Curtin Malaysia students spread festive cheer at Methodist Children’s Home ahead of Chinese New Year

Miri, Sarawak – 27 January 2026 – The spirit of giving and community came alive as Curtin University Malaysia (Curtin Malaysia) brought early Chinese New Year cheer to the children of the Methodist Children’s Home Miri through a meaningful community outreach initiative.

Organised by Curtin Malaysia’s Faculty of Business in collaboration with the School of Pre-University and Continuing Education (SPACE), the programme involved ten students and four academics under the MPU3412 Team Leadership and Community Service unit. The initiative combined hands-on service, teamwork, and social responsibility – hallmarks of Curtin Malaysia’s commitment to holistic education.

As part of the programme, the students rolled up their sleeves for a spring-cleaning activity, refreshing the home’s facilities in preparation for the festive season. In addition, the students led a fundraising effort, supported by anonymous donors and Curtin Malaysia alumni, successfully raising RM1,000. The contribution was formally presented to the home’s representative, Shirley Liew, to support the home’s ongoing needs.

The initiative was spearheaded by the Faculty of Business Teaching and Learning Committee, chaired by Dr. Fayrene Chieng, and co-led by Dr. Lynn Ling Yew Hua and Dr, Ting Qian Hui. Academic teams from both the Faculty of Business and SPACE coordinated and supervised the programme.

Dr. Chieng said the activity exemplified the core learning outcomes of the MPU3412 unit. “This programme reflects what we aim to nurture in our students – leadership through service, effective teamwork, and empathy grounded in real community engagement,” she said.

Dr. Ling highlighted the students’ strong sense of ownership throughout the project. “From planning and execution to fundraising and follow-through, the students demonstrated commendable initiative and a genuine commitment to making a positive difference,” she noted.

Dr. Ting expressed appreciation to the donors and alumni whose generosity made the initiative possible. “Beyond the tangible contribution, this experience reinforced the importance of partnership, social responsibility, and learning beyond the classroom,” she remarked.

Shirley Liew expressed her gratitude to Curtin Malaysia, noting that both the students’ assistance and the donation would help the home prepare more comfortably for the upcoming Chinese New Year celebrations.

The Faculty of Business and SPACE reaffirm their commitment to meaningful community engagement initiatives that not only support local communities in Sarawak, but also equip students with leadership skills, compassion, and a strong sense of civic responsibility.

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(Standing 5th left) Dr Ting, Shirley Liew, Dr Ling and students pose with children from the Methodist Children’s Home Miri.

A student representative presents a donation to Shirley Liew, witnessed by Curtin Malaysia staff and students