91 Curtin students graduate with GippsTAFE diplomas

Miri – 30 April 2014 – 91 students of Curtin University, Sarawak Malaysia (Curtin Sarawak) graduated with diplomas awarded by the Central Gippsland Institute of TAFE (GippsTAFE) at the graduation ceremony of its School of Continuing Studies recently.

The graduates comprised 44 graduating with Diplomas of Business, 10 with Diplomas of Instrumentation and Control Engineering, 22 with Diplomas of Occupational Health and Safety, and 15 with Diplomas of Process Plant Technology.

The ceremony also witnessed the awarding of a Certificate IV in Training and Assessment by GippsTAFE to Natallee Faith Kwan, an associate lecturer of diploma studies (technical) in the School of Continuing Studies’ Department of Diploma Studies, as well as GippsTAFE Excellent Student Awards to students in the various diploma programmes.

In his welcome speech during the ceremony, Curtin Sarawak pro vice-chancellor Professor Jim Mienczakowski reminded the graduates to continually adapt and to refine and enhance the skills they have developed in a lifelong learning context.

“Lifelong learning is a fundamental attribute that ensures that you have the skills to adapt to an uncertain future,” he said.

He also advised them to ‘follow their hearts’ in whatever path they choose so that they are more likely to do what you are doing well.

“If you do things well, doors will open and opportunities that you may have never dreamed of will present themselves. In other words, you will be applying what you already know to new and exciting contexts, and thus engaging in lifelong learning,” he remarked.

He added that, from the perspective of professional development and the fulfillment of learning potential, this can very critical in a highly competitive and increasingly global working environment, where graduates will need every advantage they can get to advance and improve their marketability.

Also present the ceremony was former chief minister and chair of the Curtin Sarawak Council, Datuk Patinggi Tan Sri Dr George Chan Hong Nam; Assistant Minister of Communications and chair of the Curtin Sarawak Management Board, Datuk Dr Lee Kim Shin; chairman of Curtin (Malaysia) Sdn Bhd, Datu Dr Hatta bin Solhi; chair of the GippsTAFE Board of Directors, John Mitchell; and chief executive officer of GippsTAFE, Dr Peter Whitley.

In his occasional address, Datuk Patinggi Tan Sri Dr Chan said that he was proud that the 91 graduates were joining the ranks of Curtin Sarawak’s many diploma graduates who have gone on to successful careers in industry, both within Malaysia and overseas.

He went on to say that they should continue to be ambassadors of Curtin Sarawak and GippsTAFE, to show that they are not only technically or academically competent, but also possess emotional intelligence, able demonstrate positive attributes like high integrity and a positive attitude, as well as adopt a continuous learning culture.

Meanwhile, John Mitchell, in his speech said he was pleased to witness the outcomes achieved through the partnership between GippsTAFE and Curtin Sarawak.

On the diploma programmes delivered at Curtin Sarawak, which have strong industry support, he said the close association with industry has ensured that the graduates are highly valued and consequently many have gained employment following their graduation and a strong demand continues for more graduates.

“We look forward to further expanding our suite of offerings to meet the skills base required in Malaysia and more particularly here in Sarawak. Skill sets required for the very important Malaysian Government initiative, the Sarawak Corridor of Renewable Energy, will help determine the nature of any additional programmes,” he added.

The diploma courses at Curtin Sarawak are delivered through a partnership with GippsTAFE established in 2008. The diplomas are awarded under the Australian Qualifications Framework and delivered by qualified Curtin Sarawak academics using the university’s modern teaching and learning facilities. They are nationally endorsed qualifications in Australia and are also recognised by the Malaysian Qualifications Agency (MQA) and Malaysian Public Services Department (JPA).

In addition to student awards, GippsTAFE offers scholarships for outstanding students from Malaysia to pursue their diploma studies at Curtin Sarawak.

Academics and graduands.

The academic procession entering the hall.

Dr Peter Whitley, Professor Jim Mienczakowski and John Mitchell.

Taking their last steps towards graduation.

Datuk Patinggi Tan Sri Dr George Chan delivering his occasional address.