BY UMMI INTAN MASARRAH
KUCHING: A proud family stood beaming as their son celebrated a major academic achievement during the Swinburne University of Technology Sarawak Campus graduation ceremony here Tuesday.
Deputy Minister for International Trade, Industry and Investment Datuk Dr Malcolm Mussen Lamoh expressed deep pride in his son’s achievement, describing it as a meaningful first step in a longer academic and professional journey.
He encouraged continuous learning and adaptation as graduates enter the workforce, adding that he hopes his son will pursue further studies.
“So I believe today marks a very historic moment for him and I hope he will not stop at just a bachelor’s degree.
“As he enters the job market, he will face many adjustments and will need to continuously learn on the job, especially in today’s technology-driven industries,” he told Sarawak Tribune after the graduation at Borneo Convention Centre Kuching (BCCK).
Additionally, he stressed the importance of aligning academic pathways with evolving industry demands, particularly in Science, Technology, Engineering and Mathematics (STEM), noting the rising need for technically skilled graduates in fast-growing, technology-driven sectors.
Meanwhile, the spotlight was also on the graduate himself — Bachelor of Engineering (Honours) Mechanical graduate Jimson Sampau Usin, 34, whose academic journey was shaped by resilience, adaptability, and strong family support.
He described his final year as the most challenging phase of his studies, particularly when he ventured beyond his core mechanical engineering background into a more chemical-oriented research topic.
“My background is mechanical, but I was taking a more chemical related topic, so everything was new for me.
“But with the help of my friends, lecturers and lab technicians, I managed to catch up,” he said.
Despite the challenges, Jimson said the experience became a turning point in his personal and academic development, strengthening both his confidence and problem-solving skills.
Looking ahead, Jimson said he hopes to pursue a master’s degree while gaining industrial experience.
In terms of career direction, Jimson said he remains open but focused, with strong interest in automation, machinery, and potentially chemical-related industries such as methanol production.
“Mechanical expertise is still important because many process systems rely on mechanical equipment,” he said enthusiastically.
