Curtin Sarawak lecturer to coach students on being champions in upcoming SPM

Miri – 24 August 2010 – For the second year running, Curtin University, Sarawak Malaysia (Curtin Sarawak) is helping Form Five students prepare for the upcoming SPM examination by holding SPM workshops geared towards motivating them and helping them develop their academic skills, as well as alleviate the anxiety and guesswork that comes with preparing for examinations.

The series of workshops themed ‘How To Be A Champion’ will begin in Bintulu on 27 August 2010, and continue in Sibu on 28 August, Kuching on 29 August and Miri on 18 September respectively.

They will be facilitated by highly-experienced, award-winning lecturer Terence Tan of the university’s School of Engineering and Science, who promises to bring out the champions in participating students.

Participation is free but seats are limited and those interested to participate are urged to register early to avoid disappointment.

The workshop in Bintulu will be held at ParkCity Everly Hotel Bintulu, while those in Sibu and Kuching will be held at RH Hotel and Grand Continental Hotel Kuching respectively. All the workshops will be from 2 pm to 5 pm.

The workshop in Miri, meanwhile, will be held in conjunction with Curtin Sarawak’s Open Day 2010 event and will feature two sessions (morning and afternoon) in the university’s Harry Perkins Lecture Theatre. Those interested to participate have the option of attending either session.

Students from secondary schools in Bintulu, Sibu and Kuching have been invited to participate in the workshops, and as there are limited seats available, registration will be on a first-come-first-served basis. Registration forms are to reach Curtin Sarawak’s Marketing Department no later than 23 August 2010.

Secondary schools in Miri will also receive invitations to send their students for the workshop at the Curtin Sarawak campus soon. The deadline for registration for Miri students is 8 September 2010.

“As a leading educational institution in East Malaysia with vast experience in providing study support for its students, Curtin Sarawak wishes to support local secondary school students as well through these workshops. It is our way of giving back to the community; to show our appreciation for its support through the years,” said Marketing Officer Michael Kong, who is coordinating the workshops.

“In addition, we hope to make an impression on the students so that they will consider Curtin Sarawak for further studies when they leave secondary school,” he added.

According to Kong, students attending the workshops will gain valuable insights from Tan, a graduate of Imperial College London and inspiring lecturer who has successfully motivated his students to not only excel in their studies, but also win in state and national-level competitions. He was a winner of Curtin’s Excellence and Innovation in Teaching Award in 2008 and Curtin Sarawak’s Students’ Choice Award for three consecutive years.

“I am very passionate about teaching and the development of students as individuals. I believe learning should be inspiring and thought-provoking and, most of all, enjoyable and fulfilling. That is what we will try to achieve in these workshops,” said Tan.

Further information on the workshops can be obtained by contacting Kong at 013-8018656, faxing 085-443838, or e-mailing michael.kong@ .curtin.edu/.my.

Curtin Sarawak lecturer Terence Tan to facilitate SPM Workshops in Bintulu, Kuching, Sibu and Miri.