KUCHING, Sept 4 — Three distinguished academics from Swinburne University of Technology Sarawak Campus have been recognised with prestigious national awards at the Private Education Excellence Awards 2024, hosted by the Private Education Co-operative of Malaysia (Educoop) in Kuala Lumpur. This achievement not only highlights the calibre of Swinburne Sarawak’s faculty but also marks a significant milestone in the institution’s commitment to academic excellence.
Honouring Excellence in Education
According to the Sarawak Public Communication Unit (Ukas), the awards were bestowed upon three of Swinburne Sarawak’s esteemed faculty members: Dr Jeffrey Jee Teck Weng, Senior Lecturer from the School of Business; Ir Dr How Bing Shen, Senior Lecturer from the School of Engineering and Science; and Associate Professor Dr Fung Chorng Yuan, Head of the School of Business.
- Dr Jeffrey Jee received the National Outstanding Young Educator Award, recognising his innovative teaching approach and dedication to student success.
- Ir Dr How Bing Shen was honoured with the National Outstanding Young Researcher Award, celebrating his groundbreaking work in engineering research.
- Associate Professor Dr Fung Chorng Yuan was a strong contender for the National Outstanding Educator Award (University Category) and received a Certificate of Merit for his exceptional contributions to higher education.
Leadership Applauds Academic Achievements
Pro-Vice Chancellor and Chief Executive Officer of Swinburne Sarawak, Ir Professor Lau Hieng Ho, expressed pride in the achievements of the award recipients, emphasising that these recognitions reflect the university’s dedication to enhancing its academic profile, a critical component of Swinburne Sarawak’s 2025 Vision.
“This recognition is a testament to our commitment to improving education and research capabilities while fostering a vibrant, quality academic environment where innovation and excellence can thrive. This remarkable achievement underscores our dedication to nurturing such an environment within our academic community, thereby enhancing academic standards and contributing meaningfully to talent development,” said Lau.
Dr Jeffrey Jee: Bridging Education and Industry
Dr Jeffrey Jee, a trailblazer in innovative teaching, is the founder of the award-winning Teach-Innovate-Guide-Experience-Execute-Reflect (TIGEE-R) pedagogy introduced in 2023. His teaching philosophy centres on bridging the gap between classroom learning and real-world applications, preparing students to become future-ready graduates.
In 2023, Dr Jee also won the highly commendable Teaching Excellence Award by Swinburne Sarawak. Speaking about his recent national recognition, he shared:
“Winning this prestigious national award further fuels my determination to continuously evolve as an educator, reinforcing my commitment to shaping future-ready graduates,” he said.
Ir Dr How Bing Shen: Pioneering Decarbonisation Research
Ir Dr How Bing Shen is an expert in process system engineering and has been instrumental in developing circular strategies that support industries’ transition towards sustainability. His research focuses on practical solutions that address global challenges like decarbonisation.
Dr How’s significant contributions have previously earned him accolades such as the Young Researcher Award at the IChemE Global Awards 2021 and the Society of Chemical Engineers, Japan (SCEJ) Award for Outstanding Asian Researcher and Engineer in 2022.
“I am deeply honored to receive this national award. I will continue to strive and give my best to lead research that helps industries pave the way towards a decarbonised future,” said Dr How.
Associate Professor Dr Fung Chorng Yuan: Advocating Situated Learning
Associate Professor Dr Fung Chorng Yuan has been a vital contributor to Swinburne Sarawak’s academic landscape, securing multiple research grants related to teaching and learning. He is a staunch advocate of situated learning practices, emphasising that education must be contextually relevant to enhance student engagement and understanding.
Dr Fung’s dedication to teaching excellence was recognised when he received the Swinburne Sarawak Teaching Excellence Award in 2021.
A Commitment to Academic Excellence and Innovation
These accolades underscore Swinburne Sarawak’s commitment to academic excellence, research innovation, and talent development. The university continues to position itself as a leader in higher education in Malaysia, particularly in Sarawak, by nurturing a culture of continuous improvement among its staff and students.
Enhancing Sarawak’s Academic Landscape
The recognition of these three academics at the Private Education Excellence Awards 2024 serves as an inspiration for the entire Swinburne Sarawak community. Their achievements highlight the university’s role in elevating the academic standards within Sarawak and beyond, making a meaningful impact on Malaysia’s educational landscape.