KUCHING – Swinburne University of Technology Sarawak Campus has marked a pivotal milestone with the official unveiling of its upgraded campus, positioning the next-generation university at the forefront of higher education.
The Upgraded Campus Grand Opening Ceremony on 26 June 2024 was officiated by Sarawak Premier and Pro-Chancellor of Swinburne Sarawak The Right Honourable Datuk Patinggi Tan Sri (Dr) Abang Haji Abdul Rahman Zohari bin Tun Datuk Abang Haji Openg.
The RM50 million campus upgrade project is aligned with Swinburne’s long-term commitment to enhancing the campus experience, creating meaningful student experiences and providing students with a world-class teaching and learning environment.
With the completion of this momentous project, Swinburne Sarawak now offers an even more vibrant and student-centric campus atmosphere for its growing student population. The redevelopment of the campus further exemplifies the university’s unwavering dedication to fostering a dynamic environment that promotes the success of the students and community.
The campus upgrades also support Swinburne Sarawak in bringing a positive and significant impact on Sarawak’s education landscape. By cultivating talented individuals with cutting-edge knowledge and skills, the university enhances opportunities for both the local and international communities and also contributes to the economic and social development of the region. This impact extends far beyond the borders of Sarawak, shaping the future workforce and making a difference on a global scale.
Swinburne Sarawak’s Upgraded Campus Grand Opening Ceremony.
Swinburne Sarawak’s efforts are aligned with the Sarawak government’s aspirations to propel the state to greater heights by achieving a skilled workforce and a developed economy, with a strong focus on quality education and human capital development. The university also contributes to the development of the state’s priorities through its burgeoning research ecosystem, elevating Sarawak’s industry and communities.
The comprehensive campus upgrade project encompassed the reconstruction and extension of the campus’ existing building and supporting facilities. The project, valued at RM50 million, comprised a new Student Hub, Food Hall, Student Village and the Borneo Atrium that includes an extension to the library.
One of the key components of the project was the creation of the Borneo Atrium, the heart of the campus. It serves as a unique space for students, staff and community engagement activities, concerts and bazaars. The Borneo Atrium is also the central entrance to the library, with both areas connected by The Junction – a mezzanine floor extending from the library. The Junction is able to accommodate 392 people, offering numerous facilities such as collaborative booths, charging stations, a printing station and varied seating arrangements.
The Borneo Atrium at Swinburne Sarawak.
Alongside academic excellence, Swinburne also prioritises student welfare, as illustrated by the establishment of the Student Hub. The hub features a spacious and flexible leisure area for students to lounge and enjoy a range of fun-filled activities. Additionally, students can channel their artistic talents at the music studio, dance studio and multimedia room. The Student Hub also houses e-sports facilities and a sports centre for futsal, volleyball and basketball, complementing the campus’ existing gym, basketball, badminton and squash facilities at the Multipurpose Hall.
The purpose-built, two-storey Food Hall features food and beverage stalls, a convenience store and both air-conditioned and non-air-conditioned seating areas with a capacity of 450 people. It also includes musollah prayer rooms.
The previous student hostels have been revamped into the Student Village, the university’s fully refurbished on-campus student accommodation with laundry facilities, student lounges, a central communal kitchen and a dining hall. The Student Village is able to accommodate 457 students.
Datuk Patinggi Tan Sri (Dr) Abang Haji Abdul Rahman Zohari bin Tun Datuk Abang Haji Openg (front row, second left) takes a tour of the campus.
“Today marks a significant milestone in our collective journey towards educational excellence and the shared vision we all hold for the future of education in Sarawak,” said The Right Honourable Datuk Patinggi Tan Sri (Dr) Abang Haji Abdul Rahman Zohari bin Tun Datuk Abang Haji Openg.
He said that Swinburne Sarawak’s upgraded campus will significantly elevate the learning experience for students and provide a conducive environment for students to achieve both academic and personal growth.
“This campus is more than just a physical space; it is a hub for collaboration and community. It will serve as a gathering place where ideas are exchanged, partnerships are formed and lifelong connections are made,” he said.
Swinburne University of Technology’s Vice-Chancellor and President Professor Pascale Quester said the transformative project demonstrated Swinburne’s promise to be the prototype of a new and different university.
“Just as our next gen_campus project is transforming our Melbourne campuses, this comprehensive upgrade in Sarawak reflects our commitment to providing students with access to the latest technology and advanced facilities, wherever they are.
“I am proud to offer our students access to world-class spaces to study and interact as they create and innovate for the future, now,” she said.
Datuk Patinggi Tan Sri (Dr) Abang Haji Abdul Rahman Zohari bin Tun Datuk Abang Haji Openg (centre) engages in a game of snooker with students at the Student Hub.
Datuk Amar Jaul Samion, Chairman of Swinburne Sarawak’s Board of Directors, said, “As we celebrate this achievement, I encourage everyone to take full advantage of the opportunities this upgraded campus provides. Swinburne has always strongly believed in the power of collaboration and partnership, and we call upon our partners to collaborate with us to drive positive change for our community.
“Let us continue to work together to create an environment that inspires innovation, nurtures talent and prepares our students to become the next generation leaders of the world,” he said.
Also present at the Grand Opening Ceremony were The Honourable Datuk Amar Professor Dr Sim Kui Hian, Deputy Premier of Sarawak; The Honourable Dato Sri Roland Sagah Wee Inn, Minister for Education, Innovation and Talent Development Sarawak; The Honourable Datuk Sebastian Ting Chiew Yew, Deputy Minister for Tourism, Creative Industry and Performing Arts; The Honourable Datuk Dr Annuar Rapaee, Deputy Minister for Education, Innovation and Talent Development; representatives from Swinburne Australia and Swinburne Sarawak’s management team, industry partners and distinguished guests.
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).