Directors, described the university’s alumni as important catalysts for Sarawak’s modern progress, pointing out their impact in a wide range of areas – including digital transformation, engineering, business, sustainable infrastructure, research, and community development.
“You have taken the Swinburne spirit – the spirit of curiosity, practical innovation, and bold thinking – and used it to build a stronger, more resilient Sarawak. You prove that a global degree earned right here in Kuching is a powerful tool for localised transformation,” he said.
He also highlighted the importance of strong industry partnerships in keeping Swinburne Sarawak’s curriculum relevant to industry needs and providing students with valuable opportunities through internships, research collaborations, and practical industry exposure. He noted that these partnerships help prepare graduates not only to enter the workforce but also to drive innovation, develop high-value industries, and contribute to Sarawak’s economic future.
The Right Honourable Datuk Patinggi Tan Sri (Dr) Abang Haji Abdul Rahman Zohari bin Tun Datuk Abang Haji Openg (centre) presents Yayasan Sarawak’s “Anugerah Graduan Cemerlang Sarawak” to Nursyahida binti Abdul Rashid (third from right).
A highlight of the evening was the presentation of the Industry Awards for Outstanding Academic Performance, which recognise graduates in selected undergraduate degrees and study units for their academic achievements.
This year, the Outstanding Academic Performance awards were presented by the university’s industry partners, including Sarawak Information Systems Sdn Bhd, CPA Australia Ltd, Ernst & Young PLT, Crowe Malaysia PLT, KPMG Malaysia PLT, Hock Seng Lee Berhad, My Team Stars (M) Sdn Bhd, Sarawak Oil Palms Berhad, and PDC Design Group Sdn Bhd.
The following outstanding graduates received awards across ten categories for their stellar academic achievements:
- Keith Damian Singh Thind, Outstanding Academic Performance in Accounting Theory
- Freda Kiu Ting Ting, Outstanding Academic Performance in Taxation
- Yong Wan Ming, Outstanding Academic Performance in the Bachelor of Business (Accounting and Finance)
- Shirley Ang Jia Qi, Outstanding Academic Performance in the Bachelor of Business (Accounting)
- Presley Johnathan Nishi, Outstanding Academic Performance in the Bachelor of Business (International Business)
- Kevin Wee Liang Siang, Outstanding Academic Performance in the Bachelor of Engineering (Honours) (Civil)
- Wilson Ma Jun Yong, Outstanding Academic Performance in the Bachelor of Engineering (Honours) (Mechanical)
- Teo Jia Ming, Outstanding Academic Performance in the Bachelor of Engineering (Honours) (Robotics and Mechatronics)
- Cassandra Chung Qin, Outstanding Academic Performance in the Bachelor of Design
- Deron Foo Yijia, Outstanding Academic Performance in the Bachelor of Computer Science
Guests at Swinburne Sarawak’s Appreciation and Awards Dinner.
In addition to the Industry Awards for Outstanding Academic Performance, the evening saw further recognition for Swinburne Sarawak graduates, with the Board of Engineers Malaysia (BEM) presenting the BEM President Award to Teo Jia Ming and Rodney Leonardo Liaw Shoon Yung.
Two exceptional graduates were also honoured with Yayasan Sarawak’s “Anugerah Graduan Cemerlang” and “Anugerah Graduan Cemerlang Sarawak”, namely Evan Wong Kuan Seng and Nursyahida binti Abdul Rashid respectively.
Also present at the occasion were The Honourable Datuk Amar Professor Dr Sim Kui Hian, Deputy Premier of Sarawak and Minister for Public Health, Housing, and Local Government Sarawak; Dato Professor Ir Lau Hieng Ho, Pro Vice-Chancellor and Chief Executive Officer of Swinburne Sarawak; members of the Council, Board of Directors, and Executive Group of Swinburne Sarawak; and members of Swinburne Melbourne’s management team.
A dance performance by Tyng Dance Academy.
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).