Award and scholarship recipients urged to grasp opportunities on road to success

Miri – 29 April 2016 – Award and scholarship recipients at the recent annual Award and Scholarship Dinner of Curtin University, Sarawak Malaysia (Curtin Sarawak) have been urged to take full advantage of opportunities they may encounter in their ongoing studies or future careers.

Addressing the over 155 award and scholarship recipients at the dinner, former deputy chief minister and Pro-Chancellor of Curtin Sarawak, Datuk Patinggi Tan Sri Dr. George Chan, said the event was a time to celebrate the students’ excellence in academia, leadership, service and personal character, and in so doing, celebrate the promise they represent of even greater accomplishments in the future.

He added that while they should take great care in preparing themselves to succeed, they should not limit their options and be prepared for any eventuality.

“No one can know for sure what opportunities life will offer. One can be sure, however, that enthusiasm, preparation, self-discipline, and good character will lead to numerous opportunities. In addition, one can be sure that achievement in one area will lead to other, sometimes totally unanticipated opportunities,” he added.

The event, held at a local 5-star hotel, was the varsity’s ninth award and scholarship dinner and was attended by senior executives of Curtin University including Acting Chancellor Sue Wilson, Vice-Chancellor Professor Deborah Terry and Deputy Vice-Chancellor (International) Professor Seth Kunin.

Also present were Datu Dr. Hatta bin Solhi, Chairman of Curtin (Malaysia) Sdn. Bhd.; Curtin Sarawak Pro Vice-Chancellor, President and Chief Executive Professor Jim Mienczakowski; and members of the Curtin Sarawak Council, Board of Directors and Management Board, as well as deans and management staff of Curtin Sarawak and representatives of the award sponsors.

The award sponsors were ACCA Malaysia, Asian Institute of Chartered Bankers, Bintulu Development Authority, CPA Australia, Crowe Horwath, Ernst & Young, Institution of Engineers Malaysia Miri, KPMG, Miri Chinese Chamber of Commerce and Industry, Polar Light, Sarawak Information Systems, Samling Group of Companies, Sarawak Higher Education Foundation, Sarawak Shell Berhad, Shin Yang Group of Companies, SIRIM Measurements Technology, Tokuyama Malaysia, Vantage Productions, Wan Ullok Jugah Chin & Co Advocates, Yayasan Sarawak, Datuk Patinggi Tan Sri Dr George Chan and Datuk Dr Lee Kim Shin.

They sponsored awards for academic merit in various business, engineering, science and humanities disciplines, as well as awards for outstanding achievement in a national competition, leadership and community contribution.

Among the award recipients were students who made it into the Vice Chancellor’s List created in 1991 to acknowledge and recognise outstanding performance by undergraduate students and promote an intellectual culture among students, as well as graduates of Curtin’s elite John Curtin Leadership Academy development programme.

Scholarships from Curtin University, Curtin Sarawak and the government of Western Australia were also presented to deserving students. They included the Curtin Sarawak Scholarships for Foundation, Undergraduate and Postgraduate Research studies; Bill Nichol’s Scholarship; Dean’s Scholarship; Pro Vice-Chancellor’s Scholarship; and Western Australia Premier’s Scholarships.

In his opening speech, Professor Jim Mienczakowski said he was impressed by the students’ level of scholastic achievement and the strength of their commitment to their studies, and that it was a reminder of how important a good education is. He also stressed that it is important for students to enjoy what they do in order to excel.

“Enjoyment breeds enthusiasm and passion. If you are enjoying yourself and derive a sense of achievement in everything you do, you will continue to be successful. You will find that many of your achievements are a direct result of your enthusiasm and passion for what you do,” he remarked.

Professor Mienczakowski thanked the award sponsors for their support and expressed hopes that their support would extend beyond awards and scholarships. He said that as Curtin Sarawak continues to grow, there will be many other opportunities for collaboration.

The Curtin Sarawak Award & scholarship Dinner 2016.

Vice-Chancellor Prof Deborah Terry presenting to a Vice-Chancellor’s List recipient.

Pro-Chancellor Datuk Patinggi Dr George Chan presenting a Curtin Sarawak scholarship as Prof Mienczakowski looks on.

Group photo with the award sponsors.