Latest news with #CurtinUniversityMalaysia
The Star
28-05-2025
- The Star
This blind Malaysian student is overcoming barriers to build better technology
Since young, Kenzon Yeoh, who was born blind, has had a clear vision of his future – even when he couldn't grasp the hurdles awaiting him, nor the challenges he had to overcome. 'I have always wanted to be an inventor or a scientist of some kind,' says the 24-year-old Penangite. 'I want to create solutions and solve problems for as many people as I possibly can.' This early ambition, undimmed by the challenges he had faced and is still facing, made this young man determined to achieve his goals, despite not having the sense of sight. But navigating the world without being able to see wasn't his only early lesson in perseverance. Yeoh and his three siblings were raised in a modest family, living a humble lifestyle. 'My siblings and I were always told that we need to work hard to succeed in life. I took that advice to heart,' he recalls. So instead of giving in to hardship, Yeoh used his shortcomings to fuel his determination. 'I knew I needed to excel, to show that I am capable of achieving my goals despite my disability. There were many ups and downs in my life and sometimes my visual impairment felt like an insurmountable barrier, but where there's a will, there's a way,' he says. For Yeoh, technology is not a tool but a lifeline. Photo: KENZON YEOH Finding his calling Yeoh is now a final year Bachelor of Computing (Cybersecurity) student at Curtin University Malaysia in Miri, Sarawak. His passion for technology, he says, is sparked by his childhood dream of invention and problem-solving, which brought him to the world of computing, specifically cybersecurity. 'My disability had forced me to deviate from my intended path of pursuing chemistry and other science fields,' he says. However, the widespread use of computer and digital devices has created a new vista for him. 'I realised that this opened up another avenue for me to explore and somewhat rekindled my interest in scientific and technical pursuits,' he explains. His journey to complete his diploma in computer science became a crucial stepping stone that firmly reaffirmed his passion in cybersecurity. Still, navigating university life as a visually-impaired student comes with its unique set of hurdles. 'Access to reading materials, assignments and navigating unfamiliar environments were major challenges,' Yeoh admits. His reliance on technology became paramount. 'I relied heavily on screen reader software, assistive technologies and a strong network of very supportive friends and lecturers.' Yeoh (seated, second from left) with the YTL Foundation team. Photo: KENZON YEOH Technology became his lifeline. 'Screen reader software and assistive technologies are ever-present in my daily life; they help me with my studies and daily activities,' says Yeoh, who enjoys reading fantasy and non-fiction materials, and browsing the Internet. He uses Non-Visual Desktop Access software on his computer that has Apple's VoiceOver in-built screen-reading feature for everything from coding to leisure. This is on top of innovative apps like Be My Eyes and Seeing AI that help him to read documents, identify objects and even troubleshoot technical issues. Beyond software, physical aids like his Braille display, which translates text and mathematical notations and a lecturer's creative use of a 3D pen to render diagrams are some of the diverse ways he accesses information. Yeoh says a significant turning point in his academic journey was becoming YTL Foundation's first visually impaired scholar. 'It was a mix of disbelief, gratitude and motivation when a foundation doesn't see my disability, but look at my potential instead.' The scholarship allows him to pursue his dreams without the stress of financial limitations for both his diploma and bachelor's degree. 'It gives me the courage to step into spaces I once felt excluded from. It is still unusual for visually impaired students in Malaysia to obtain formal education in such a technically demanding field,' he adds. Yeoh (standing, second from right) with his family. Photo: KENZON YEOH A step into the working world His recent internship with YTL Construction marked another milestone. For him, it was more than just work experience; it was validation, although it came with its own set of anxieties. 'I was initially nervous due to uncertainties about what I could contribute to the company, how I would be treated and the possible difficulties of having to move to an unfamiliar environment during on-site duties,' Yeoh admits. As part of the cybersecurity team, he worked on data analysis automation and brought unique insights to the table – insights shaped by a lifetime of navigating the world without sight. 'My perspective as a visually impaired individual allowed me to focus my attention on non-visual details, and due to my exposure to varied technologies, I was occasionally able to provide alternatives to fulfilling some of the company's needs that ended up being faster or easier to deploy,' he adds. Despite his initial fear, Yeoh found his internship experience positive. The foundation, he says, provided support in navigating the new living environment, while his colleagues assigned him challenging tasks. 'They didn't make a big deal out of my visual impairment, giving me meaningful tasks that were at once challenging and rewarding,' Yeoh says, adding that emotional support came from his family, friends and lecturers. 'I've gained many skills during my studies and internship that will help me in my future career, including soft skills like critical thinking, problem-solving, communication skills and teamwork, as well as technical skills such as system security, programming, testing and a basic understanding of various technology-related fields,' he continues. Yeoh is positive about his future. 'Professionally, my goals have always been rooted in the same childhood passion of solving problems, breaking barriers and helping shape technology that's inclusive and empowering,' he says. His internship experience has strengthened his desire to contribute to a world where progress embraces everyone. 'While I'm still discovering if cybersecurity will be my long-term path, I'm committed to making a meaningful impact, especially for the visually impaired community, but also for anyone who feels unseen,' he says. Yeoh sees his journey as part of a larger movement towards inclusivity: 'In many ways, I hope to carry forward the spirit that real progress includes everyone.' 'That's the legacy I aspire to build, and on a personal level, I just want to live life fully, do my best and hopefully, inspire others along the way,' he says.
Borneo Post
28-05-2025
- General
- Borneo Post
Curtin students empower Bidayuh youth with digital literacy
Ariffin (middle row, fifth left) joins volunteers and participants for a group photo. MIRI (May 28): Students from the Faculty of Humanities and Health Sciences at Curtin University Malaysia recently held a Digital Empowerment Workshop for Bidayuh youth in Tudan, aiming to equip them with modern tools to preserve and promote their cultural heritage online. Supported by Pasukan Kebajikan Kanak-Kanak Bahagian Miri (PKKK) and Dayak Bidayuh National Association (DBNA) Miri, the one-day workshop was participated by secondary school students from the local Bidayuh community. Participants received hands-on training in popular digital platforms such as Canva, Capcut, and Metaverse-related tools, enabling them to tell cultural stories through digital posters, short videos, and virtual content. A key highlight was the creation of promotional content featuring traditional Bidayuh cuisine, like 'pogang', developed by the youth in collaboration with village elders. Deputy mayor Ariffin Mohamad praised the initiative for fusing ancestral wisdom with modern skills, saying: ''Adab dulu, baru ilmu' (manners before knowledge) remains a guiding principle. This workshop shows how tradition can thrive when paired with respectful and creative learning.' The workshop also featured lively activities including tutorials, team challenges, and digital content competitions, which sparked enthusiasm and camaraderie among participants. Curtin students acted as facilitators, mentoring the youth through each creative task while building their confidence in using digital platforms. Head of the faculty's General Studies Valerie Velina Anaelechi, also the project's academic advisor, said the long-term vision behind the initiative is to educate the young ones about the importance of digital literacy not only as a skill, but also as a tool for cultural resilience. 'Digital literacy is more than a modern skill; it is a tool for cultural resilience. By helping young people tell their stories online, we are giving them the means to protect and promote their heritage for future generations.' Bidayuh cultural heritage Curtin University Malaysia digitalisation lead
Borneo Post
27-05-2025
- Science
- Borneo Post
Dr Annuar: 82 pct of courses at three state-owned universities to be free under Sarawak education scheme
Dr Annuar said the list of free courses will continue to expand, with reviews to be carried out by an independent panel formed by universities. – Photo by Chimon Upon KUCHING (May 27): A total of 82 per cent courses offered at three state-owned universities next year will be free under the Sarawak Free Tertiary Education Scheme (FTES). Deputy Minister for Education, Innovation and Talent Development (MEITD) Datuk Dr Annuar Rapaee said the figure is based on data from Swinburne University of Technology Sarawak, Curtin University Malaysia, and University of Technology Sarawak. He revealed that Swinburne University of Technology Sarawak will offer 22 out of 25 courses for free, UTS will offer 15 out of 18 courses for free, while 21 out of 28 Curtin University Malaysia courses will be free. 'All in all, 82 per cent of the courses offered by the three universities will be free next year, which is almost 100 percent,' Dr Annuar told a press conference at the State Legislative Assembly (DUN) today. He added i-CATS University College had yet to give its figure. He was responding to Chong Chieng Jen (DAP–Padungan), who had yesterday questioned the ministry on why FTES only applied to selected courses. Dr Annuar said the list of free courses will continue to expand, with reviews to be carried out by an independent panel formed by universities. 'The review of which courses are needed is done by an independent panel formed by universities such as UPM (Universiti Putra Malaysia) and UiTM (Universiti Teknologi Mara). 'So, if Swinburne says, 'I want this course to be free,' we will forward this to the panel. The panel will then advise the ministry, and the Cabinet will have to approve,' he explained. He cited psychology as an example of a course that was not initially included but later added following a review. 'Initially it was not there, but when we reviewed and the Premier agreed, there were many people with problems. 'And partly also, in psychology, there is a science input. In psychology, it's all part of the brain. 'So, there needs to be science input. In fact, we are short of that,' said Dr Annuar. He added that once the infrastructure is in place, the focus should shift to human capital, as natural resources alone are insufficient to drive economic growth.
Borneo Post
24-05-2025
- Business
- Borneo Post
Curtin's The Great Escape camp in Miri inspires future university students
Guests and participants in a photocall the TGE 2025 opening ceremony. MIRI (May 24): The 'Great Escape' Camp (TGE 2025), hosted by Curtin University Malaysia, offers secondary school students valuable early exposure to university life, providing a firsthand experience of campus culture, academic activities and student life. Sarawak Transport Minister Dato Sri Lee Kim Shin, who originally proposed the idea, expressed pride in how the event has evolved into an annual initiative since its launch in 2014. 'In the past 10 years, the number of participants has now increased to over 100 students from various secondary schools around Miri,' he said during the opening ceremony of TGE 2025 held at the university campus here on Friday. He named SMK Chung Hua Miri, SMK Pujut, SM Pei Min, SMK Lopeng Tengah, SMK St Columba, and SMK St Joseph Miri as some of the participating schools. 'It has proven to be an effective platform for fostering educational empowerment and holistic student development,' added the Senadin assemblyman. Reflecting on Curtin Malaysia's expansion and increasing student numbers, Lee, who also chairs Curtin Malaysia's Management Committee, commended the Curtin Social Ambassadors (CSA) for leading the organisation and execution of the event. He added that participants in the two-day camp would benefit from workshops, interactive sessions, and team-building activities designed to equip them with essential skills for both academic and personal growth. camp Curtin Lee Kim Shin miri The Great Escape
Borneo Post
24-05-2025
- Business
- Borneo Post
Fully-funded higher education soon for Sarawakian workers, says Sagah
Sagah added that the free higher education for Sarawakian workers is open to both employees in the public and private sectors. KUCHING (May 24): Sarawakian workers seeking to further their studies will soon be able to apply for a fully-funded higher education, said Dato Sri Roland Sagah Wee Inn. The State Education, Innovation and Talent Development Minister pointed out that while his ministry is currently concentrating on the Sarawak Free Tertiary Education Scheme (FTES) for school students, a similar initiative will soon be extended to Sarawakian working adults. 'We will devise the form (for the Sarawakian workers), but they must first apply for a place in a university (to further their studies),' he said when met after launching the Pesta Sungai Simpok at Kampung Simpok today. Sagah added that the free higher education for Sarawakian workers is open to both employees in the public and private sectors. He also reiterated that the assistance will be provided only to those pursuing full-time studies, not part-time courses. 'We want to give opportunities to those who may already hold a degree or who previously did not have the chance to pursue tertiary education but are now working, so they can further their studies and improve their qualifications. 'My advice is that they must choose courses relevant to their future.' He added that there is no age limit for the fully-funded studies, as long as individuals have the 'K' status in their MyKad to prove that they are Sarawakians. Premier Datuk Patinggi Tan Sri Abang Johari Tun Openg, at the state-level 2025 Labour Day celebration on May 18, had announced that the Sarawak government is offering free full-time higher education to Sarawakian adults who wish to resume full-time studies. The courses to enrol are in state-owned higher learning institutions, namely Swinburne University of Technology Sarawak Campus, Curtin University Malaysia, University of Technology Sarawak, i-CATS University College, and Centre for Technology Excellence Sarawak. Meanwhile, on the Pesta Sungai Simpok, Sagah, who is Tarat assemblyman, said there are plans to include it as an annual event in Sarawak's tourism calendar. To realise this, he said further infrastructure improvements need to be done at the riverfront to attract more visitors to Kampung Simpok. 'This has been an annual event since 2018, except during the Covid-19 pandemic. 'The event serves as a reminder to the public about the importance of river cleanliness, as the river is the lifeline for the villagers,' he said, while thanking AirAsia for jointly organising this year's event. free higher education lead Roland Sagah workers
