Award and scholarship recipients urged to take advantage of unexpected opportunities

Miri – 7 May 2013 – Award and scholarship recipients at the recent Award and Scholarship Ceremony of Curtin University, Sarawak Malaysia (Curtin Sarawak) have been urged to take advantage of any unexpected opportunities they may encounter.

Addressing the over one hundred recipients, former Sarawak deputy chief minister and chair of the university’s council Datuk Patinggi Tan Sri Dr. George Chan, said, “Remain enthusiastic always, continue aiming high and pursuing excellence in all that you do, set lofty goals, persevere through adversity, and be sure to leave yourself open to the wonderful, unexpected opportunities that await you.”

He said that while excellence, leadership, integrity and strength of character, in addition to service to others, setting goals and pushing oneself to achieve them, are the basic ingredients of success and fulfilment in life, opportunity and disappointment also shape our essential makeup and character.

“How well we adapt and adjust to unanticipated setbacks and blessings can be as important as how well we plan our future. No one can know for sure what opportunities life will offer. One can be sure, however, that enthusiasm, preparation, self-discipline, and good character will lead to numerous opportunities,” he stated.

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

Among them were students who made it into the Vice Chancellor’s List and graduating student ambassadors of the John Curtin Leadership Academy, Curtin’s elite leadership programme.

This year’s award sponsors comprised ACCA, Bintulu Development Authority, CPA Australia, Crowe Horwath, Ernst & Young, GippsTAFE, Halliburton Energy Services, Institution of Engineers Malaysia, KPMG, Miri Chinese Chamber of Commerce and Industry, Miri City Council, Murphy Oil, Petronas, Polar Light, SAINS, Samling Group of Companies, Sarawak Higher Education Foundation, Shell Malaysia, Shin Yang Group of Companies, Tokuyama Malaysia, Wan Ullok Jugah Chin & Co., Yayasan Sarawak, Datuk Patinggi Tan Sri Dr. George Chan, Datuk Lee Kim Shin, Datuk Amar Haji Awang Tengah Ali Hassan and Dato Sri Celestine Ujang.

Scholarships from Curtin and the government of Western Australia were also presented to deserving students. They included the Curtin Sarawak scholarships for foundation, undergraduate and Higher Degree by Research (HDR) study; Bill Nichol’s Scholarship and Pro Vice-Chancellor’s Scholarship for Engineering; the School of Engineering and Science’s scholarships for foundation and undergraduate engineering study; Dean’s Scholarship for Business; the School of Business’ foundation and undergraduate business scholarships; and the Western Australia Premier’s Scholarship.

In his opening speech, Curtin Sarawak Pro Vice-Chancellor and Chief Executive Professor Ian Kerr 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 the acting chancellor of Curtin University, Chris Bennett; Vice-Chancellor Professor Jeanette Hacket, and Deputy Vice-Chancellor International Professor David Wood; chairman of Curtin (Malaysia) Sdn. Bhd., Datu Dr. Hatta Solhi; and chair of the Curtin Sarawak Management Board, Datuk Lee Kim Shin.

Also present were members of Curtin Sarawak’s council, board of directors and management board; a delegation of senior management staff of Curtin University in Perth, Western Australia; and deans and management staff of Curtin Sarawak.

Datuk Patinggi Tan Sri Dr. George Chan, Chris Bennett and Prof. David Wood.

Prof. Ian Kerr delivering his opening speech.

Vice Chancellor Prof. Jeanette Hacket presenting Vice Chancellor’s List award.

Group photo with award sponsors.