Have you ever wondered how universities can spark meaningful change beyond their own campuses? When Curtin University Malaysia stepped into the classrooms of Teachers Education Institute Sarawak, they demonstrated exactly how academic expertise can transform education at the grassroots level.
Curtin Malaysia Champions Teaching Innovation Through Outcome-Based Education Training
In a bold stride toward transforming the future of education in Malaysia, Curtin University Malaysia recently led a high-impact professional development programme at the Teachers Education Institute (IPG) Sarawak Campus in Miri. Meanwhile, the initiative focused squarely on Outcome-Based Education (OBE) and Knowledge Transfer as key drivers of teaching excellence.
A Two-Day Deep Dive Into Educational Innovation
The comprehensive programme, titled ‘Outcome-Based Education with Knowledge Transfer Programme – Innovation in Teaching to Enhance Learning’, brought together 22 dedicated educators for an immersive exploration of contemporary teaching strategies. As a result, participants gained hands-on experience with methods designed to elevate student outcomes and completely redefine classroom engagement.
Dr. Lynn Ling Yew Hua, senior lecturer in Accounting and Finance at Curtin Malaysia’s faculty of Business, spearheaded this ambitious initiative. For her, the programme represented a clear expression of Curtin Malaysia’s mission to foster innovation in education and strengthen vital community partnerships.
“This training is about capacity-building, equipping educators to shape Malaysia’s next generation of thinkers, leaders, and innovators. By embracing outcome-based methods and knowledge transfer, we are aligning teaching practices with both national education goals and global standards.”
Expert-Led Modules Address Real Teaching Challenges
The programme featured six comprehensive modules led by an impressive panel of Curtin Malaysia’s academics. For example, the team included Associate Professor Raymond Chiong Choo Wee, Dr. Fayrene Chieng, Delon Chai, Wendy Law, Associate Professor Lau Shiew Wei, Dr. Tan Yin Ling, and Associate Professor Bridgid Chin, alongside Dr. Ling herself. Furthermore, Julia Bajau, Senior Accreditation Officer at the Faculty of Business, provided crucial coordination support.
At the heart of the programme was an evidence-based Knowledge Transfer Programme (KTP) themed ‘Excellence and Innovation in Teaching’. Drawing on the latest educational research and best practices, the KTP equipped participants with practical tools to implement active learning strategies, drive student-centred outcomes, and embrace technology-enhanced teaching methods.
Local Collaboration Ensures Practical Relevance
Importantly, collaboration with officers from the District Education Office (PPD) Miri ensured that the modules directly addressed local educational challenges. Meanwhile, the content remained perfectly aligned with Malaysia’s broader national education reforms, creating a bridge between global best practices and local needs.
Educators Embrace Cutting-Edge Teaching Technologies
Perhaps most encouraging were the post-programme survey results, which revealed strong enthusiasm for pedagogical innovation strategies among participants. The educators expressed keen interest in peer evaluation, problem-based learning, and gamification techniques. Additionally, there was particular excitement about using virtual reality (VR) to simulate immersive learning experiences, especially valuable for English as a Second Language (ESL) learners.
Meanwhile, growing interest emerged around artificial intelligence (AI)-powered tools to personalise learning experiences. This enthusiasm demonstrates how Malaysian educators are ready to embrace digital transformation in education, following global trends outlined by institutions like the OECD’s digital education initiatives.
Industry Support Drives Educational Excellence
The programme was made possible through the generous support of an anonymous industry donor – a Curtin alumnus and passionate advocate for educational advancement. This partnership underscores the powerful synergy between academia and the professional sector in shaping future-ready education that meets real-world demands.
As Dr. Ling concluded, “At Curtin Malaysia, we believe that great education is constantly evolving. By investing in the professional growth of educators, we are investing in the future of Malaysia.”
Expanding Impact Across Malaysia
Following the programme’s remarkable success, Curtin Malaysia plans to expand its educational outreach significantly. The university aims to collaborate with more institutions nationwide to promote sustainable, high-impact teaching and learning innovation that can transform education delivery across the country.
This initiative at IPG Sarawak proves that when universities extend their expertise beyond traditional boundaries, they create ripple effects that benefit entire educational ecosystems. As Malaysia continues modernising its education sector, partnerships like this demonstrate how outcome-based education and knowledge transfer can bridge the gap between academic theory and classroom practice, ultimately preparing students for an increasingly complex global landscape.
