KUCHING : Swinburne University of Technology has launched a new university strategy with a vision to be a world-class university that creates social and economic impact through science, technology and innovation.
According to Swinburne University’s Vice-Chancellor Professor Linda Kristjanson, the vision will motivate all concerned to move forward and affirm their pledge to create a positive impact in a fast-paced world that is constantly changing.
“This vision builds on our strengths. More than 100 years ago, Swinburne opened its doors with a commitment to education and community service,” she said.
“This commitment to employment-focused, high-quality education continues. We have a demonstrated record of effective industry engagement and a wealth of scientific and technological expertise.
“Our culture is characterised by an entrepreneurial spirit and innovative thinking and we know that our world-ranked research programs position us to tackle complex challenges and advance frontiers of knowledge.”
“As we drive forward our 2025 Vision and Strategy, we will also celebrate the tremendous milestone of 25 years as a university,” Professor Kristjanson says.
Swinburne’s vision and strategy will come to life through strategic projects delivering on three key result areas (KRA), namely Future Ready Learners, Research With Impact and Innovative Enterprise.
Through its Future Ready Learners KRA, Swinburne will work to transform the future of education and give students the knowledge, adaptability, experience and global outlook they will need to succeed in the careers of the future. Its Research With Impact KRA will see the strengthening of the university’s global presence and reputation in order to transform industry and communities through meaningful social and economic impact whereas its Innovative Enterprise KRA will help Swinburne meet its goal to be an innovative and globally capable enterprise known for its agility and responsiveness, and is equipped to deliver excellence.
Swinburne University of Technology was first established in 1909 as a technical college in Melbourne, Australia and received its university status in 1992. In 2000, the university established its only international branch campus, in Kuching, Malaysia.
“The high regard employers have for our graduates is a reflection of the quality education we provide and our commitment to industry engaged learning,” says Deputy Vice-Chancellor and Chief Executive Officer of Swinburne University of Technology Sarawak Campus, Professor Janet Gregory.
“Our students are provided with the opportunity to apply theoretical learning to practical, real-world issues. Actively participating in a diverse and vibrant campus with multi-national students also gives them the confidence in communicating with people from around the world, thus preparing them for careers in a rapidly changing world.”
Swinburne Sarawak offers foundations studies, bachelor and master programs as well as PhDs. These courses meet the academic and professional standards required by both Malaysia and Australia.
Swinburne University is ranked in the 2016 QS rankings for its world-class graduate employability, among others. It is also listed in the 2016 Times Higher Education’s Top 100 Most International University, Times Higher Education Top 100 Under 50 rankings, an index of the world’s top universities under the age of 50, and recognised as having one of the best design schools in the world by the 2016 QS World Rankings of Universities by Subject. These reinforce Swinburne as a university with a depth of expertise in teaching and research, and one that provides practical career outcomes for its graduates.
On the local front, Swinburne Sarawak’s career office reported up to 100% employment rate for graduates from its business and engineering courses graduates whilst the overall graduate employment rate is at a high 93%.
The branch campus is rated Tier 5: Excellent in the Malaysian Qualifications Agency’s Rating System for Malaysian Higher Education Institution 2009, 2011 and 2013.