Curtin Sarawak launches commemorative book to mark its 15th anniversary

Miri – 5 May 2014 – Curtin University, Sarawak Malaysia (Curtin Sarawak) recently marked its 15th anniversary with the launch of a commemorative book titled ‘Curtin Sarawak: Moving Ever Forward’.

The 130-page book chronicles the genesis and key milestones of Curtin Sarawak, as well as highlights its achievements, both by staff and students, over the last 15 years. Produced by an editorial and design team led by deputy pro vice-chancellor Professor Yudi Samyudia took some six months to complete.

The book launch was part of a 15th Year Anniversary Event held in the university’s new 400-seat auditorium, attended by members of its campus council, board of directors and management board, in addition to invited guests, a 7-member delegation from Curtin University in Western Australia led by Acting Chancellor Sue Wilson, and almost 200 staff and students of Curtin Sarawak. The event also saw the launching of Curtin Sarawak’s new library by the vice chancellor of Curtin University, Professor Deborah Terry.

Curtin Sarawak pro vice-chancellor and chief executive Professor Jim Mienczakowski said the book is dedicated to Head of State Pehin Sri Haji Abdul Taib bin Mahmud, who as chief minister of Sarawak, played an instrumental role in the establishment of Curtin Sarawak, along with former deputy chief minister and Curtin Sarawak Council chair Datuk Patinggi Tan Sri Dr George Chan Hong Nam.

The book also highlights the contributions of others such as Prime Minister Dato Seri Najib Tun Abdul Razak, who as education minister approved Curtin Sarawak’s establishment, as well as Assistant Minister of Communications and chair of the Curtin Sarawak Management Board, Datuk Dr Lee Kim Shin; former Curtin University Chancellor Harry Perkins AO; chair of Curtin (Malaysia) Sdn Bhd, Datu Dr Hatta bin Solhi; and the many early pioneers from both Curtin in Australia and Sarawak who ensured the campus got off to a successful start.

Professor Mienczakowski also acknowledged the contributions of chief minister Tan Sri Datuk Amar Adenan Satem, who served as a member of the campus council from 2000 to 2012.

“Such men and women of vision made the dream of a higher education institution in Miri a reality. Due to their outstanding efforts, Curtin Sarawak now stands proud as a testimony to the vision, endeavour, courage and perseverance of people from two separate nations, prepared to work in harmony to achieve a great and worthwhile goal,” he said.

Joining Professor Mienczakowski in launching book were Datuk Patinggi Tan Sri Dr Chan, Sue Wilson, Professor Terry, Datuk Dr Lee and Datu Dr Hatta.

During the event, both Datuk Patinggi Tan Sri Dr Chan and Vice Chancellor Professor Terry spoke at length about the early and ongoing partnership between Curtin University and the Sarawak State Government in the development of Curtin Sarawak. Both expressed confidence that the partnership will continue to flourish and that Curtin Sarawak will have an even greater role to play in the development of Sarawak, particularly in the area of research and development.

The book, Curtin Sarawak: Moving Ever Forward.

Professor Mienczakowski introducing the book.

Vice Chancellor Professor Deborah Terry giving her speech.

Datuk Patinggi Tan Sri Dr Chan and Prof Terry presenting a copy of the book to Acting Chancellor Wilson while Prof Mienczakowski, Datuk Dr Lee and Datu Dr Hatta look on.