The Graduate Professional Programme (GPP) 2026 was successfully held on 8 April 2026 at Dewan Seminar PITAS, Universiti Malaysia Sarawak (UNIMAS), in conjunction with the Talent Recruitment and Career Exhibition (TRACE). The programme was designed to provide a meaningful platform for students to engage directly with industry professionals, fostering greater awareness of career pathways, industry expectations, and emerging trends across engineering and related fields.
A key highlight of the programme was the career forum titled “The Future Engineer: Skills, Technology and Industry Expectations.” The session brought together a distinguished panel of speakers who shared valuable insights drawn from their professional journeys and industry experience:
- Ir HJ Azuan Bin Abu Talib, Head of Project Quality Management, Project Delivery Department, Sarawak Energy Berhad, and a proud UNIMAS alumnus (Class of 2002, Mechanical Engineering).
- Ms. Dahlia Hamdan, Account Manager – Channel Partner Sarawak (Executive), PETRONAS Dagangan Berhad, and a UNIMAS alumnus (Class of 2004, Electronic & Telecommunication Engineering).
- Ms. Sofea Noor Asyiqin Binti Ismael, Civil and Structural (C&S) Engineer at Perunding Azra, and a UNIMAS alumnus (Class of 2018).
The forum was skillfully moderated by Mr. Edison Chia Yi Loong, who guided the discussion effectively, ensuring a dynamic and engaging exchange that remained highly relevant to the student audience. The session covered key topics including the evolving role of engineers, the impact of technological advancements, and the essential skills required to remain competitive in today’s workforce.
Held from 11:00 a.m. to 1:00 p.m., the programme attracted strong student participation and engagement throughout. The interactive nature of the forum encouraged meaningful dialogue, allowing students to gain first-hand perspectives on industry expectations while seeking advice on career readiness and professional growth.
We extend our sincere appreciation to all students who attended and actively contributed to the success of the programme. Your enthusiasm and thoughtful participation greatly enriched the session. We also express our deepest gratitude to the panelists for their generous sharing of knowledge, experiences, and professional insights. Their contributions have provided students with valuable guidance and a clearer understanding of future career opportunities and challenges.
Report provided by Dr Ervina Junaidi