Curtin Sarawak appoints new Chief Operating Officer

Miri – 16 December 2011 – Curtin University, Sarawak Malaysia (Curtin Sarawak) is pleased to announce the appointment of Mr. Nicholas Ching Lai Hock as Chief Operating Officer, following the departure of Mr. James Ng Kian Seng, who has held the position for the last three years.

“We are delighted to have Nicholas take on the responsibility of planning and overseeing the continued expansion of our campus, managing all its operational aspects, and providing the environment conducive to the effective delivery of Curtin’s programmes here in Malaysia,” said Pro Vice-Chancellor and Chief Executive of Curtin Sarawak, Professor Ian Kerr.

Mr. Ching brings with him a wealth of experience in the education industry spanning over 25 years, during which he held many key administrative and academic positions in leading educational institutions. He was previously the Principal and Chief Executive of Genting INTI International College in Genting Highlands, Chief Operating Officer of The Otomotif College in Petaling Jaya, and Chief Executive and Regional Chief Executive in the SEG International Group of colleges.

Taiping-born Mr. Ching holds a Bachelor of Arts (Honours) degree in Economics and Social Science from Universiti Malaya and a Master of Human Resource Development degree from
Universiti Putra Malaysia.

He is a certified financial planner and his administrative roles have included managing business, marketing and product development; operations and academic management; international marketing and recruitment; media planning and corporate affairs; and campus renovations and upgrades.

As an academician, he has taught various subjects such as entrepreneurship, marketing principles and strategies, economics, commerce and finance, and quantitative studies.

Possessing a charming and affable manner, Mr. Ching foresees an enjoyable task ahead of him at Curtin Sarawak. In line with Curtin’s vision to be positioned among the top 20 universities in Asia by 2020, Mr. Ching’s focus would be on improving students’ satisfaction, including their learning environment and facilities and services available on campus.

He said it is important to provide a high quality learning experience for students to prepare and nurture them for their future careers. Thus, all staff of Curtin Sarawak must work together to meet the students’ needs.

On a personal level, he is involved in a number of community service organisations such as the Lions Club and believes strongly in giving back to the community through participation in community service activities.

Curtin Sarawak is the Malaysian offshore campus of Curtin University in Western Australia, established in partnership with the Sarawak State Government. It offers undergraduate and postgraduate courses identical in most aspects to those offered at its parent campus, as well as courses at pre-university level that feed directly into its undergraduate programmes. With some 3,400 students from over 40 countries, Curtin Sarawak offers a unique international and cross-cultural learning experience and is committed to multi-cultural and international engagement in all its activities. For more information on Curtin Sarawak, visit its website at www.curtin.edu.my or call +60 85 443 939.

Curtin Sarawak’s new Chief Operating Officer, Nicholas Ching Lai Hock.