Curtin Malaysia reimagines SK Tudan Resource Centre as vibrant learning hub

Miri, Sarawak – 2 September 2026 – More than 600 pupils and teachers at Sekolah Kebangsaan (SK) Tudan came together on 28 August to celebrate a new chapter for their school’s learning environment with the official launch of the “Dreams in Bloom: SK Tudan Resource Centre Reimagined” project.

The project has transformed a once-neglected room into a vibrant and welcoming learning hub for the school’s more than 1,000 pupils, complete with refurbished furniture, new furnishings, computers and improved facilities.

The launch was officiated by Dato Sri Lee Kim Shin, Minister for Transport Sarawak and Chair of the Curtin Malaysia Management Committee, who commended Curtin Malaysia for leading the initiative under Curtin University’s International Acts of Service programme.

In his address, Dato Sri Lee praised the collaboration between Curtin Malaysia and SK Tudan, highlighting the mobilisation of more than 120 volunteers from across the university community.

“By mobilising over 120 volunteers in close cooperation with SK Tudan, this project stands as a prime example of high-impact corporate social responsibility,” he said.

He added that creating a more inclusive and engaging learning environment contributes to United Nations Sustainable Development Goal (SDG) 4: Quality Education, while emphasising that a resource centre should be viewed as an essential part of a school rather than a luxury.

He also expressed hope that stronger partnerships between higher education institutions and schools would continue to contribute to human capital development across Sarawak.

Curtin Malaysia Pro Vice-Chancellor, President and Chief Executive Professor Vincent Lee Chieng Chen said the project reflects the university’s commitment to making a meaningful difference beyond its campus.

“For Curtin Malaysia, education does not stop at the campus gates. Education also means bringing positive change to the community and helping the younger generation see the possibilities for their future,” he said.

For SK Tudan Headmistress Lim Ai Giok, the transformation goes beyond the physical improvements.

“This reimagined resource centre is far more than just a physical room with new furniture and computers; it has brought renewed hope, inspiration and joy to our entire school community,” she said.

Led by Curtin Malaysia’s Corporate Affairs and Library & Learning Commons departments, the transformation took shape during an intensive two-day gotong-royong on 1 and 2 August 2026. More than 120 Curtin staff, students and alumni, together with SK Tudan teachers, rolled up their sleeves to clean, repaint, reorganise and revitalise the space.

The project also demonstrated how collaboration and the creative reuse of resources can support sustainable community development, contributing to SDG 12: Responsible Consumption and Production.

Community and industry partners played an important role in bringing the project to life. Haluan Cekap Sdn Bhd donated refurbished office cabinets, tables and chairs, while the Sarawak ICT Association (Miri Branch) contributed 12 refurbished desktop computers. Miri City councillor and Curtin alumnus Councillor Leslie Lau sponsored the interior paint and carpets.

Curtin Malaysia contributed refurbished bookshelves and tables, as well as two air-conditioning units, five new computer monitors and other essential furnishings.

The result is a refreshed resource centre designed to encourage pupils to read, explore, learn and imagine new possibilities for their future.

Also present at the launch were Jumari bin Hashim, Miri District Education Officer; Rahizan bin Ahmad, PETRONAS General Manager of Strategic Advisory; Mohd Zul Fadzlee bin Samat, PETRONAS Manager of Land Management; Angelina Juna, Director of Haluan Cekap Sdn Bhd; and Yong Chee Tak, Chairman of Sarawak ICT Association (Miri Branch).

Representing Curtin Malaysia were Nicholas Leong, Manager of Corporate Affairs; Chin Li Yen, Manager of Careers and Alumni Relations; Christina Urai Dang, Head of Library; and Terry Justin Dit, Interim Head of the Media and Communication Department, Faculty of Humanities and Health Sciences.

For more information on Curtin Malaysia, visit curtin.edu.my or follow Curtin Malaysia on Facebook, X (Twitter), Instagram, YouTube, LinkedIn or TikTok.

Pupils celebrate the launch of the reimagined SK Tudan Resource Centre.

Dato Sri Lee Kim Shin, Curtin Malaysia and SK Tudan representatives and guests pose after signing the commemorative plaque.

Professor Vincent Lee with the project committee, sponsors and guests.

Dato Sri Lee Kim Shin signs the project banner at the launch.

Professor Vincent Lee presents a certificate of appreciation to Lim Ai Giok.