Curtin Malaysia donates 30 computers to rural school, bridging the digital divide in Miri

Miri, Sarawak – 15 July 2025 – In a move to bridge the digital divide and empower rural students through technology, Curtin University Malaysia (Curtin Malaysia) has donated 30 desktop computers to SK Kelapa Sawit No. 3, giving the school’s students and teachers access to digital tools essential for 21st-century learning.

The donation was part of Curtin Malaysia’s broader community outreach to uplift under-resourced schools in Sarawak. The computer handover ceremony was held at the Curtin Malaysia campus and attended by representatives from both the university and SK Kelapa Sawit No. 3.

Leading the Curtin Malaysia representatives was Professor Vincent Lee Chieng Chen, Pro Vice-Chancellor, President and Chief Executive, accompanied by Chief Operating Officer Sharon Chong Pau Fang, ICT Director Dr. Richard Hari Chandra Pany, and Corporate Affairs Manager Nicholas Leong. The school was represented by headmistress Mawar Sibli and teaching staff members Vince Untai, Hamzah Mahdi, Bryan Jolien, Mohd. Zul Haziq Samti, Mohd. Idham Othman, and Nur Fatihah Mohd. Kamal.

In his address, Professor Lee underscored the university’s deep commitment to digital inclusion and education equity across Sarawak. “This initiative transcends hardware provision – it unlocks digital access, fosters quality education, and paves the way for a more inclusive future,” he stated. Highlighting the ongoing challenges faced by rural schools, Lee noted that resource limitations often stifle student potential despite their inherent talent.

He also lauded Sarawak’s Free Tertiary Education Scheme, which is set to begin in 2026, calling it a ‘groundbreaking step’ in making higher education accessible for all Sarawakians, regardless of socioeconomic background.

Headmistress Mawar Sibli expressed heartfelt thanks on behalf of her school. “These computers are a game-changer for our students. They will open up new learning opportunities, particularly in science, technology, and digital literacy – areas that are increasingly vital in today’s world,” she said.

The collaboration reflects Curtin Malaysia’s enduring mission, as a Sarawak Government-owned institution, to build capacity in local communities, strengthen access to education, and nurture the next generation of innovators and leaders in the region.

For more information on Curtin Malaysia, visit its website at curtin.edu.my, or look for Curtin Malaysia on Facebook, Twitter, Instagram, YouTube, LinkedIn or TikTok.

Prof Lee (6th left) symbolically hands over the computers to Mawar Sibli, witnessed by Chong (to Lee’s right), Leong (2nd left), Dr. Richard (4th left), and teachers