Curtin Sarawak and its graduates make their mark

Miri – 10 April, 2009 – After only ten years as the first international university in Sarawak, Curtin University of Technology, Sarawak Malaysia (Curtin Sarawak) has produced about 1,500 graduates, said Sarawak Deputy Chief Minister Datuk Patinggi Tan Sri Dr George Chan Hong Nam at Curtin Sarawak’s Graduation Ceremony 2009 on 3 April 2009.

“We should be proud that Curtin Sarawak has made its mark in Sarawak, establishing a reputation for the quality and number of graduates it produces,” said Dr Chan, who is also the chairman of the Curtin Sarawak Council, in his occasional address to the graduates, their families and invited guests.

“We have also worked hard to achieve strategic alliances and networking with reputable corporate organisations,” he said, adding that such alliances contribute greatly to the quality education Curtin Sarawak students receive as well as to their employability when they enter the workforce.

Also witnessing the graduation in Curtin Sarawak’s new Recreation & Events Centre were the chancellor of Curtin University of Technology, Gordon Martin, vice-chancellor Professor Jeanette Hacket, Curtin Sarawak pro vice-chancellor and chief executive Professor John Evans and Assistant Minister of Infrastructure Development and Communication Lee Kim Shin, who is the chairman of the Curtin Sarawak management board.

The graduation, which was one of several events held in conjunction with Curtin Sarawak’s 10th Anniversary celebration, saw 285 students graduating with degrees in philosophy, engineering, science, technology, commerce, business administration and arts, as well as graduate certificates in tertiary education.

 “I am sure all of you know that your journey does not end here. All of you are now ambassadors for the university. I trust that you will make full use of your qualifications in the professions you have chosen, for the betterment of society, country and region,” he said.

Dr Chan went on to stress that as graduates they must not only deal with chemicals, machines and people at all levels in their respective organisations, but also possess positive attributes like high integrity and positive attitude, and adopt a continuous learning culture.

He also commended the dedicated lecturers and tutors of the various academic faculties who have contributed immensely towards nurturing quality graduates at Curtin Sarawak.

On hand to give an inspirational address to the graduates was the former vice-chancellor of Curtin University of Technology and, as a member of the first Curtin Sarawak Protem Council, regarded as one of the ‘founding fathers’ of Curtin Sarawak, Professor Dato Lance Twomey.

Valedictorians for the graduation were Oh Jie Hui, a Bachelor of Commerce graduate majoring in marketing and public relations representing graduates of the School of Business, while Bay Yeo Yang Sheng, a Bachelor of Engineering graduate majoring in civil and construction engineering, represented graduates of the School of Engineering and Science.

The packed Recreation & Events Centre.

Datuk Patinggi Tan Sri Dr George Chan delivering his occasional address.

Professor Dato Lance Twomey giving the inspirational speech.

Chancellor Gordon Martin conferring degree on graduate.

A section of the graduates from the School of Engineering & Science.