Lim (standing left), in a group photo with the students and Kibing Solar staff during the industrial visit.
MIRI (May 8): A group of 24 engineering students from Curtin University Malaysia (Curtin Malaysia) recently completed a four-day industrial visit to Kota Kinabalu, Sabah, offering them first-hand exposure to cutting-edge manufacturing technologies.
Organised by the IEEE Industry Applications Society (IAS) Student Chapter, the trip included site visits to SBH Kibing Solar New Materials (M) Sdn Bhd, a leading solar panel component manufacturer, and SK Nexilis Malaysia Sdn Bhd, known for its high-performance copper foil production for electric vehicle batteries.
Accompanied by chapter advisor Professor Garenth Lim King Hann, students explored real-world applications of automation systems, artificial intelligence (AI), and sustainable engineering solutions.
“These visits bridge the gap between theory and practice, enabling students to engage with technologies that are shaping the future,” said Professor Lim, adding that such exposure prepares graduates to address global challenges with innovative solutions.
At Kibing Solar, students observed AI-driven processes that transform raw materials into photovoltaic glass panels.
At SK Nexilis, they learned about energy-efficient engineering, including electroplating and waste heat recovery systems.
“Seeing smart factories in action, where robotics, sensors, and AI work seamlessly was incredibly inspiring, giving us a fresh perspective on how innovation is redefining industrial efficiency,” said Samuel Co Seng Lau, organising chair of the visit.
Vice President II of the IEEE Curtin Malaysia Student Branch, Lai Yong Jun, meanwhile, said the experience helped reinforce academic concepts and revealed how classroom knowledge translates into industrial solutions.
“From process engineering to sustainability, everything we’ve learned came to life through this experience,” he said.
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