MIRI: Nineteen Curtin University Malaysia (Curtin Malaysia) students were among the first cohort in Sarawak to take part in the inaugural Discover CENTEXS – Tech-Driven Leaders Bootcamp 2025.
The high-energy three-day programme, held from November 7 to 9 at the Centre for Technology Excellence Sarawak (CENTEXS) in Santubong, Kuching, set a new benchmark for experiential learning in the state.
Fully funded by CENTEXS and supported by the Ministry of Education, Innovation and Talent Development (MEITD), the bootcamp brought together participants from six higher learning institutions.
The programme delivered an immersive blend of technology exposure, leadership development, and hands-on industry engagement.
Students experienced glamping-style accommodation, joined high-impact industry talks, and expanded their professional networks within Sarawak’s fast-expanding tech ecosystem.
The programme provided a space for young talents to connect, collaborate, and gain direct insight into industry expectations.
Associate Professor Ir Dr Lim Chye Ing, Associate Dean of External Engagement at Curtin Malaysia, stressed that the initiative reinforces Curtin Malaysia’s ongoing commitment to developing industry-ready talent.
“The event offered our students meaningful real-world learning and upskilling opportunities through CENTEXS, alongside valuable networking with industry experts and peers from across Sarawak.
“It reflects Curtin Malaysia’s dedication to preparing future-ready graduates, in line with our role as Curtin University’s largest global campus and a Sarawak Government-owned institution,” she said.
The bootcamp also marks the rollout of a new state-driven talent development agenda led by CENTEXS in partnership with Yayasan Sarawak and supported by MEITD.
The initiative aims to build a competitive, innovation-ready workforce equipped to drive Sarawak’s future economy.
Key industry partners, including Sarawak Artificial Intelligence Centre (SAIC), SMD Semiconductor Sdn Bhd, SLB, PETRONAS, Smart Innovation Sdn Bhd, Dynamik Technologies, KARYADI and PERKESO, contributed significantly to the programme’s delivery and content.
Structured around three strategic priorities, the bootcamp focused on developing a highly skilled STEM and digital-ready talent pool, enhancing emotional intelligence and leadership capability, and narrowing the industry–talent divide to support a smoother transition into the workforce.
Throughout the three days, students participated in a series of future-focused learning modules.
‘Emerging Technologies and Trends’ introduced fast-growing areas such as artificial intelligence, the Internet of Things, and big data analytics.
Meanwhile, ‘Tech Leadership and Emotional Intelligence’ incorporated competitive gaming to build resilience, communication under pressure, and collaborative problem-solving skills.
For more information on Curtin Malaysia, visit www.curtin.edu.my or follow Curtin Malaysia on Facebook, X, Instagram, YouTube, LinkedIn, or TikTok.
