Campus romance re-visited

Miri – 8 March 2011 – Campus romance was revisited recently when James Yap Ming Tzer and Hii Ling Chee, former students of Curtin University, Sarawak Malaysia (Curtin Sarawak), decided to have their pre-wedding portraits shot at the university campus.

The couple, who have since graduated with bachelor degrees in Civil and Construction Engineering, said Curtin Sarawak was a fitting location for their photo session as it was where they first met and where their relationship blossomed.

“Coming back to the campus for our photo shoot brings back many fond memories. I have always found its environment very charming and pleasing to the eye, particularly the man-made lakes, the lush greenery and vast lawns,” remarked James.

He also thanked the university management for the opportunity to have their photographs taken in the lecture theatre, classrooms and laboratories which he and Ling Chee knew so well as students.

Sam Tan, the man behind the camera and owner of the Frozen in Time studio here in Miri, agreed that the Curtin Sarawak campus was very scenic and its unique landscape features and Australian-inspired buildings very inspiring and suitable for outdoor photo shoots.

Vivian Aren Imang of the university’s General Administration Department, who was instrumental in arranging for the once-in-a-lifetime photo session for James and Ling Chee, also concurred.

She said the campus, completed in 2002 and considered one of the most modern in the region, does indeed offer unique photo opportunities due to its stylish architectural buildings that complement the university’s state-of-the-art facilities and equipment.

A large man-made lake, an integral feature of the campus, and the distinctive red brick walls of the buildings give the campus the ‘Curtin’ look of its parent campus in Perth.

The design of the campus and buildings combine new technology with a local flavour. The buildings not only incorporate high-tech materials and passive solar design to take advantage of the environment, but are also oriented to give the campus the overall appearance of a pua kumbu, Sarawak’s traditional woven fabric. Indigenous art and motifs are also featured on the glass walls in its lecture theatre and elsewhere throughout the campus.

The campus’ residential buildings are separated from the academic buildings by lakes and a canal, with the landscaping reflecting the Sarawak environment of constant greenery and water.

According to Vivian, the campus currently comprises the first two stages of a RM400 million campus that will eventually accommodate up to 10,000 students. Presently, there are some 3,000 students from over 40 countries studying at Curtin Sarawak, a joint venture between Curtin University of Western Australia and the Sarawak State Government.

Those who wish more information on conducting photo sessions at Curtin Sarawak, or hiring  its facilities for a variety of events including exhibitions, training, meetings and conventions, social events and even garden weddings, can contact Vivian at 085-443 939 ext. 1202 or e-mail her at vivian.i@curtin.edu.my. Terms and conditions apply.