Curtin Sarawak Open Day to be an educational and fun experience for all

Miri – 17 August 2012 – All visitors to the upcoming Curtin Sarawak Open Day 2012 on 15 September 2012 can expect an educational experience in addition to a variety of fun activities and entertainment.

This was disclosed by the chair of the Curtin Sarawak Open Day organising committee, Nicholas Leong, at a press conference at Eastwood Valley Golf & Country Club on Monday.

Curtin Sarawak Open Day 2012 will be held from 10 am to 5 pm at the campus of Curtin University, Sarawak Malaysia (Curtin Sarawak) in Senadin. Over 5,000 people attended last year’s event and the organisers are targetting attendance of over 6,000 this year.

According to Leong, who is the university’s Corporate Communications Manager, Curtin Sarawak Open Day is a special occasion each year when the university invites the local community, as well as visitors from surrounding towns and neighbouring Brunei Darussalam, to visit its campus and discover what it has to offer in terms of academic programmes, facilities and campus life.

At the same time, there will be a variety of attractions, including an Innovation Expo, academic talks, Future Students’ Booth, Student Support Services Showcase, Charity & Community Corner, Kiddies Corner, Green Mobility Revolution Showcase, blood donation drive, free health checks, food and drink stalls featuring specialities from a number of countries, retail stalls and product displays.

In addition, there will be stage performances, a ‘Miri Got Talent’ competition, Mr. & Miss Curtin contest and Photography Exhibition featuring the work of Curtin Sarawak staff and students, as well as lucky draws offering attractive prizes including specially imported electric motorcycles and Samsung Tab 2 (7.0), Samsung Galaxy S Advance and Samsung Galaxy Ace Plus tablet and smart phones.

“There will be something for everyone, from adults and students to young children, and we will try to ensure that everyone has a most fulfilling day,” said Leong.

The theme for the event is ‘Make Tomorrow Better’ in line with Curtin University’s brand  identity as a forward-looking international research-focused and teaching university that aims to be among the top 20 universities in Asia by the year 2020.

Furthermore, as in previous years, it will be a ‘green’ event in support of Curtin Sarawak’s environmental sustainability programme and Miri’s goal of becoming a ‘green city’, as well as a charitable event in support of local charitable and community causes.

“This year, we are looking to strike a balance between the academic and entertainment aspects and ensure that an educational experience is to be derived from almost every aspect of the event,” added Leong.

He gave examples of how student clubs affiliated to Curtin Sarawak’s School of Business and School of Engineering and Science, as well as leadership and entrepreneurship clubs under its University Life and Student Recruitment departments, will be showcased as part of the Innovation Expo. A new Student Support Services Showcase will also be introduced for the first time. In addition, children visiting the Kiddies Corner will get to learn about science and technology in a fun and innovative way.

According to Leong, the Curtin Sarawak Open Day is a collaborative effort between the event organising committee comprising staff and the student council of the university and the Miri City Council, which is lending its support to the event for the third consecutive year.

The event is also being supported by some 24 corporate sponsors, and participants will include 12 local companies and businesses, the Miri City Council and about 10 non-governmental organisations. Curtin Sarawak’s three schools and six departments within the university, as well as 27 of its student clubs will also be taking part.

“All in all, there will be some 40 stalls featuring food and beverages and products, and about 20 booths promoting charitable and community causes. Add the Innovation Expo, Future Students’ Booth, Green Mobility Revolution Showcase, Student Support Services Showcase, Kiddies Corner, Miri Got Talent competition and other attractions, and we will have quite a significant event,” said Leong.

“Overall, Curtin Open Day 2012 promises to be a most eventful day for everyone, whether you’re keen to know more about studying at Curtin Sarawak; the latest in engineering, science and technology; how you can help save the planet or support charitable causes, or simply want enjoy great food and a day of fun and festivities,” added Leong.

Federal Minister of Energy, Green Technology and Water Datuk Seri Peter Chin Fah Kui will officiate at the event opening ceremony.

Also attending are the chair of the Curtin Sarawak Council, Datuk Patinggi Tan Sri Dr. George Chan Hong Nam; Sarawak Assistant of Communications and Assistant Minister of Sports and chair of the Curtin Sarawak Management Board, Datuk Lee Kim Shin; Political Secretary to the Minister of Energy, Green Technology and Water Dato’ Sebastian Ting; Miri Division Antonio Kahti Galis; Mayor of Miri Lawrence Lai, Curtin Sarawak’s Pro Vice-Chancellor Professor Ian Kerr, Deputy Pro Vice-Chancellor Professor Alistair Inglis and Chief Operating Officer Nicholas Ching.

Nicholas Leong (3rd from right) and members of the Curtin Sarawak Open Day 2012 organising committee displaying the event logo.