KUCHING: Swinburne University of Technology (Swinburne) Sarawak Campus has signed a Memorandum of Business Exploration (MOBE) with OPUS International (M) Berhad (OPUS) aiming to catalyse Sarawak’s transformation into a hub of sustainable development and innovation.
This collaboration bridges industry and academia to strengthen Sarawak’s workforce while advancing sustainable infrastructure, green building initiatives, energy efficiency, internships, trainee programmes, and research development opportunities.
The MOBE seeks to foster collaborations in areas such as student placements and internships, graduate and management trainee programmes, support for SPINE and Capstone units, co-hosting seminars and workshops, joint research and development efforts, participation in industry and course advisory panels, and the promotion of sustainable practices.
The partnership supports OPUS’ projects in Sarawak, emphasising sustainable infrastructure and workforce development while reshaping the state’s growth landscape and advancing broader development goals.
Through partnerships with institutions like Swinburne, OPUS fosters local talent development through internships and graduate programmes, with over 70 per cent of its Sarawak workforce comprising local talent, reflecting its commitment to capacity building and equipping homegrown expertise to meet evolving industry demands.
According to Hillary Chua, the managing director of OPUS, in a press statement, this partnership between OPUS and Swinburne Sarawak combines industry expertise and academic excellence to develop skilled professionals and advance Sarawak’s infrastructure with sustainability at its core.
“This partnership represents a strategic leap forward for OPUS and Sarawak.
“By blending OPUS’ expertise in infrastructure and sustainability projects with Swinburne Sarawak’s academic excellence, we are creating a robust pipeline of skilled professionals ready to take Sarawak’s infrastructure to the next level while embedding sustainability at its core,” she said.
Meanwhile, the Head of OPUS Sarawak Regional Office, Vincent Tang, said this collaboration with Swinburne Sarawak enhances efforts to build a future-ready workforce by providing students with hands-on experience with real-world infrastructure and sustainability projects, preparing them to drive Sarawak’s sustainable development and growth.
“This collaboration strengthens our commitment to building a future-ready workforce in Sarawak.
“By working closely with Swinburne Sarawak, we are offering students hands-on experience with real-world projects in infrastructure and sustainability, equipping them with the skills necessary to contribute meaningfully to Sarawak’s sustainable development and growth,” he said.
Furthermore, pro vice-chancellor and chief executive officer Ir Professor Lau Hieng Ho said this partnership between OPUS and Swinburne Sarawak fosters innovation and sustainability in infrastructure while equipping Sarawak’s future professionals with the skills to drive sustainable growth, positioning the state as a regional and global leader.
“This partnership not only drives innovation and sustainability in infrastructure but also ensures that Sarawak’s next generation of professionals will be equipped with the skills and experience necessary to lead the state’s sustainable growth.
“Together, OPUS and Swinburne Sarawak are setting the stage for a model collaboration that will propel Sarawak into a future of excellence, regionally and globally,” he said.
The collaboration supports Swinburne’s Horizon 2025 Vision “moon shot”, ensuring every undergraduate gains work-integrated learning and real industry experience, bridging the gap between work and study.
