48 enrolled in Curtin Sarawak’s January Intake Programme

Miri – 24 January 2011 – The January Intake Programme offered by Curtin University, Sarawak Malaysia (Curtin Sarawak) recently kicked off its five-week programme with an enrolment of 48 students from all over Malaysia.

The students comprised mainly school leavers who are currently waiting for their SPM and STPM results. The January Intake Programme allows school leavers to take the Ministry of Higher Education (MoHE)’s compulsory subjects for entry into tertiary studies (Malaysian Studies and Islamic or Moral Studies) before the actual start of the academic year. Uundergraduate and pre-university programmes at Curtin Sarawak start in February and March respectively.

This gives them a significant head start on their university careers at Curtin Sarawak should their SPM or STPM results prove adequate for entry into any of the undergraduate or pre-university programmes offered.

Current students of the university can also use their free time during their current year-end school break to complete the MoHE subjects, which they would otherwise have to complete in the course of their normal studies.

In addition to the MoHE subjects, the programme incorporates the ‘Essentially Curtin’ module, which offers subjects in English Language, Critical Thinking and Computing Skills, Time Management, Mind Mapping and Learning Styles.

This 10-hour per week module enables the students to adapt to the university environment as well as acquire the essential skills for a successful tertiary education.

Among the current students in the programme is Mohd. Fakhrul Faiz from Johor Bahru, who expressed satisfaction with the programme and is settling in well in the university.

“I chose Curtin Sarawak here in Miri because I believe the environment is conducive for study. I have found the people here to be very friendly, which has made it a lot easier for me to settle in,” said Mohd. Fakhrul who plans to enrol in the civil engineering programme in the university’s School of Engineering and Science.

Joanne Radu, a current student enrolled in the programme and a native of Miri, shared the same sentiments. She related that her friends who are senior students of the university had recommended that she enrol in Curtin Sarawak, and she is pleased at having made the right choice.

“The courses offered here are affordable and the quiet and peaceful environment of the campus makes for a good place to study,” said the Diploma of Business student.

This is the second year the January Intake Programme is being offered after a very successful intake with a similar number of students last year.

Curtin Sarawak, established in 1999 in partnership with the Sarawak State Government, is Curtin’s first and largest international branch campus. It offers a wide range of undergraduate and postgraduate courses identical to those at Curtin’s main campus in Perth, Australia, as well as an exciting stimulating, industry-focused learning environment with excellent teaching methods and state-of-the-art facilities.

Students at Curtin Sarawak gain valuable work experience interacting with local and international industry professionals, learn from lecturers with real industry experience, and indulge in a unique international and cross-cultural learning environment studying with students from over 40 different countries.

Courses at Curtin Sarawak are endorsed by the Malaysian Ministry of Higher Education, Malaysian Qualifications Agency (MQA) and professional bodies both locally and overseas, ensuring wide recognition.

The university is one of eight granted self-accreditation status by the MQA and achieved a Tier 5 or ‘Excellent’ rating in its SETARA rating of institutions of higher learning, which placed Curtin Sarawak among the top 18 universities in Malaysia.

To best meet student and industry needs, Curtin Sarawak applies Curtin’s ‘triple-i’ model, which ensures industry links, intercultural and indigenous awareness and interdisciplinary study are embedded into each course curriculum. As a result, students receive a diverse, challenging and rewarding education grounded in the real world, and are job-ready when they graduate.

For more information of Curtin Sarawak, visit its website at www.curtin.edu.my or e-mail enquiries@curtin.edu.my.

Mohd. Fakhrul Faiz settling in well at Curtin Sarawak.

Joanne Radu is happy to have made the right choice.