Curtin Sarawak rewards the best and brightest of Miri’s secondary schools

Miri – 6 November, 2009 – As part of its commitment to be an active, contributing member of the local community, Curtin University of Technology, Sarawak Malaysia (Curtin Sarawak) recently recognised the academic achievements of top students from 15 secondary schools in Miri with its Curtin Award of Excellence and cash prizes.

The 30 students who will be sitting for the Sijil Pelajaran Malaysia (SPM) and Sijil Persekolahan Tinggi Malaysia (STPM) this year received their awards and prizes from Curtin Sarawak’s Pro Vice-Chancellor and Chief Executive, Professor John Evans, at an awards ceremony at the university campus.

Accompanying them were the principals and Parent-Teacher Association (PIBG) representatives of their respective schools.

The Curtin Award of Excellence, which was first initiated in 2003, is presented annually to outstanding students who excel both academically and in extra-curricular activities. The candidates are selected by their own schools.

This year’s STPM award recipients were Tiong Jing Jing (SMK Riam), Chai Ruey Perng (SMK Pujut), Wan Zairul Azri bin Wan Mohammad Sudin (SMK Lopeng Tengah), Jennifer Francis (SMK Luak), Lee Kok Ann (SMK Baru), Nazilla binti Usop (SMK Merbau), Yii Yik Wei (SMK Lutong), Yap Min Chuen and Hii Hau Hao (SM Pei Min).

The SPM award recipients, meanwhile, were Bong Yi Xiang (SMK Riam), Adeline Peter Affery (SMK Pujut), Redha Attiya binti Abdullah Saidi (SMK Lopeng Tengah), Joyce Ling Shin Ying, Wong Jiunn Sheng (SMK St. Columba), Kong Li Sient, Liyana binti Mohd Arif (Kolej Tun Datu Tuanku Haji Bujang), Ling Jing Sing (SMK Luak), Christine Wong Siaw Wen, Tiong Kah Ming (SMK Chung Hua), Fenndy Kong bin Mohd Aliff Kong, Jennifer Jalong (SMK Taman Tunku), Stephina Lupang Laing (SMK Baru), Wong Chee Bing (SMK Merbau), Mohd. Shafiq bin Shaffee, Lionel Kallang Laing Ngau (SM Sains), Chiong Wan Long, Janet Chan Hui Hui (SMK St. Joseph), Syakila binti Doming (SMK Lutong), Chua Yee Wen and  Nur Shakirin binti Mohd. Ayubhan (SMK Dato Permaisuri).

In congratulating the recipients, Pro Vice-Chancellor and Chief Executive Dr. John Evans said, “It is our great pleasure to support our community and recognise the outstanding results of students in the community through this award. I salute you for the dedication you have put into your studies, and hope that when you complete your secondary school studies, you will consider Curtin Sarawak for a higher education.”

In previous years, separate award ceremonies were held at each school. However, this year, it was felt that a single, grander ceremony at the university would be more meaningful to the recipients. It also allowed them to learn more about Curtin Sarawak and experience life on its sprawling state-of-the-art garden campus located in Senadin.

The event ended with a campus tour and lunch hosted by the university.

For information on courses offered at Curtin Sarawak, contact student recruitment officer Felecia Ngalih at 085-443939 or e-mail felecia.ngalih@curtin.edu.my. Information is also available on Curtin Sarawak’s website at www.curtin.edu.my.

The award recipients, principals and PIBG representatives pose for a group photograph with

Dr. Evans (middle, back row)