KUCHING – Swinburne University of Technology Sarawak Campus recently received visitors from the Malaysian Qualifications Agency (MQA), led by Yang Berbahagia Dato’ Professor Dr Mohammad Shatar bin Sabran, Ketua Pegawai Eksekutif, MQA.
This was part of MQA’s Sesi Jelajah where they visit institutions of higher learning nationwide. Swinburne Sarawak’s Executive Group, led by Ir. Professor Lau Hieng Ho, Pro Vice-Chancellor and Chief Executive Officer received the visitors on 17 April 2023.
MQA was established in 2007 with the leading role of implementing the Malaysian Qualifications Framework (MQF) as a basis for higher education quality assurance in Malaysia. It monitors and oversees national higher education’s quality assurance practices and accreditation.
During the visit, both parties engaged in a fruitful discussion on issues, concerns and challenges faced by the university. YBhg. Dato’ Professor Dr. Mohammad Shatar also shared the latest updates from MQA, including future flexible and lifelong learning initiatives.
The visitors were also brought on a tour of the campus, including the refurbished lecture halls and tutorial rooms, lecture theatre, the library, the cybersecurity laboratory, and the Student Village.
The reconstruction and extension work of the campus started in 2019 where up to RM50 million was invested into teaching and learning spaces, accommodation, recreational and leisure areas, and student hubs.
“This initiative is consistent with the aspirations of the 2025 Swinburne Strategic Plan to become a world-class university of science, technology, and innovation,” shared Ir. Professor Lau. He added that it would also reinforce the university’s dedication to creating an environment that supports the success of the students and community.
Swinburne Sarawak was awarded self-accreditation status on 29 April 2010. The self-accreditation status entitles a higher education provider (HEP) to accredit its courses except for those requiring accreditation and recognition of the relevant professional body.
The MQA delegation also includes Yang Berusaha Professor Ir. Dr. Khairul Salleh bin Mohamed Sahari, Timbalan Ketua Pegawai Eksekutif (Jaminan Kualiti), Encik Helmi Bin Sebaweh@Ahmad, Ketua Penolong Pengarah Kanan and Encik Muhammad Hasfarizal bin Kamaludin, Ketua Unit Hal Ehwal Awam dan Antarabangsa, Puan Katijah binti Berahim, Penolong Pengarah Unit Hal Ehwal Awam dan Antarabangsa and Encik Mohamad Fairul bin Mohamad Hatim, Penolong Pengarah Unit Hal Ehwal Awam dan Antarabangsa.
Established in 2000, Swinburne Sarawak has a student population of 3,500 of which 18% of its international student hail from 45 countries. The Kuching campus offers foundation, diploma, undergraduate and postgraduate courses.
For more information on Swinburne Sarawak, visit the university’s website (www.swinburne.edu.my), Facebook page (@swinburnesarawak), Instagram (@swinburnesarawak), Twitter page (@Swinburne_Swk) or YouTube channel (Swinburne Sarawak).