Curtin Sarawak graduates told to hold true to themselves

Miri – 7 May 2012 – Members of the graduating class of 2011 of Curtin University, Sarawak Malaysia (Curtin Sarawak) were told by the chairman of the Curtin Sarawak Campus Council, Datuk Patinggi Tan Sri Dr. George Chan, to hold true to themselves as they tackle the inevitable changes of the future.

He made the call when addressing the graduates at Curtin Sarawak’s School of Business and Diploma Graduation Ceremony and School of Engineering and Science Graduation Ceremony recently.

“Your contribution to the world will not be measured by the money you make or the accolades you receive, but rather by the way in which you share our unique gifts with the world. And the only place to find those gifts is within yourselves,” he remarked.

Datuk Patinggi Tan Sri Dr. Chan, who is the former Deputy Chief Minister of Sarawak, said he was proud that Curtin Sarawak has produced close to 3,000 graduates since its establishment in 1999.

He was also pleased that, as Curtin University’s largest international campus, Curtin Sarawak is committed to Curtin’s aim to be an international leader shaping the future through its graduates and research, and to be positioned among the top 20 universities in Asia by 2020.

“We nurture innovative and creative minds who are job-ready and geared to better the future when they graduate. Therefore, you should stand proud that you are graduating with the best Australian education and a fulfilling, life-changing learning experience,” he said.

The School of Business and Diploma Graduation Ceremony saw 14 postgraduate degrees in project management, marketing, finance and business administration being conferred, in addition to 208 undergraduate degrees in arts, business and commerce, and 56 diplomas in business and process plant technology.

Meanwhile, at the School of Engineering and Science Graduation Ceremony, 10 postgraduate students graduated with Doctor of Philosophy, Master of Engineering, Master of Science and Master of Technology degrees; and 152 with undergraduate degrees in various engineering, science and technology disciplines.

Close to 800 family members of the graduates attended the two ceremonies, many of whom flew in from other parts of Malaysia and overseas to witness the graduation of their children and siblings.

Also in attendance were Curtin University Acting Chancellor Chris Bennett and Vice-Chancellor Professor Jeanette Hacket; the chairmen of the Curtin Sarawak Management Board and Curtin (Malaysia) Sendirian Berhad, Datuk Dr. Lee Kim Shin and Datu Dr. Hatta Solhi; and Pro Vice-Chancellor amd Chief Executive of Curtin Sarawak, Professor Ian Kerr.

Commenting on the graduating cohort of 2011, Professor Kerr said their graduation was an important milestone for them as it marked not just the completion of your studies and their readiness to enter the workforce, but also their attainment of Curtin’s graduate attributes.

He said that, in a highly competitive and increasingly global working environment, graduates need every advantage they can get to advance and improve their marketability and Curtin Sarawak continually seeks to equip its graduates with the ability to apply their knowledge, and the ability to be critical and creative thinkers in solving practical problems and serving the larger community.

He added that graduates also need to be technologically savvy and research smart, commit themselves to a lifetime of continual learning, and be the best they can be profession-wise, in addition to being international citizens in tune with the world and culturally sensitive when interacting with others.

“I am glad that many of our graduates have applied these attributes to the fullest and have established themselves as major contributors to industry and community, nationally and internationally,” he said.

In congratulating the parents of the graduates, Professor Kerr said they sent their children to Curtin Sarawak not just because of its high standards and reputation for excellence and innovation, but because they valued education and knew that if their children were educated, there is no limit to what they can accomplish.

Valedictorian Fabian Aong from Diploma Programme giving his speech.

Valedictorian from School of Business, Ling Yi Kai, giving his speech.

A graduate receiving her certificate from Acting Chancellor Chris Bennett as Datuk Patinggi Tan Sri Dr George Chan looks on.

The graduating class of 2011 from the School of Business.