Curtin Sarawak plays host to the Chancellor and Vice Chancellor of Curtin University of Technology

MIRI, 17 November 2006 – Curtin Sarawak plays host to two top figures of Curtin University of Technology – Chancellor Gordon Martin and Vice Chancellor Professor Jeanette Hacket. The guests were officially welcomed by Curtin Sarawak Pro Vice-Chancellor, Professor John Evans, Dean of Curtin Professor Ruth Marquis and YB Lee Kim Shin.

The visit gave the VIPs an opportunity to witness the signing of several MOUs (Memorandum of Understanding) between Curtin Sarawak with key industry leaders in Miri, to participate in panel sessions, meet staff members and to learn more about the recent developments of the Sarawak Campus.

“Miri has been spoken about down at Bentley (Campus in Western Australia) and I’ve been listening. Everyone down there is incredibly proud of what has been achieved here. The relationship between the two campuses is strong and is growing stronger” said Martin.

In his welcoming speech, Martin – previously a chemical engineer – talked about the similar changes taking place in both Miri and Perth in the oil and gas industry. He identified this as an area which Curtin University of Technology is focusing on, and one, in which the Curtin Sarawak campus will play a leading role. “The oil and gas business is exciting. The energy world has gone through enormous change – enormous growth – and that presents enormous opportunity. It’s also a sector that Curtin is focusing on, and it’s an area that Miri has real knowledge, expertise and relevance to.”

Martin was appointed as Chancellor of Curtin in June this year. This is his first visit to the Sarawak Campus. Jeanette Hacket first visited the campus 7 months ago. She was appointed as Curtin’s Vice–Chancellor in April this year. Prior to her appointment Hacket was Curtin’s Deputy Vice Chancellor, and she has served as Curtin’s Pro–Vice Chancellor International & Enterprise from 2002 to 2004. She has worked extensively in Asia and with Curtin Sarawak.

Hacket describes Curtin Sarawak as a “wonderful hub of learning and knowledge, something which contributes to the community enormously here in Miri but also Sarawak more generally, and also contributes to the ongoing development of this region its something which we’ve all been enormously proud of. Curtin University of Technology is very proud of this campus; it’s one of the jewels in our crown.”

In her speech at the morning’s welcoming ceremony, and later at an afternoon meeting with all of Curtin staff member’s present, Hacket talked about Curtin’s vision and missions for the future. “The work of Curtin Sarawak fits in very closely with the larger vision for Curtin University of Technology,” she said. Curtin’s vision is “shaped by the changing world in which we operate and undoubtedly will change with time. Curtin University of Technology wants to be a leading university in education and research, serving our wider community.”

Hacket emphasised the importance of research at Curtin, along with the commitment to quality education. “Our university is committed to the broader based education of our students – putting students first, making sure we meet their needs, and making sure we meet the community’s needs,” she said.

“Curtin University of Technology sees itself as being an international university located in Perth. Our vision is that we will grow and we will best contribute to Australia’s future by contributing to our wider region,” she said.

After the Chancellor and Vice–Chancellor’s addresses, YB Lee welcomed the visitors, presenting them with a plaque on behalf of the university. The Chancellor thanked YB Lee for his continuing work for and support of Curtin Sarawak. “All your help along the way is recognised and you’ve been an integral part of the growth of Curtin. I think we can all feel justifiably proud of what we’ve got here.”

Curtin University of Technology is internationally renowned as a leading education provider. Curtin’s main campus in Perth, Western Australia is the Bentley Campus. Curtin Bentley offers a large number of degree courses, many of which are also offered at Curtin Sarawak. The Curtin Sarawak courses are exactly the same in content, delivery and examination as the corresponding courses taught at Curtin Bentley. Curtin degrees are awarded under the Australian Qualifications Framework, a single nationwide system designed to ensure qualifications are recognised and accepted throughout the world.