Have you ever wondered how engineering students can gain real-world skills while exploring different cultures? Five talented undergraduates from Curtin University Malaysia recently discovered the answer through an extraordinary international learning adventure that combined cutting-edge sustainability research with authentic Thai cultural experiences.
Curtin Malaysia Chemical Engineering Students Excel at International ENTECH Summer Programme
Austin Jason Pui, Ashley Bernadette Simon Augustine August, Resty Anak James, Irfa Safrina Rahmat, and Nur Amirah Haziqah Ismail represented Curtin Malaysia’s chemical engineering program at the prestigious Chemical Engineering ENTECH Summer Programme in Thailand. This four-day intensive experience brought together bright minds from multiple countries for a transformative blend of academic learning and cultural discovery.
A Collaborative International Learning Experience
Hosted by Silpakorn University, the programme created a unique educational ecosystem that united students from Curtin Malaysia, Kumamoto University (Japan), and Universiti Teknologi PETRONAS (UTP). Meanwhile, academic powerhouses Nagoya University (Japan) and Chulalongkorn University (Thailand) provided additional support, ensuring participants received world-class instruction and mentorship.
The event combined academic immersion, cultural exploration, and international networking opportunities. As a result, students gained exposure to diverse perspectives on engineering challenges while building lasting professional relationships across borders.
Outstanding Achievement in Sustainable Engineering
The Curtin Malaysia team made their mark by clinching the programme’s Best Presentation Award. Resty Anak James, Irfa Safrina Rahmat, and Ashley Bernadette Simon Augustine August impressed judges with their creative engineering solution focused on enhancing coconut sugar production using sustainable techniques.
“The experience deepened my understanding of sustainability and global collaboration,” said Resty Anak James, reflecting on the transformative nature of the international programme.
Expert-Led Learning Sessions
The programme opened with a keynote by Assistant Professor Dr. Choowong Chaisuk, Deputy Dean of Silpakorn University’s Faculty of Engineering and Industrial Technology. This set the tone for four days of intensive learning featuring hands-on sustainability workshops, field visits, and research presentations by world-renowned academics.
Participants engaged with leading experts including Professor Armando T. Quitain from Kumamoto University and Associate Professor Dr. Worapon Kiatkittipong of Silpakorn University. These interactions provided invaluable insights into cutting-edge research and industry best practices in chemical engineering and sustainability.
Cultural Immersion Beyond the Classroom
The programme recognised that global competence extends beyond technical knowledge. Students enjoyed enriching cultural experiences, from crafting traditional Thai desserts and tie-dye fabrics at Tara House & Water Sports to exploring the iconic Amphawa Floating Market and the vibrant Maeklong Railway Market.
For example, the networking dinner at Saphan Yong Café, set amid lush rice fields, allowed students to bond over local cuisine and cultural performances. The programme concluded with a visit to the towering Phra Pathommachedi stupa, capping off a meaningful blend of engineering insight and cultural discovery.
Academic Leadership and Support
Associate Professor Bridgid Chin of Curtin Malaysia’s Department of Chemical and Energy Engineering accompanied the students and praised the programme for providing valuable global exposure. She expressed gratitude to Silpakorn University and Sarawak’s Ministry of Education, Innovation and Talent Development for their generous support through scholarships and funding.
“This programme exemplifies the kind of high-impact, cross-cultural learning we strive to offer at Curtin Malaysia,” Associate Professor Chin noted. “It is an important part of nurturing globally competent engineers equipped to solve real-world problems.”
Building Tomorrow’s Global Engineers
With international collaborations like the ENTECH Summer Programme, Curtin Malaysia continues to empower its students with the skills, mindset, and global perspective needed to thrive in the evolving world of engineering and sustainability. These experiences align perfectly with industry demands for graduates who can navigate complex, multicultural work environments.
The programme demonstrates how international engineering education initiatives create meaningful learning opportunities that extend far beyond traditional classroom boundaries. Such programmes prepare students to tackle global challenges while fostering cross-cultural understanding and collaboration.
This remarkable achievement showcases the value of international educational partnerships in developing well-rounded engineering professionals. The combination of technical excellence, cultural awareness, and global networking opportunities positions these students as future leaders in sustainable engineering solutions. As industries increasingly seek graduates with international experience and cross-cultural competencies, programmes like ENTECH Summer Programme become essential stepping stones toward successful engineering careers.
