Award and scholarship recipients urged to grasp unanticipated opportunities on the road to success

Miri – 28 April 2015 – Award and scholarship recipients at the recent annual Award and Scholarship Ceremony of Curtin University, Sarawak Malaysia (Curtin Sarawak) have been urged to take advantage of any unanticipated opportunities they may encounter in their ongoing studies or future careers.

Addressing the 52 award and 69 scholarship recipients at the dinner, former deputy chief minister and pro-chancellor of Curtin Sarawak Datuk Patinggi Tan Sri Dr. George Chan Hong Nam said the event was a time to celebrate excellence in academia, leadership, service and personal character among Curtin Sarawak’s students, and in so doing, celebrate the promise they represent of even greater accomplishments in the days and years ahead.

He added that while they should take great care in preparing themselves to succeed, they should not limit their options and be prepared for any eventuality.

“No one can know for sure what opportunities life will offer you in the future. You can be sure however that enthusiasm, preparation, self-discipline, and good character will lead to numerous opportunities. In addition, you can be sure that achievement in one area will lead to other, sometimes totally unanticipated opportunities,” he added.

The event, the varsity’s eighth award and scholarship ceremony, saw students being recognised for academic excellence, outstanding extracurricular activities and community service contributions.

Among them were students who made it into the Vice Chancellor’s List created in 1991 to acknowledge and recognise outstanding performance by undergraduate students and promote an intellectual culture among students.

This award sponsors this year comprised ACCA Malaysia, Bintulu Development Authority, CPA Australia, Crowe Horwath, Ernst & Young, Institution of Engineers Malaysia, Institution of Mechanical Engineers, Keysight Technologies, KPMG, Miri Chinese Chamber of Commerce and Industry, Murphy Sarawak Oil Co Ltd, Polar Light Sdn Bhd, Sarawak Information Systems Sdn Bhd (SAINS), Samling Group of Companies, Sarawak Higher Education Foundation, Shell Malaysia, Shin Yang Group of Companies, SIRIM Measurements Technology Sdn Bhd, Tokuyama Malaysia Sdn Bhd, Wan Ullok Jugah Chin & Co, Yayasan Sarawak, Datuk Patinggi Tan Sri Dr George Chan Hong Nam, Datuk Dr Lee Kim Shin and Dato Sri Celestine Ujang Ak Jilan.

Scholarships from Curtin University, Curtin Sarawak and the government of Western Australia were also presented to deserving students. They included the Curtin Sarawak Scholarships for Foundation, Undergraduate and Postgraduate Research studies; Bill Nichol’s Scholarship; Dean’s Scholarship; Pro Vice-Chancellor’s Scholarship for international students; Faculty of Business and Humanities and Faculty of Engineering and Science Scholarships for Undergraduate studies; and Western Australia Premier’s Scholarship.

In his opening speech, Curtin Sarawak Pro Vice-Chancellor Professor Jim Mienczakowski said he was impressed by the students’ level of scholastic achievement and the strength of their commitment to their studies, and that it was a reminder of how important a good education is.

He thanked the award sponsors for their support and expressed hopes that their support would extend beyond awards and scholarships. He said that as Curtin Sarawak continues to grow, there will be many other opportunities for collaboration.

Present at the dinner were 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 Solhi; former federal Minister of Energy, Green Technology & Water Tan Sri Peter Chin Fah Kui; and Miri mayor Lawrence Lai.

Representing Curtin Sarawak’s Australian parent campus were acting chancellor Sue Wilson; Vice-Chancellor Professor Deborah Terry and Provost & Senior Deputy Vice Chancellor Professor David Wood.

Also present were members of Curtin Sarawak’s council, board of directors and management board; deans and management staff of Curtin Sarawak; representatives of the award sponsors, and family members of the award and scholarship recipients.

Pro Vice-Chancellor Prof Jim Mienczakowski giving welcoming speech.

Pro-Chancellor Datuk Patinggi Dr George Chan presenting a Curtin Sarawak scholarship as Prof Mienczakowski looks on.

Vice-Chancellor Prof Deborah Terry presenting to a Vice-Chancellor’s List recipient.

Datuk Patinggi Dr George Chan delivering occasional address.

Group photo with the award sponsors.