KUCHING – A team of third and fourth-year civil engineering undergraduates from Swinburne University of Technology Sarawak Campus has achieved an outstanding milestone, securing the runner-up position at the IEM-ICP Pile Prediction Competition 2024, a highly respected national-level event.
The team – comprising Stephanie Ha Sze Ting, Mandy Lam Xing Ying, Hii Wang Cheong, and Marc Harting Ajin – the sole team from East Malaysia, demonstrated exceptional skill, determination, and innovative problem-solving. Organized by the Institution of Engineers Malaysia (IEM) and its Geotechnical Engineering Technical Division (GETD), the competition brought together top civil engineering students from across the nation to address intricate real-world engineering challenges.
The competition tested participants’ ability to estimate pile capacity using real-world data, including a Static Load Test Report and Soil Investigation Report. A challenge that revolved around analyzing a 500 mm diameter spun pile with a penetration depth of 25.5 meters, it required high levels of technical proficiency and analytical precision.
Under the guidance of Ir. Dr. Choo Chung Siung, Director, Centre for Innovative Society, Swinburne Sarawak, who was also the teams’ academic advisor, and industrial advisor Ir. Chen Chuang Loom, the Swinburne team presented their findings to a panel of esteemed judges during the competition’s final stage.
“This achievement exemplifies Swinburne’s commitment to nurturing globally competitive graduates capable of excelling in real-world engineering contexts,” said Ir. Dr. Choo.
Their success underscores Swinburne’s dedication to excellence in engineering education and its ability to prepare students for complex geotechnical challenges with confidence. Swinburne Sarawak is committed to engaging students in industry-linked projects and research opportunities to deepen their practical skills and professional networks. Aligned with the university’s Vision 2025 Moon Shots, it focuses on creating work-ready graduates by integrating hands-on, industry-linked learning experiences.
“Our goal is to bridge the gap between academic learning and real-world challenges, ensuring our students are prepared to be both job takers and job creators in the dynamic engineering field,” added Dr. Choo.
This remarkable accomplishment follows Swinburne Sarawak’s victory in the inaugural edition of the competition in 2023, further solidifying the university’s reputation as a leader in civil engineering education.
“This competition is just the beginning,” Choo emphasized. “This milestone strengthens our drive to be a prototype of global best practice, championing innovation and collaboration across disciplines and industries. We aim to enhance career readiness through work-integrated learning, ensuring our graduates are well-equipped for the evolving demands of the industry.”
Swinburne is an Australian university based in Melbourne, Australia. The Sarawak Campus in Kuching is the only international, full-fledged branch campus of the university. Swinburne 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), and Swinburne Sarawak has been recognized 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).