Curtin hands over funds from ethnic food carnival to primary school

Miri – 2 March 2019 – Staff of Curtin University Malaysia (Curtin Malaysia) recently handed over RM4,000 raised from sales at an ‘Ethnic Food Carnival’ held at the university late last year to Sekolah Kebangsaan Temenggong Datuk Muip for the upgrading of the school’s library.

About 500 students from various disciplines participated in the carnival organised by the General Studies (MPU) Unit of the Culture and Language Studies Department at Curtin Malaysia’s Faculty of Humanities as part of the students’ studies in Ethnic Relations and Islamic and Asian Civilisation (TITAS).

MPU Coordinator Valerie Velina Nagreg, accompanied by colleagues from the MPU Unit and The Library at Curtin Malaysia, handed over the funds to SK Temenggong Datuk Muip headmistress Haimisah Sherbini and her staff during a simple ceremony at the school.

Valerie said that, in addition to fulfilling the students’ subject requirements, the aim of the carnival was to promote multicultural unity and reach out to the local community.

“The students from different ethnic communities prepared their traditional dishes, learning the traditional ways of preparation and the cultural aspects of the different cuisines. The carnival was a huge success, attracting not only our students and staff but also members of the public,” she said.

Haimisah thanked Curtin Malaysia and the students for incorporating a fund-raising drive in aid of SK Temenggong Datuk Muip in the event. She said the funds raised would go a long way to improving the school’s library.

Among those present at the carnival were Member of Parliament for Sibuti Lukanisman Awang Sauni, Haimisah and Curtin Malaysia’s Deputy Pro Vice-Chancellor Professor Beena Giridharan, who is also dean of the Faculty of Humanities.

Professor Giridharan said the event helped Curtin Malaysia’s students and staff understand more about Malaysia and its rich cultural heritage. She added that it was a good opportunity for the international students, especially, to find out more about Malaysia, how its cultures have influenced each other and contributed to creating a truly unique Malaysian culture.

“It is widely known that Malaysia’s ethnic diversity is most profound in Sarawak, being home to some 27 ethnic groups, each with its own distinct language, culture, lifestyle and, of course, food. While not all the cuisines were featured during the carnival, it was nevertheless an impressive spread that was appreciated by everyone,” said Professor Giridharan.

Meanwhile, MPU student Sherlina George commented that the event was a good learning experience for the students in developing their teamwork, entrepreneurial and management skills.

Lecturer Farahezza Hairon Nizar of the Culture and Language Studies Department (4th right) handing over the funds to teacher Zainab of SK Temenggong Datuk Muip. Headmistress Haimisah Sherbini and Valerie Velina Nagreg can be seen at 6th left and 3rd right respectively.