Swinburne University pioneers innovative approach in adult education

KUCHING: Swinburne University of Technology Sarawak Campus is pioneering a new era in adult education by integrating real-world industry experiences with academic learning.

It said in a statement on Friday, this innovative methodology, which is designed to enhance both personal and professional growth, is led by its School of Business and is being applied to its postgraduate programmes.

“The Australian university’s Master of Business Administration (international) (MBA(i)) programme is a testament to the university’s innovative educational approach. The two-year postgraduate course provides adult learners with an exceptional fusion of classroom instruction and dynamic industry engagement.

 “This pioneering model not only empowers our MBA(i) students to translate theoretical knowledge into real-world applications, but also effectively closes the divide between academic study and the business ecosystem.” said Associate Professor Dr Fung Chorng Yuan.

A group of 48 students from China, India, Canada, Zimbabwe, Indonesia, as well as domestic students, recently participated in an immersive industry visit to KOPILAB (Sarawak Coffee Heritage).

As a leader in the food and beverage sector, KOPILAB markets premium Sarawak coffee beans, showcases indigenous crafts, and fosters developmental partnerships across various sectors.

During the visit, the students engaged in an interactive sensory evaluation and demonstration led by KOPILAB’s store manager, Leo Tang.

“This hands-on learning experience allowed the students to explore consumer behaviour from a marketing perspective. The site visit also underscores Swinburne’s dedication to producing well-rounded leaders equipped for the challenges of tomorrow’s business landscape,” he said.

Specifically, the MBA programme’s teaching approach cultivates a comprehensive understanding of subject matter, placing students at the forefront of the global job market.

Abdul Hamid Hadad, a student from Canada, and Yang Yi Yuan, a student from China, also shared their appreciation for the enlightening experience.

“The visit to KOPILAB was exceptional overall, especially learning about how coffee beans are sorted and brewed to achieve perfection, “said Abdul Hamid sharing his experience.

“The visit to KOPILAB was an informative experience, and we learned of their dedication to promoting Sarawak’s Liberica coffee. This further showcases their support towards sustainable local agriculture,” added Yang Yi Yuan.