Curtin Sarawak and STB sign MoU on the sidelines of Curtin Career Fair

Miri – 21 September 2011 – Curtin University, Sarawak Malaysia (Curtin Sarawak) and the Sarawak Tourism Board signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) on collaborative development on the sidelines of the 2-day Curtin Career Fair 2012 which began today.

The MoU aims to develop an ongoing collaboration between both parties in the field of education, research and cultural events. This includes the attachment of Curtin Sarawak’s School of Business students to STB for an internship programme that will provide the students practical work experience and exposure to various aspects of management and operations, as well as the development of research projects in various fields of tourism in Sarawak.

The internship programme is designed to provide an overall internship experience of global exposure in areas such as international event management, best business practices, good corporate governance, performance measurement of KPIs, business and organisational transformation.

Signing for Curtin Sarawak was Pro Vice-Chancellor and Chief Executive Professor Ian Kerr while STB Chief Executive Officer Dato’ Rashid Khan signed for the tourism board. Present to witness the signing were Dean of Curtin Sarawak’s School of Business Professor Dr. Francois Therin, STB’s Head of Human Resources Jina Ason, and participants of Curtin Career Fair 2012 representing over 30 leading employers from Sarawak and West Malaysia.

Commenting on the internship programme, Dato’ Rashid said that though STB has over the years provided internship attachment for students of local universities, it was only recently that it introduced a structured internship programme for students of local and foreign institutions universities majoring in Event Management, Business Admin and Management, Tourism, Hospitality, Project management, Communications and Marketing.

According to Dato’ Rashid, the programme not only provides students with practical work experience but also exposes them to the planning, event management, financial management, operations management and marketing management aspects of the various events undertaken by STB.

Meanwhile, Professor Kerr commented that such internship was in line with Curtin’s commitment to providing its students with opportunities for learning beyond the classroom and the development of leadership and entrepreneurship skills.

He added that, in addition to allowing the students to gain practical experience in their fields of study, it will give them the opportunity to interact with industry professionals and establish extensive personal and professional networks that would give them the competitive edge in their future careers.

The signing ceremony was held in Curtin Sarawak’s Recreation and Event Centre as part of the launching ceremony for Curtin Career Fair 2012, which is seeing largest-ever number of employers being represented.

Job-seekers in and around Miri, including current students and alumni of Curtin Sarawak, are invited to visit the fair which will be held from 10.00 am to 4.30 pm on 21 and 22 September 2012. It is open to all and admission is free.

The event is being organised by the Career & Alumni Services section of Curtin Sarawak’s University Life Department in collaboration of the university’s School of Engineering and Science and School of Business.

It will offer job-seekers the opportunity to meet the employers and discuss issues pertaining to various industries, the job market, and career opportunities available.

The participating employers include Speedwing Malaysia, JobsCentral Malaysia, KPMG, Tokuyama Malaysia, Pekerjaan Piasau Konkerit, Samling Group of Companies, JobStreet.Com, Berjaya Dockyard, Shimano Components, EXEC Asia Consulting, Nestle Products, CIMB Group, Maybank, Shell People Services (Asia), Pejabat Tenaga Kerja, Destiny Properties and Recruit International Consultants.

Also participating will be Piasau Slipways, Borneo Safety Training Services, Dai Lieng Machinery, Tan Chong Group, ParkCity Everly Hotel, Petronas, Sime Darby Holdings, Sarawak Oil Palm Berhad, Wehaya Sdn. Bhd., Crowe Horwath, CPA Australia, Sarawak Information System (SAINS), CIMB Wealth Advisor, Sarawak Tourism Board, Prudential Assurance (M) Berhad and Jotun (Malaysia) Sdn. Bhd.

For more information on Curtin Career Fair 2012, contact Haslina Malek at +60 85 443877 or e-mail careers@curtin.edu.my.

Curtin Sarawak’s Pro Vice-Chancellor and Chief Executive Professor Ian Kerr.

Sarawak Tourism Board’s Chief Executive Officer Dato’ Rashid Khan.

Professor Kerr and Dato’ Rashid exchanging the MoU while Professor Dr. Francois Therin and Jina Ason look on.

The participants of Curtin Sarawak Career Fair 2012 posing for a group photo.