KUCHING: The inaugural ‘Industry X Day 2025’ at Swinburne Sarawak marked a major milestone for the university, drawing strong participation from industry partners and the creative community.
The event brought together students, lecturers, creative industry leaders and partners from MDEC, Mango Media, Sharing Group, AM Global, Canon, JYW Distribution and Song Pretty Bell.
Deputy Minister for Tourism, Creative Industry and Performing Arts, Datuk Snowdan Lawan, said the launch of the first ‘Industry X Day’ symbolised the beginning of meaningful collaboration between education and industry.
“When I heard this was the inaugural event, I knew I had to be here because it is not every day that we witness the start of something new, meaningful and full of possibility,” he said.
He said this in his speech at Swinburne’s inaugural Industry X Day 2025 at the Borneo Atrium, Swinburne Sarawak today.
Snowdan noted that Sarawak’s sponsorship of the programme reflects the state government’s strong commitment to higher education, especially with free education in five state-owned universities beginning next year.
He said the energy and enthusiasm displayed by young creatives were evident the moment he arrived, adding that their ideas and passion serve as a reminder of the power of creativity in shaping the future.
“Industry X Day represents the kind of growth Sarawak hopes to nurture— a space where imagination meets opportunity,” he reiterated.
He added that Swinburne Sarawak and the School of Design and Arts for forging strong collaborations with industry players such as MDEC and creative companies, contribute significantly to elevating the state’s creative ecosystem.
“The creative economy in Southeast Asia is valued at around USD220 billion, and Sarawak aims to position its young talents to thrive within this expanding sector,” he said.
Encouraging students to dream boldly, he reminded them that their work has the potential to influence communities, the nation and even global audiences.
