Global education in a tropical paradise

An international education experience among lush, tropical surroundings with warm weather year-round sounds like the perfect combination.

Students enrolled at Curtin University Malaysia can do just that, thanks to a partnership between Curtin University in Australia and the State Government of Sarawak, Malaysia, where the institution is located.

Situated in the beautiful coastal city of Miri, Sarawak, it’s a unique study location, known for its 187,000 hectares of coastal reef practically on the university’s doorstep, as well as the 140 million year-old rainforests of Borneo in its backyard.

This year, Curtin University Malaysia celebrates its 20^th anniversary which coincides with another milestone: an ambitious expansion plan.

This includes a campus development plan, new technologies and course programmes, increased research and partnerships, and better integration with the main campus in Perth and other international campuses.

During the recently-held annual Curtin Malaysia Appreciation Dinner, Deputy Pro Vice-Chancellor Professor Beena Giridharan said, “This year, as we mark our twentieth anniversary, we are celebrating that significant milestone with a very different outlook, as Curtin University Malaysia, Curtin’s largest international campus and global hub in Asia, as well as the highest ranked global university in Borneo and a leading tertiary institution in Malaysia.”

When they graduate, students receive an internationally-recognised qualification from a world-class campus, exactly the same as those awarded at Curtin University, Australia.

The university has a strong and international focus with locations all over the world, including Perth, Dubai, Singapore, Dubai and Mauritius.

The Malaysia campus is no exception, but studying in the country is much more affordable than in others like Australia due to the lower cost of living and education, which makes it a popular choice for international and local students.

Students thrive in a multicultural and inclusive environment with over 45 different nationalities represented on campus and top academic faculty. Students are regularly exposed to  relevant industries, increasing their employability potential in many ways: internships, practical assignments, guest lecturers and networking events.

Preparing students for an exciting, technology-focused world

To stay relevant in today’s fast-evolving world, especially in growing sectors like business and technology, Curtin develops new and innovative courses that prepare students for the future world of work.

For example, a new 3-year Bachelor of Science (Computing) programme featuring a choice of two streams – Software Engineering and Cyber Security – launched last year.

The Bachelor of Science (Computing) – Software Engineering course teaches students how to take an engineering approach to software building, a skill that’s high in demand now and into the future.

Job prospects and career stability for the field are consistently strong, and it has been reported that the median salary for software engineers in the US is $92,660, almost double the overall median salary in the company.

Graduates will be qualified for jobs such as software engineers, software developers, games developers, systems analysts and web applications developers.

Dean of Curtin Malaysia’s Faculty of Engineering and Science, Professor Ir. Lau Hieng Ho, said the future-driven course take innovative approaches to software engineering and cyber security to help students stay ahead of the curve and meet current industry and market demands.

He explained, “It is about creating high-quality software in a systematic, controlled and efficient manner, adding a new dimension to software development and the development of software-based systems in the rapidly evolving information and communications technology industry.”

The Bachelor of Science (Computing) – Cyber Security stream is another excellent pathway to a successful career due to the growth of the information and communications technology industry.

In this course, students learn “on the key concepts and challenges in data and resource protection and computer software security” and “examine both the high-level and low-level practical aspects of computer security and develop skills in identifying appropriate applications for specific scenarios.”.

Dr. Lenin Gopal, Head of the Department of Electrical and Computer Engineering, said that the field of cyber security can be an important factor for business growth in the new era of digital economy.

He said, “Experts in the field are needed to create more effective, innovative and competitive cyber security solutions and work towards a safer cyber community. With the continual adoption of new technology, innovation and business practices, the need for cyber security to protect networks, computers, programmes and data from attack, damage and unauthorised access will be even greater.”

“Graduates can find employment as computer security experts such as cyber security analysts, forensic computer analysts, software developers, IT analysts and web application developers in many different organisations.”

Innovative new courses with practical experience

This year, other new courses were also launched. These include a new Master of International Business, Bachelor of Commerce in Management and Human Resource Management, and Master of Commerce in Marketing.

The Master of International Business allows students to receive knowledge and expertise to become successful in the field of international business and management.

The course structure consists of both independent study and team projects across a range of relevant, internationally focused subjects. Some students might even get the opportunity to plan and experience an international study tour.

The degree can be completed within one year from the following streams: Human Rights, Business Mining, National Security, and Predictive Data Analytics, or they can also tailor make their own Elective Stream.

There is also a new four-year Bachelor of Applied Science (Hons.) in Construction Management where construction managers work across a broad range of interrelated disciplines on different residential, commercial and infrastructure projects.

As a management-oriented degree, it prepares students for a wide range of professional roles within the building and infrastructure construction industry.

Taught by a team of qualified and experienced professionals with experience in the construction field, students will take courses such as construction technology, quantity measurement and cost estimating, project planning and management, strategy and financial management, contract administration, and more.

The course provides students with plenty of field experience during their studies, such as the opportunity to participate in supervised construction sites trips.

They are also strongly encouraged to get involved in industry work experience during the course of their program.

Interested to receive a globally-focused and flexible education in the lush and tropical Borneo? Look no further than Curtin University Malaysia.

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