Curtin Malaysia welcomes February 2025 intake for English Enhancement Programme for Sarawakian students

Miri, Sarawak – 19 February 2025 – Curtin University Malaysia (Curtin Malaysia) recently welcomed its first intake of 300 students undergoing the highly anticipated English Enhancement Programme (EEP) in 2025.

This initiative, backed by Yayasan Sarawak and now in its second year, marks a major step forward in empowering local youth with the English language skills essential for success in higher education and beyond.

Present to welcome the students was Curtin Malaysia’s Chief Operating Officer Sharon Chong, who addressed the students with an inspiring message of opportunity and ambition. “This programme is more than just an English course; it is an investment in your future,” Chong said. “By strengthening your English proficiency, we are preparing you not only for academic success but also to meet the global job market’s ever-evolving demands.”

Students enrolled in the free-of-charge EEP at Curtin Malaysia come from diverse regions of Sarawak, including Miri, Subis, Bintulu, Limbang, Lawas, Sibu, Baram, Mukah, Niah, and Matu. The programme’s fully-funded nature ensures that financial constraints do not hinder access to quality education, with a generous RM300 stipend provided to support students’ living expenses during the course.

A standout feature of the EEP is the provision of free accommodation at the Curtin Malaysia campus for outstation students, helping create an immersive and inclusive learning experience. This initiative enables students to focus on their studies without the distraction of accommodation concerns, fostering a supportive and collaborative environment for learning.

In her speech, Chong highlighted the importance of the programme within the context of Sarawak’s broader educational and workforce development goals. “Our aim is to provide you with the confidence and language skills to excel in academic settings, whether it is engaging in discussions, writing impactful essays, or presenting your ideas with clarity,” she stated. “Upon completing this programme, you will be ready to embrace tertiary education with enhanced critical reading, communication abilities, and academic self-assurance.”

Beyond the immediate impact on students, the EEP serves as a testament to the powerful partnership between Curtin Malaysia and Yayasan Sarawak. Curtin Malaysia is one of five higher education institutions owned by the Sarawak Government through Yayasan Sarawak. This collaboration ensures that local students have the tools and support they need to thrive in their academic and professional journeys.

Furthermore, students who successfully complete the EEP will receive academic credits towards select Curtin Malaysia courses, providing an added incentive for those considering further studies at the university. The programme aligns with Curtin Malaysia’s mission to provide high-quality Australian education to Sarawakian students, supported by financial assistance schemes like Yayasan Sarawak’s BP40 Bursary Scheme, scholarships, and student loans.

For more information, visit Curtin Malaysia’s website at curtin.edu.my or follow Curtin Malaysia on Facebook, Instagram, YouTube, Twitter, LinkedIn, and TikTok.

Members of Curtin Malaysia’s management team with the latest cohort of EEP students

Muhamad Rahman Sallehin, Manager of External Engagement, briefing students on Yayasan Sarawak’s scholarship opportunities