KUCHING – A recent public webinar organised by Swinburne University of Technology Sarawak Campus titled ‘Connecting the dots: working abroad’ gave insights to local Malaysians and students keen on living and working abroad.
The speaker for the event was Swinburne alumnus Aldrin Wong, who has been living abroad for over 12 years after completing his studies with the university. Wong is currently a structural engineer in Perth, Australia, and works with a variety of industrial structures ranging from kilometres-long conveyors to gigantic mining machines.
During the session, Wong shared his experience of working abroad, linking university life to the workplace by highlighting skills to focus on while students are still studying. Although an engineer by profession, he included tips which can be applied by students in any field and those working in any profession.
Among the key takeaway points Wong offered for students were to maximise on the training ground that they are presently in, to learn the basics in order to have strong fundamentals, and to practise as much as they can while the stakes are still low. Additionally, he urged for students to harness an inquisitive mind by asking questions as well as to keep trying under the guidance of mentors and lecturers.
According to Wong, his tips to tackle other issues in diverse fields while adjusting to working abroad include honing soft skills such as communication and presentation abilities, shouldering responsibilities, and walking the talk.
“While being a team player is important at work, it is also important to show your passion for what you do. At the same time, taking care of your mental health should not be forgotten,” Wong advised.
The virtual session was moderated by Swinburne’s Faculty of Business, Design and Arts senior lecturer, Dr. Melinda Kong, and attended by other Swinburne alumni as well as current students ranging from all levels of study from diploma to postgraduate levels.
Interested members of the public keen to watch the recording of the webinar can visit Swinburne’s Facebook page at bit.ly/3ocoQiz.
Swinburne Sarawak’s International Student Exchange programme offers students the opportunity to spend one or two semesters studying abroad at one of its partner institutions, which will be credited to the Swinburne degree. The university’s current student exchange partners include its main campus Swinburne University of Technology in Melbourne, Australia and Technical University Dortmund in Germany. Eligible students completing a three-year undergraduate programme, are able to apply for the exchange programme in their second year.
In line with Swinburne’s Horizon 2025 strategic plan, with its ‘moon shot’ commitment towards being the prototype university of global best practice, Swinburne continues to expand and formalise an existing network of globally renowned and industry-focused university institutions to add value and create industries of the future.
For more information about Swinburne, visit its website www.swinburne.edu.my, Facebook page (@swinburnesarawak), Instagram (@swinburnesarawak), Twitter page (@Swinburne_Swk) or YouTube channel (Swinburne Sarawak).