KUCHING – As Sarawak continues to strengthen its talent and leadership pipeline, Swinburne University of Technology Sarawak Campus brought together postgraduate alumni and public sector leaders through its School of Business Postgraduate Homecoming, celebrating the transformative role of lifelong learning in shaping Sarawak’s future workforce.
Held at Swinburne Sarawak on 9 June 2026, the occasion drew alumni from the university’s Master of Business Administration (MBA) (International), Master of Human Resource Management, and Master of Management programs back to their alma mater, alongside representatives from the Human Resource Development and Management Unit (HRDMU) and other distinguished guests from the public sector.
The event spotlighted the achievements of the postgraduate alumni while recognising the longstanding collaboration between Swinburne Sarawak and the Sarawak public sector in advancing professional development, leadership acumen, and continuous learning.
In his welcoming speech, Ir Professor Sim Kwan Yong, Deputy Pro Vice-Chancellor (Academic) of Swinburne Sarawak, highlighted the importance of postgraduate education in preparing professionals and leaders to thrive in a future shaped by continuous transformation.
“At Swinburne Sarawak, we believe that postgraduate education is not simply about obtaining a qualification. It is about empowering professionals with the strategic capabilities, leadership competencies, and future-focused mindset needed to navigate an increasingly complex and rapidly evolving world,” he said.
A group photo of alumni at the School of Business Postgraduate Homecoming. Seen are Fifi Khairunnisa binti Hamzah (fourth from left), Bong Lin Sze (third from left), and Jong Ng Phen (right).
He emphasised that strong collaboration between higher education institutions and organisations is essential in developing future-ready talent for Sarawak and expressed appreciation for HRDMU’s trust and support in enabling members of its staff to pursue their postgraduate studies at Swinburne Sarawak.
“This commitment to lifelong learning and talent development reflects visionary leadership in preparing a future-ready workforce capable of responding to changing industry demands, public sector transformation, and the challenges of the future economy,” he said.
Professor Sim also reaffirmed Swinburne Sarawak’s commitment to delivering flexible and industry-relevant postgraduate programs tailored to working professionals that empower them to lead and contribute meaningfully to their organisations, industries, and communities, as well as the development of Sarawak.
The event served as a platform for alumni to reconnect, broaden their professional networks, and strengthen their ties with the Swinburne community. The occasion also recognised top achievers across the various program cohorts for their outstanding academic performance.
Fifi Khairunnisa binti Hamzah, Principal Assistant Director, Training Section, HRDMU, who completed her MBA (International) at Swinburne Sarawak, shared that her postgraduate studies had deepened her perspective in her role within the Sarawak civil service. “It helped me think more in-depth and consider different perspectives, which has enhanced my decision-making at work.”
Emphasising the importance of collaboration in developing Sarawak’s future workforce, she said, “Sarawak’s talent needs are very diverse. Universities and organisations must work closely to ensure that students are equipped with the right knowledge and skills, so they are industry-ready once they graduate.”
Meanwhile, Jong Ng Phen, Senior Assistant Director of the Administration Unit under the Department of the Premier of Sarawak, who received the Top Achiever Certificate for the MBA (International) 2025 Academic Cohort, valued the exposure to different cultures and perspectives gained through the program.
Ir Professor Sim Kwan Yong delivers his welcoming speech at the event.
“The strategies we learned through the program such as problem-solving have been really helpful and applicable in my work,” she said.
Bong Lin Sze, Section Head of the Public Health, Environment, and Urban Sustainability Section under the Ministry of Public Health, Housing, and Local Government Sarawak, reflected positively on her MBA (International) journey at Swinburne Sarawak and strongly encouraged others, including working adults, to pursue their higher education.
“Besides the knowledge I gained in management and the evolving global landscape of business administration, the leadership concepts and theories have been what I apply most frequently in my day-to-day work. They have significantly influenced the way I lead my team, engage with stakeholders, and approach problem-solving and decision-making,” said Bong, who received the Top Achiever Certificate for the MBA (International) 2026 Academic Cohort.
As an example, she shared that one of the key lessons she had applied from her MBA (International) was the integration of Agile Leadership and Stakeholder Theory, which had enhanced her ability to navigate complex public sector challenges, foster collaboration among diverse stakeholders, and support more effective decision-making, particularly in initiatives involving cross-agency coordination and community engagement.
Swinburne Sarawak continues to play an active role in supporting Sarawak’s talent development aspirations through globally recognised postgraduate programs that equip professionals with contemporary business knowledge and practical skills relevant to today’s dynamic work environment.
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