Swinburne Sarawak celebrates Women in STEM
- BT
- 12 hours ago
- 3 min read
KUCHING, 5 February 2026 - Around 270 people from diverse backgrounds came together at Swinburne University of Technology Sarawak Campus for Women in STEM Day 2026, which celebrates women's achievements in science, technology, engineering, and mathematics while inspiring the next generation of innovators.
Under the theme "Her Voice in STEM: Driving Sustainable Solutions for a Better World", the event highlighted the critical role women play in creating sustainable, innovative, and inclusive solutions for society.
The event brought together policymakers, industry leaders, researchers, university students, and secondary school students. Participating schools included Tunku Putra-HELP School, Chung Hua Middle School No 1, SK (A) Datuk Haji Abdul Kadir Hassan, Borneo International School, and Lodge International School. Students from Swinburne Sarawak and other higher education institutions throughout Kuching and greater Sarawak also took part.
Representing Minister of Women, Family, and Community Development of Malaysia (KPWKM) Dato' Sri Hajah Nancy binti Shukri, Director General Hanani binti Sapit of the Department of Women's Development spoke about the government's support for women in STEM through mentorship, leadership training, and professional development opportunities throughout Malaysia.
“The Women's Leadership Apprenticeship Programme (PERANTIS) is cultivating a pipeline of capable, confident, and innovative women leaders who will drive positive change across our nation," she said.
The day featured keynote sessions and Women's Forum panel discussions with distinguished speakers from industry, government, and academia. They explored topics including green and digital transformation, inclusive leadership, and driving change across industries and communities.
A highlight was the Flash Talk Poster Sessions, where secondary and university students showcased innovative projects tackling real-world challenges aligned with the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs).
Pro Vice-Chancellor and Chief Executive Officer of Swinburne Sarawak, Ir Professor Lau Hieng Ho, reaffirmed the university's commitment to inclusive and impactful STEM education and research.
He pointed to the Swinburne Sarawak Research Masterplan 2030, which guides high-impact, industry-relevant research aligned with Sarawak's priorities such as energy transition, digital health, and sustainable environments. He also emphasised the university's Flagship STEM Outreach Programme, which has engaged over 220 students from 13 secondary schools to inspire young people, especially girls, to pursue STEM pathways.
Deputy Pro Vice-Chancellor (Research) of Swinburne Sarawak, Professor Dr Ida Fatimawati bt Adi Badiozaman, said, “Empowering women in STEM is essential - their leadership drives innovation and sustainable impact.”
She announced the upcoming Industry-University-Community (IUC) Connect Symposium in August 2026, a two-day platform bringing together academics, industry partners, and community stakeholders to develop actionable solutions for real-world challenges facing Sarawak and beyond. The symposium demonstrates Swinburne Sarawak's commitment to Sarawak's Post COVID-19 Development Strategy (PCDS) 2030 and the university's Research Masterplan 2030.
Women in STEM Day 2026 was made possible by sponsors including the PERANTIS Grant, Sarawak Metro Sdn Bhd, SOCOE, Sarawak Energy, and the Women Leadership Foundation, reflecting a shared commitment to advancing women's leadership, mentorship, and professional development in STEM across Malaysia.
Event Chairperson, Ts Dr Lee Sue Han expressed appreciation to all sponsors, partners, supporters, and participants, underscoring the importance of collaboration in amplifying women's voices in STEM and fostering innovation, leadership, and sustainable solutions.
The event concluded with the presentation of tokens of appreciation to distinguished guests, recognition of speakers and participants, and the announcement of Flash Talk Poster Session winners, celebrating the outstanding contributions and achievements of students and mentors alike.
Women in STEM Day 2026 reaffirmed Swinburne Sarawak's commitment to empowering women as innovators, leaders, and changemakers, inspiring action and the pursuit of sustainable solutions for Malaysia and beyond.
For more information on Swinburne Sarawak, visit www.swinburne.edu.my or follow them on Facebook (@swinburnesarawak), Instagram (@swinburnesarawak), LinkedIn (Swinburne University of Technology Sarawak Campus), X (@Swinburne_Swk), TikTok (@swinburnesarawak), YouTube (Swinburne Sarawak), or Xiaohongshu (@SwinburneSwk).
