KUCHING – The Swinburne Sarawak Young Accountant’s Club (YAC) recently organised an industry visit to Kuching Port (Senari Port) and ASTEEL Sarawak Sdn Bhd, involving 30 participatents, including academic aand student members.
This initiative was designed to provide students with meaningful exposure to real-world business operations, enabling them to bridge the gap between academic theory and industry practice, particularly within the logistics and manufacturing sectors in Sarawak.
The delegation was accompanied by lecturers, Ms Wong Kai Lu and Ms Jacqueline Chang, who provided academic and industry guidance throughout the visit, supporting students in translating theoretical concepts into practical understanding within professional settings.
At Kuching Port Authority, the group was welcomed by General Manager Mr Robert Lau and his management team, who shared insights into the port’s vision and operational strategies. Students gained a deeper understanding of cargo handling processes, logistics coordination, and the port’s role in facilitating regional and international trade. The guided tour further enabled participants to observe how large-scale operations are managed in real time, reinforcing concepts learned in areas such as supply chain coordination and operational efficiency.
An in-depth explanation and site visit to Kuching Port Authority gave YAC members the insight into cargo handling processes. Logistic coordination and the role of KPA in facilitating regional and international trade.
The visit continued at ASTEEL Sarawak Sdn Bhd, where the group was hosted by Ms Audrey Wong and her team. Students explored the steel manufacturing process and examined how operational efficiency is achieved in an industrial environment.
Key learning areas included production planning, product categorisation, and quality assurance systems, allowing students to better understand how businesses maintain performance standards and control costs in practice.
At ASTEEL Sarawak Sdn Bhd, YAC members were briefed on the production process and quality control practices of the steel materials manufacturer.
Importantly, the industry engagement provided a direct knowledge transfer experience, enabling students to apply classroom concepts such as cost behaviour, internal controls, and performance management in real organisational settings. This exposure strengthened their ability to critically evaluate business operations, rather than merely understanding them at a theoretical level.
Through interactions with industry practitioners, students also developed a clearer awareness of professional expectations, workplace practices, and decision-making processes, enhancing their confidence and readiness for future careers in accounting and business-related fields.
Swinburne University of Technology Sarawak Campus continues to complement strong academic foundations with experiential learning opportunities through active student clubs and initiatives.
Swinburne Sarawak’s Young Accountants’ Club (YAC), in particular, plays a vital role in fostering a vibrant learning community by organising meaningful activities that enhance students’ industry readiness and professional development beyond the classroom.