Curtin Malaysia hosts vibrant showcase for special needs students in Sarawak

Miri, Sarawak – 17 December 2024 – A wave of talent, courage, and community spirit swept through the Recreation and Event Centre at Curtin University Malaysia (Curtin Malaysia) as over 100 children with special educational needs brought the house down at the highly anticipated ‘Semarak Seni 5: The Hardest Singing Show’ recently.

The event, co-organised by SK Pendidikan Khas Miri, the Parent and Teacher’s Association of SK Pendidikan Khas, and Curtin Malaysia’s Health, Counselling & Disability Services, transformed the hall into a lively hub of creativity, drawing cheers and applause from participants and spectators alike.

Students and staff from six secondary schools and twelve primary schools, including those from Sarawak’s Sekolah Pendidikan Khas (SPK) and Special Education Integration Programmes (PPKI) in Miri, Baram, and Subis, showcased their vocal talents in an inspiring display of perseverance and creativity.

Representing the Miri District Education Office, Assistant Education Officer for the Special Education Unit Nur Hanini Anne Abdullah, who attended on behalf of Education Officer Mariam Monek, praised the event for its positive impact.

In her speech, Mariam underscored the transformative power of art therapy in developing focus, coordination, and confidence in students with special educational needs. She also called on parents and guardians to remain steadfast in supporting their children, while highlighting the event’s role in motivating students to actively engage with society.

The competition featured three categories – Primary School Students, Secondary School Students, and Teachers/Staff – with each performance a testament to determination and dedication.

In the Primary School Students Category, SK Jalan Bintang placed first, followed by SK Lutong and SK Pendidikan Khas Miri. SMK Luak came up tops in the Secondary School Students Category, with SMK Lutong and SMK Dato Permaisuri in second and third place respectively. Meanwhile, in the Teachers/Staff Category, SK Jalan Bintang bagged the first prize, with SK Pendidikan Khas Miri and SK Miri coming in second and third. All winners received cash prizes and certificates of participation.

Jessica Akang, Senior Counsellor of Curtin Malaysia’s Health, Counselling & Disability Services, reflected on the university’s commitment to inclusivity through its Disability Access and Inclusion Plan (DAIP) 2022–2030. She extended heartfelt gratitude to the 13 Curtin Malaysia student volunteers whose dedication ensured the event’s success.

Jessica also highlighted the involvement of vendors from underprivileged groups and individuals with special needs, further cementing Curtin Malaysia’s role as a champion of diversity, equity, and community support.

“Semarak Seni 5 was more than a competition; it was a celebration of talent, resilience, and the strength of community. Together, we showed that everyone has the power to shine and inspire,” she said.

The event concluded with cheers, laughter, and a renewed commitment to empowering students with special educational needs to dream big and embrace their potential.

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

Jessica Akang (fourth from left) presents mock cheque worth RM1,000 to SK Jalan Bintang, champions of the Primary School Students Category