KUCHING – Celebrating the culmination of years of hard work and dedication, 309 graduates of Swinburne University of Technology Sarawak Campus proudly received their scrolls at the university’s first graduation ceremony of the year on 17 April 2024.
Held at the Borneo Convention Centre Kuching (BCCK), the ceremony saw awards conferred to 275 undergraduates. This comprised 123 undergraduates in the field of business, 79 in engineering, 47 in computing, 18 in design, 4 in science, 3 in media and communication as well as a student who graduated with a double degree in engineering and computer science. Twelve students graduated with a Diploma of Business Management.
Awards were also presented to 19 graduates from Master’s programs; 8 with a Master of Business Administration (International), 4 with a Master of Science (Research), 3 with a Master of Arts (TESOL), 3 with a Master of Information Technology and 1 with a Master of Engineering (Research). This graduation ceremony also marked the first graduating cohort of the university’s Master of Information Technology.
Three Doctor of Philosophy graduates received their awards at the ceremony; one each from the fields of engineering, information systems as well as humanities, arts and social sciences.
Notably, the late Fatin Syafiqah binti Yazi was represented by her mother, Madam Hadinah binti Yusof, in receiving her award for a Master of Science (Research).
The attending graduates consisted of Malaysian students and international students from Indonesia, Bangladesh, Pakistan, Sweden, China, India, Sri Lanka, Yemen, Zimbabwe and the Philippines.
Valedictorian Stephanie Wong Chiew Dee, who graduated with a Bachelor of Design (Multimedia Design), said that her Swinburne journey was transformative, inspirational and memorable.
“My time at Swinburne Sarawak has changed me and made me who I am today. Beyond gaining knowledge in my chosen field, my academic experience encouraged me to unfold my creativity and sharpen my problem-solving skills,” she remarked.
“I am blessed to have made wonderful friends and met passionate lecturers who inspire me. I will always treasure the innumerable special moments I experienced during my time at Swinburne. Every encounter, from engaging class discussions to late-night study sessions with my friends, has profoundly impacted my path. I will cherish these memories for years to come – whether they are from celebrating academic achievements, taking part in extracurricular activities, or simply exploring the campus,” she said.
Valedictorian Stephanie Wong Chiew Dee (fourth right) and her family at the graduation ceremony.
Noting that graduating marked the end of one chapter and the beginning of a new and promising one, Wong said she was more than ready to take on what would come next. As a designer, she expressed eagerness to continue honing her skills and nurturing her creativity.
“My goal is to evolve not just as a designer but as a storyteller, using my craft to connect with audiences on a deeper level and evoke emotions that leave a lasting impression,” she said.
Sharing a few words for her fellow graduating peers gearing up to dive into the real world, she said, “Life post-graduation is like a rollercoaster ride – thrilling, unpredictable and occasionally makes you want to scream! But fear not, because you’ve got all the tools in your toolkit to tackle whatever comes your way.
“It is alright to stumble and take detours along the journey; that’s where the real magic happens. So, go forth with gusto, a sprinkle of humour and a whole lot of resilience. You are destined for greatness, and I can’t wait to see you conquer the world one epic adventure at a time!” she said.
The graduation ceremony was presided over by Swinburne University of Technology Council member Mr William Lye OAM KC FRI, who also presented the awards to the graduates.
Also present at the momentous event were Professor Laura-Anne Bull, Swinburne Deputy Vice-Chancellor (Education, Experience and Employability); Dr Douglas Proctor, Swinburne Pro Vice-Chancellor (Global Engagement); Associate Professor Llew Mann, Director of Learning Transformations at Swinburne; Datuk Amar Jaul Samion, Chairman of Swinburne Sarawak Board of Directors; Ir Professor Lau Hieng Ho, Swinburne Sarawak Pro Vice-Chancellor and Chief Executive Officer; and members of the Council, Board of Directors and Executive Group of Swinburne Sarawak.
Swinburne is an Australian university based in Melbourne, Australia. It is ranked among the Top 1% of universities globally in the QS World University Rankings 2024 and the latest Academic Ranking of World Universities (ARWU). Swinburne Sarawak has been recognised as one of the country’s Top 10 Preferred Private Universities by JobStreet.com.
For more information on Swinburne Sarawak, visit its website, Facebook page (@swinburnesarawak), Instagram page (@swinburnesarawak), Twitter page (@Swinburne_Swk), TikTok page (@swinburnesarawak) or YouTube channel (Swinburne Sarawak).