KUCHING – After having visited and learned about the application of IT in industry, a group of computing students from Swinburne University of Technology Sarawak Campus now have a better understanding and appreciation of the discipline.
The Faculty of Engineering, Computing and Science at Swinburne Sarawak recently took its students on a visit to IDS (Asia) Sdn Bhd, Pasti Nyala Sdn Bhd and Kuching Port Authority to expose them to areas relevant to their studies, improve their outlook and enhance their curriculum learning.
“The trip also allowed the students to see a variety of career opportunities available in the market and gave them a chance to interact with industry officials to get advice on career choices,” said Dr Patrick Then, Associate Dean (Computing), who led the group.
Dr Then said that industrial exposure would help to increase internship interest among students.
“Student learning should go beyond academics, where they can develop insights, critical minds and obtain practical knowledge of industrial applications and their usage,” he said.
He added that industrial visits played an important role in enhancing students’ learning outcomes and offered them opportunities to explore the industry and improve career awareness.
Exposure to real-life industries is one of the key elements implicitly emphasised in the Programme Outcomes for students graduating from the Bachelor of Information and Communication Technology and the Bachelor of Computer Science degrees at Swinburne Sarawak.
During the visit to IDS (Asia) Sdn Bhd, its Chief Technology Officer Reuben Wee gave a presentation on the company, products and professionalism. He also counselled the students on job prospects and career selection in the computing field.
The students were given a guided tour of the company premises where they met with the staff, some of whom were Swinburne Sarawak graduates, and learned the various aspects of the software industry, including the software requirements, software development, testing, maintenance and marketing services.
Robert Lau Hong Thiam, Assistant General Manager for Corporate Finance, and Madam Jong Siaw Mei, Assistant General Manager for Human Resources of Kuching Port Authority briefed the visitors on the operational management system.
A detailed presentation on the company, its products, functions and job opportunities was given by Richard W Sinyem from Pasti Nyala Sdn Bhd.
At the Senari Terminal, they learned about handling container shipments. The trip also helped the students to appreciate the importance of IT in the logistics industry.
The visits broadened and enhanced the students’ learning experience and many were keen on internship opportunities with the companies.