Curtin Sarawak achieves new milestone with opening of new Faculty of Engineering and Science Building

Miri – 27 October 2016 – Curtin University, Sarawak Malaysia (Curtin Sarawak) achieved another milestone in infrastructure development and education with the opening of its new Faculty of Engineering and Science building earlier this month.

The RM20 million building is a significant addition to the campus facilities, bringing further enrichment of the learning experience for a student population now exceeding 4,000, and also a catalyst for its strategic growth in the coming years.

Chancellor of Curtin University, Colin Beckett, officiated at the opening ceremony which was also attended by top management officials from Curtin Perth and Curtin Sarawak.

Among them were pro-chancellor of Curtin Sarawak and former Sarawak deputy chief minister Datuk Patinggi Tan Sri Dr George Chan, outgoing chairman of Curtin Sarawak’s board of directors Datu Dr Hatta Solhi, incoming chairman Datu Ose Murang, and chair of the Curtin Sarawak Management Board Datuk Dr Lee Kim Shin.

Vice-chancellor of Curtin University Professor Deborah Terry, deputy vice-chancellor (International) Professor Seth Kunin, chief financial officer David Menarry, pro vice-chancellor and chief executive of Curtin Sarawak Professor Jim Mienczakowski, deputy pro vice-chancellor Professor Beena Giridharan and chief operating officer Kingsley Francis Charles were also present.

Beckett in his speech said the new building marked a key milestone for Curtin Sarawak that strongly reflected its ongoing growth and success.

“This Curtin Sarawak campus proudly stands as a tribute to the bold vision and determination of those in Malaysia and Australia, who 17 years ago, believed a world-class campus could be established in Miri, and had the foresight to envisage the outstanding success it is today,” he said.

Beckett went on to say that the campus will play a key role in Curtin University’s new global positioning strategy that will see a further expansion of Curtin’s global footprint through strategic international alliances, partnerships and well integrated campuses.

He added that its campuses had to be viewed with equal importance while connections and collaborations across locations had to become more embedded in their daily practices.

“In the face of increased international student mobility and demands for higher education, Curtin has a comprehensive global market positioning strategy to ensure we remain a destination of choice for international students – whether they choose to enroll in Australia, Sarawak, Singapore or engage with us online,” he said.

Dr Chan meanwhile remarked that Curtin’s very strong and well-respected engineering courses were core to Curtin Sarawak’s strengths and despite all the challenges facing the sector, it has innovatively enhanced its engineering offerings, as well as implemented various ways to provide a quality learning experience for its students.

“As a result, student demand for our engineering courses remains strong and our engineering qualifications enjoy high standing in industry,” he said.

In her speech, Professor Terry said Curtin Sarawak’s core objectives are to be a world-class campus with a reputation for first class teaching; producing excellent graduates for Malaysia and the region; conducting high quality research focused on local problems and opportunities; and contributing in a major way to the socio-economic development of Sarawak.

“Nearly 20 years since its establishment, the opening of this new science and engineering building is testament to the fact that the campus is well on track to meeting these objectives,” she said.

The new Faculty of Engineering Science building is a signature work of architecture and landmark for the campus’ Skylark Precinct, which previously consisted of two buildings housing the faculty’s laboratories and workshops. Its offices and teaching areas were located in the neighbouring Prinia Precinct.

The four-storey building brings together the administrative and teaching facilities, housing three lecture halls of 160 to 240 seats on the ground floor, four classrooms of 56 to 84 seats on the first floor, lecturer and meeting rooms on the second floor, and offices and more meeting and discussion rooms on the top floor.

It includes learning spaces equipped with the latest technological advances in teaching and learning to support active student learning and facilitate two-way delivery of material between Curtin Sarawak and the Curtin campuses in Perth or Singapore.

“It is the capacity to build bi-directional links in both teaching and research that are the hallmarks of a genuine global university,” remarked Professor Terry.

Chancellor Colin Beckett addressing the gathering of top management officials, industry partners and staff.

Vice-Chancellor Professor Deborah Terry giving her speech.

Group photo of top management officials from Sarawak and Perth campuses.

Miring ritual by Iban elders was part of the opening ceremony.

Group photo of top management with cultural performers.

The new Faculty of Engineering and Science Building.