Continuous learning, curiosity and dedication are testament to empowered, young minds.
Zelt (in blue) presenting the Sarawak Smart City Modelling using AR (Augmented Reality) Technology to guests during the launch of the SMA Gallery
Meet Zelt Kueh.
Zelt is a Swinburne Sarawak engineering graduate turned serial entrepreneur. With a vision to empower young minds, Zelt founded a technology production house. He also manages multiple businesses focused on fitness, health, and digital wellness. From his days as an engineering student to his thriving entrepreneurial ventures, we’ll learn how he fosters local talents through innovative initiatives.
From Engineer to Entrepreneur
After secondary school, Zelt Kueh chose the path less travelled. Instead of immediately pursuing higher studies, he chose to venture out into the world. Zelt explored various experiences before eventually taking up an offshore job.
However, his thirst for knowledge led him to decide to pursue higher education. Swinburne Sarawak became an obvious choice. Proximity to his family and the quality education offered by the Australian branch university played a pivotal role in this decision.
Zelt studied Civil Engineering although he had no intention of pursuing it as a career. That changed when his life mentor, Dr Dominic Ong, reached out to him.
As an inspirational figure and under Dr Ong’s guidance, Zelt found fulfilment and joy as a geotechnical engineer. He acquired valuable knowledge and experience that would later fuel his entrepreneurial journey.
A Journey Of Continuous Learning
During his time at Swinburne Sarawak, Zelt was exposed to essential business management skills. His leadership of the Swinburne Basketball Club’s revamp project provided valuable experiences as a team player. It also helped him build essential social connections that contributed to his entrepreneurial success.
Zelt embodies the qualities of a proactive learner, constantly exploring diverse fields and embracing curiosity. This thirst for learning was evident when he and his wife ventured into the confinement centre industry. This was despite having no prior experience in the field.
Zelt emphasizes the importance of continuous learning. His advice is that students and young graduates should never be complacent with their current knowledge. He encourages them to expand their horizons and leverage technology to consume and apply information effectively.
Fostering Local Talents
Beyond his fitness and health ventures, Zelt also operates a tech production house, ARx Media, in Kuching. Recognizing the scarcity of career opportunities for local computer science graduates and the brain drain issue in Sarawak, Zelt took a proactive approach to address the situation.
He prioritizes hiring local graduates and invests in comprehensive training for these young talents. These empower them with practical knowledge of software development and industry best practices.
To foster these local talents, Zelt established ARx Academy. ARx Academy offers a course program aimed at preparing participants to be production-ready in the shortest possible time. This practical training and knowledge offered through ARx Academy empower fresh graduates to navigate the industry confidently.
The success of ARx Academy propels Zelt and his team plan to acquire the required certification to turn ARx Academy into a government-recognized authorized training centre. This further solidifies ARx Academy’s commitment to nurturing local talents.
Zelt Kueh’s journey from an engineer to a serial entrepreneur is a testament to the power of continuous learning, curiosity, and dedication to empowering young minds. Through his diverse ventures and initiatives, he not only thrives as an entrepreneur but also plays an instrumental role in fostering local talents and creating a more vibrant tech and entrepreneurial ecosystem in Kuching.
Zelt’s story serves as an inspiration for students and graduates to embrace lifelong learning and seize opportunities to make a positive impact in their communities and industries.
This is part of our inspirational series where our alumni share stories of overcoming challenges, setting up pioneering projects and how they bring about positive change in the community.