Curtin Sarawak hosts dinner for visiting Perth delegation

Miri – 21 October 2016 – Curtin University, Sarawak Malaysia (Curtin Sarawak) hosted a dinner recently to welcome Curtin University Chancellor Colin Beckett and his entourage from the university’s main campus in Perth, Australia and also to bid farewell to outgoing and long-serving Curtin (Malaysia) Sdn Bhd chairman of over 17 years Datu Dr Hatta bin Solhi.

In his welcoming speech, Pro Vice-Chancellor, President and Chief Executive of Curtin  Sarawak Professor Jim Mienczakowski warmly welcomed the Perth delegation to Miri and thanked Hatta for his substantial support and contributions over the years.

“Today, we mark the first visit of Chancellor Colin Beckett, who is visiting along with Vice-Chancellor Professor Deborah Terry, Deputy Vice-Chancellor International Professor Seth Kunin and Chief Financial Officer David Menarry.

“It is also an occasion to show our appreciation to a man who has done so much for Curtin Sarawak, including playing a leading role in its establishment, governance and management over the last 17 years.

“He is none other than our long-serving chairman of our Board of Directors and campus council member Datu Dr Hatta Solhi.”

Hatta’s successor, Datu Ose Murang,  who was  also  present, is  no  stranger  to  the  public  as  he has served the state civil service for over 37 years, including a period as Miri Resident and more recently as deputy state secretary before his retirement.

Pro-Chancellor of Curtin Sarawak Datuk Patinggi Tan Sri Dr George Chan, who was presented with a birthday cake to mark his 80th birthday recently, was also present.

In his speech, Dr Chan said Curtin Sarawak is proud to be a part of Curtin University and successfully delivering an Australian education to students from a multitude of countries for 17 years, not to mention its many achievements in teaching and learning, research, industry partnerships, student development and community engagement.

“Curtin Sarawak has a very positive and bright future and I hope all of us will continue working towards achieving even greater success for the campus,” Dr Chan said.

Earlier, Professor Terry presented Hatta with a token of appreciation and a birthday gift to Dr Chan.

Members of Curtin Sarawak Council, Board of Directors and Management Board, Deputy Pro Vice-Chancellor Professor Beena Girdharan, Chief Operating Officer Kingsley Francis Charles, faculty deans, managers and some 200 staff of Curtin Sarawak were among the diners.

Vice-Chancellor Deborah Terry presenting Datuk Patinggi Dr Chan a birthday gift.

Datu Dr Hatta receiving a farewell gift from Professor Mienczakowski.

Datuk Patinggi Dr Chan and Datu Dr Hatta cutting cake.

Chancellor Colin Beckett (centre) with VIP guests proposing a toast.

Evening made more colourful by performances by Kumpulan Ngendau cultural group.