Africa Day celebrated at Curtin Malaysia

Miri – 21 August 2019 – Students from a number of African countries studying at Curtin University Malaysia (Curtin Malaysia) gathered recently with fellow students and staff from other countries to celebrate ‘Africa Day’.

Held at the university’s Recreation and Event Centre, the event to celebrate the cultural diversity of the African continent was organised by Curtin Malaysia’s International Students Association (ISA) with support from the Curtin Malaysia Student Council.

The colourful festivities included performances of music, singing and poetry and a showcase of African cuisine. There was also a parade of national flags borne by students of the various African countries.

African students and staff at Curtin Malaysia come from a number of nations, including Botswana, Egypt, Ethiopia, Gabon, Ghana, Kenya, Libya, Mauritius, Mozambique, Nigeria, Seychelles, South Sudan, Tanzania, Uganda, Zambia and Zimbabwe.

Curtin Malaysia’s Chief Operating Officer, Ir. Pieter Willem Pottas, who is originally from South Africa, officiated at the event. In his opening speech, he said marking Africa Day, which is usually celebrated across Africa on 25 May to commemorate the foundation of the Organisation of African Unity in 1963, is a good way of acknowledging the origins and contributions of Curtin Malaysia’s African students and teaching staff.

“It is great to see so many of our African community coming together with students and staff of other nations to celebrate all that is unique and great about Africa,” said Pottas.

He thanked the ISA and the African students for organising the event and expressed hopes that it will continue to be held in future years to help build a more welcoming and inclusive campus community that celebrates diversity. He said this was very important as Curtin Malaysia continues to attract more international students each year.

“We at Curtin Malaysia take great pride in our cultural diversity and the fact that Curtin is ranked as one of the world’s most international universities. Curtin’s campuses are vibrant, welcoming places that value diversity and difference, and foster a forward-thinking culture for our students, staff and the wider community. We want everyone to feel welcome and a part of our university,” said Pottas.

Meanwhile, Nigerian business student Abiola Michael Chike said he was proud to see so many members of the campus community from different countries attending and showing their appreciation of African identity and culture.

ISA committee and African students in photo-op with senior management and Student Services staff of Curtin Malaysia.

Organising chairperson Denny Kove from Zimbabwe.

Chief Operating Officer Ir Pieter Willem Pottas addressing the students.

Students in colourful African ‘Dashiki’ attire.

Students sampling Nigerian Jollof Rice.

Some of the international students who attended the Africa Day event.