BRAINnovation@Curtin 2011 to introduce students to crucial traits for a successful university career

Miri – 21 January 2011 – In its ongoing efforts to introduce Curtin University, Sarawak Malaysia (Curtin Sarawak) as a leading international tertiary educational and knowledge centre to the community, the university’s School of Foundation and Continuing Studies is organising its ‘BRAINnovation@Curtin 2011’ workshop for secondary school students on 12 February 2011.

According to Beena Giridharan, Dean of the School of Foundation and Continuing Studies, the one-day workshop will give the students an insight into what it takes to have a successful learning experience in university.

The workshop will include sessions on leading by example, creative thinking, transformative knowledge and having the right attitude.

“They will learn how to acquire knowledge that transforms learners and initiate innate interests that will help them to be leaders in their own fields, as well as how to apply knowledge that creates constructive changes. It will furthermore challenge them to be inquisitive about their surroundings, and also teach them that a positive and responsible attitude will take them a long way,” said Beena.

In addition, there will be an icebreaker session and activities with the Curtin Volunteers! (CV!s), the university’s student volunteer organisation.

Invitations to the workshop will be extended to over 100 Form 4 and Form 5 students from secondary schools in Miri and possibly from international schools in Brunei as well. School counsellors are encouraged to send their students to participate in the event.

The workshop programme will run from 8.30 am to 4.30 pm, with lunch and tea break provided. Participation is free and those interested to participate are encouraged to register before 8 February 2011.

A key focus of the School of Foundation and Continuing Studies is working with the community and schools to improve literacy, raise awareness of education opportunities, and enhance English language proficiency among secondary school students, as well as introducing new learning methodologies for mathematics and science subjects.

In addition, through its community outreach activities, the school regularly raises funds for organisations and establishments in Miri that are in need of help. A walkathon organised by students and staff of the school last semester, for example, helped raised some RM8,000 for three organisations in Miri.

For more information on BRAINnovation@Curtin 2011 and the School of Foundation and Continuing Studies’ community outreach activities, contact Beena at +60 85 443847, or e-mail her at beena@curtin.edu.my.

Secondary school students at a previous workshop organised by the School of Foundation and Continuing Studies.

Beena Giridharan, Dean of the School of Foundation and Continuing Studes.