MIRI: The Department of Civil and Construction Engineering at Curtin University Malaysia recently hosted a field trip to the Lambir Water Treatment Plant managed by LAKU Management Sdn. Bhd.
According to the university, the purpose of the visit was to afford students the chance to glean valuable insights into the water treatment process and to deepen their understanding of how engineering projects are designed, planned, and supervised to meet the nuanced requirements of local communities.
The delegation of 36 students was led by the Head of the Department of Civil and Construction Engineering, Assoc Prof Ir. Wong Kwong Soon, along with lecturers Ir. Dr. Christine Yeo Wan Sieng, Carrie Ho Lee Ing, Dr. Paran Gani, and Dr. Tan Yee Yong, as well as lab manager Helda Puyang Jau.
“During their time at the facility, the students, guided by Project Engineer Dorothy Mayang Patrick and Corporate Affairs Officer Arthur Andrew Jo, received a detailed presentation on the plant’s background and operational protocols. This session provided them with a thorough understanding of the various stages of water treatment and the importance of these processes in delivering safe drinking water to the community.
“The group toured the plant, beginning with the raw water intake, which presented them with the opportunity to observe the initial phase of treatment where water is collected from natural sources. This experience offered insights into the challenges of raw water collection and the strategies implemented to maintain its safety and quality,” the university said.
Yong Jia Yi, a second-year civil engineering student, described the visit as revelatory, providing him with an expanded perspective on water treatment operations. Fellow second-year student Rishone Chu Pu Dhong expressed gratitude to LAKU Management for the chance to engage with the water treatment process, saying it enhanced his comprehension of the engineering principles involved in such infrastructure.
“Such site visits allow students to translate theoretical knowledge into practical understanding, bridging the gap between classroom instruction and actual engineering practices. They afford students a closer look at the equipment, processes, and systems discussed in their coursework, thereby enriching their educational experience,” Assoc Professor Ir. Dr. Wong said.
He further noted that these visits provide a platform for students to engage with industry professionals, fostering a clearer vision of their future careers in the engineering field.
