Curtin Sarawak and Polar Light sign master agreement for rental of units at Curtin Water

Curtin Sarawak and Polar Light sign master agreement for rental of units at Curtin Water

Miri – 3 November 2012 – Curtin University, Sarawak Malaysia (Curtin Sarawak) signed a master agreement with Polar Light Sendirian Berhad, developer of the Curtin Water housing project in Senadin, for the rental of 34 units of double-storey ‘Beneton’ Type B terrace houses in a simple signing ceremony held at the university campus today.

The signatories were Professor Ian Kerr, Pro Vice-Chancellor and Chief Executive of Curtin Sarawak and Ting Ka Hing, Chairman of Polar Light Sendirian Berhad.

Present to witness the signing were Curtin Sarawak’s University Life Manager Haslina Malek, Polar Light’s Managing Director Yong Tiing Hieng and other representatives of the university and Polar Light. Also present were the owners of the 34 units who have put up their properties for rental to Curtin Sarawak under the master agreement.

The signing of the master agreement confirmed Curtin Sarawak’s commitment to rent the 34 units as part of its expansion of university-managed accommodation for current and new students. The university currently has close to 3,500 students, including more than 450 international students from some 40 different countries.

The units will be leased out by Polar Light on behalf of the house owners to the university for a period of three to six years. An additional 204 beds for students will be provided at the units, which will be managed by Curtin Sarawak’s Housing Services.

As with the university’s other managed off-campus accommodation at Curtin Villa and Curtin Village, also located in Senadin, 24-hour security surveillance as well as shuttle services to and from its campus will be provided. The university also has on-campus accommodation that can house up to 302 students in six 3-storey apartment blocks.

In his welcoming speech, Professor Kerr said the agreement not only marked a new long-term collaboration with Polar Light, but also a significant expansion of Curtin Sarawak’s university-managed accommodation to cater for a growing number of students.

He added that while new on-campus housing is in the pipeline to accommodate the university’s targeted 5,000 students from the current 3,500 by 2015, they will take some time to build and for now, securing suitable off-campus accommodation was the best solution.

Meanwhile, Ting thanked Curtin Sarawak for the opportunity to provide housing for its students and said that the tastefully-designed yet functional units were well suited to students.

According to Haslina, the signing of the agreement will result in a significant increase in university accommodation from 698 to 902 beds in 2013.

“The increase in accommodation is critical to meet the growing number of students enrolling at Curtin Sarawak. While we aspire to increase on-campus accommodation, we are also mindful that students enjoy living within the Senadin neighbourhood. Curtin Water will provide our students with a secure and peaceful living environment similar to that of Curtin Village and Curtin Villa,” she said.

Haslina added that students who are interested to rent units at Curtin Water can make their bookings via the university Housing Services website.

Founded in 1993, Polar Light started off as a plywood exporting company and expanded its business portfolio into the housing development and properties industry. Curtin Water is the company’s housing project located in Senadin and designed to nestle around canal waterways with views of the wetlands nearby. The development comprises 1,074 units that incorporate contemporary designs and high-tech security management.

In addition, a wide range of facilities and amenities will be provided for residents of Curtin Water, including a fitness centre and gymnasium, tennis courts, children’s playground and park, swimming pool, club house and food and beverage amenities.

Polar Light Chairman Ting Ka Hing (seated, 5th left) and Professor Ian Kerr (seated, 6th left) with representatives of Polar Light and Curtin Sarawak and some of the houseowners

Curtin Water double storey terrace house ‘Beneton’ Type B showhouse.

Spacious living room and dining area.