Thousands of visitors get glimpse of campus life during Curtin Malaysia Open Day

Miri – 21 October 2017 – The strong winds and heavy rain that lashed Miri last Saturday hardly dampened the spirits of staff and students of Curtin University, Malaysia (Curtin Malaysia) and other participants of its eleventh Curtin Malaysia Open Day.

Nor did it deter over 4,000 members of the public, including potential students and some 500 secondary school students, from visiting the campus and getting a glimpse of life at Curtin University’s largest international campus and global hub in Asia.

Besides exciting faculty showcases and competitions, visitors got to enjoy perennial features like stage shows and food, beverage and retail stalls run by student clubs and local enterprises, as well as an art exhibition.

There was also a ‘Community Corner’ that showcased various charitable and community causes and included the ‘Curtin Malaysia GoBald Satellite Shave’ in which over 30 students and members of the public shaved their heads in support of the Sarawak Children’s Cancer Society.

Themed ‘Discover, Experience, Interact’, the event was geared to giving visitors insights into Curtin Malaysia, including opportunities to explore facilities and interact with staff and current students.

Among the highlights was the ‘Future Students Hub’ where future students got to meet marketing staff and get information on courses and the ‘Faculty Showcases’ highlighting the teaching and research excellence of Curtin Malaysia’s three faculties and graduate school.

At the Faculty Showcases, visitors got to try their hand at simple lab experiments and learn about the applications of science, engineering and technology in industry and everyday life, as well as business concepts and the world of media and communication.

In addition, there were faculty-run competitions involving secondary school students from Sarawak and Sabah and members of the public.

The main competition was the ‘Curtin Croc Challenge’, Curtin Malaysia’s iconic crocodile electronic early warning system design competition organised by its Faculty of Engineering and Science and Office of Research and Development, in which 26 school and open category teams took part.

Other competitions were the ‘Curtin’s Next Top Entrepreneur’ and ‘Battle of The Brains Trivia Challenge’ organised by the Faculty of Business and Faculty of Humanities respectively. There was also be the grand final of the ‘Curtin Gaming Championship’, the annual online video game competition organised by the Faculty of Engineering and Science.

Next to its graduation ceremonies, the Open Day is Curtin Malaysia’s most anticipated annual event. First started in 2006, it has become an annual fixture and a key event in its calendar of student recruitment and brand-building events. Each year, it involves a massive logistical effort and the support of a large number of staff and students and attracts visitors by the thousands.

This year’s Open Day was especially significant as it was the first ‘Curtin Malaysia’ Open Day following the campus’ re-branding to Curtin Malaysia this year, and it was held as part of the year-long celebrations to mark Curtin University’s 50th Year.

Curtin Malaysia Pro-Chancellor Datuk Patinggi Tan Sri Dr George Chan said he was pleased that Curtin Malaysia continues to be competitive and relevant in the ever-changing education landscape in Malaysia and internationally.

“This open day is a great opportunity for us to give visitors a unique, interactive and fun educational experience as well as encourage them to take up higher education with us,” he said at the opening ceremony of the event.

Also present at the launch were Sarawak Assistant Minister for Tourism Datuk Lee Kim Shin, who is chairman of Curtin Malaysia’s management board, and Curtin Malaysia chairman Datu Ose Murang.

Dr Chan said Curtin Malaysia was proud to have outstanding staff and students who help build its reputation across Malaysia and abroad.

“Malaysia is an emerging international education destination and our location in Borneo can be a huge attraction, offering the perfect combination of location, education, quality and affordability,” he said.

Datuk Patinggi Dr Chan at the opening ceremony.

Visitors learn about environmental engineering.

Visitors intrigued by specimens at applied geology showcase.

Visiting students try simple lab experiments.

Cultural dance to showcase cultural studies.

Marketing staff counselling future students.

One of the student-run food stalls.

Team pitching its project at Curtin Croc Challenge.