KUCHING – A field trip to the Kuching Court Complex and the Sarawak State Legislative Assembly Building in Petra Jaya was an eye opening experience for some 100 pre-university students.
The smartly attired Swinburne University of Technology Sarawak Campus foundation in business students had recently converged at the two landmarks in the city to learn about legal proceedings and law-making.
The students were given a tour of the court complex, including a visit to its library and police detention centre.
The Assistant Registrar of Subordinate Courts, Abdul Razak bin Isnawi, briefed them on the electronic court management system and court operations.
During the tour of the Sarawak State Legislative Assembly Building, they were informed of its history and functions by Sophia Michael Jenang and Nur Eliana Abdullah, the deputy administrative officer and administrative assistant, respectively.
The visit proved to be a valuable one for the students.
“The trip was an eye-opener and reinforced what we have learned in the class. It also bonded us for a better learning outcome in class,” said Darren Lim Eng Ping.
For fellow student Alicia Voon Hui Qi, it was an experience to be in court.
“I’m so glad I had the chance to go to the courts on a trip organised by Swinburne Sarawak. It was a great opportunity for me to be in the courtroom, which amazed me and really widened my views.”
Voon said it was an exciting and unforgettable experience, and hoped similar trips will be held in the future.
“The aim of the field trip was to solidify the abstract concepts of law-making through parliament and the role of the courts, which are part of their law syllabus,” said law lecturer James Loi Chun Han from the university’s Faculty of Business and Design.
“By allowing the students to witness first-hand the proceedings at a real courthouse and the state parliament building, it adds a different dimension to their learning,” said Loi who is also the program coordinator for foundation studies in business.
Loi had accompanied the students during the visit with fellow teaching staff Derrick Moh Ka Yew.
The students were broken into two groups and visited the court complex and parliamentary building on separate days.