Curtin Sarawak shows its appreciation to the media

Miri – 23 November 2012 – Curtin University, Sarawak Malaysia (Curtin Sarawak)’s annual Media Appreciation Night held at the Grand Palace Hotel last Wednesday saw the attendance of over 100 members of the Northern Sarawak Journalists Association (NSJA) and management and sales staff of the various media companies attired according to the event’s ‘Sarong Party Groove’ theme.

Also attending were Pro Vice-Chancellor and Chief Executive Professor Ian Kerr; Deputy Pro Vice-Chancellor Professor Alistair Inglis, Chief Operating Officer Nicholas Ching, Corporate Communications Manager Nicholas Leong, Dean of School of Engineering and Science Professor Yudi Samyudia and heads of departments of the university.

Organised by the university’s Corporate Communications Department, the event included the presentation of plaques to the media companies, games, live musical performances and lucky draws.

In her welcoming speech, event organiser Senior Corporate Communications Officer Marcella Gider remarked that the objective of the Media Appreciation Night was to show the university’s gratitude towards the media’s continued support of Curtin Sarawak and to enhance its relations with the various media.

Meanwhile, Professor Kerr thanked all the press members for their support throughout the year. He said that hardly does a day go by without some news on Curtin Sarawak appearing in the local dailies, and that they are often given great prominence in the media, including radio and television, online news suites and community blogs.

He also credited Curtin Sarawak’s Corporate Communications team for diligently producing news on Curtin Sarawak for the media and the university’s website and social media platforms throughout the year.

He announced that steps are being taken to make Curtin Sarawak’s website more media-friendly in the coming year so that the media can more readily access news and request expert comment on a variety of subjects from its academics.

“As an international campus of Curtin University and Miri’s leading higher education provider, Curtin Sarawak needs to attract students to ensure its long-term profitability and sustainability. We therefore depend a great deal on your support to communicate our messages, sell our brand and promote our corporate identity,” he said.

Professor Kerr added that Curtin Sarawak is committed to innovation and excellence in teaching and research for the development of global citizenship, as well as Curtin’s aim to be positioned among the top 20 universities in Asia by 2020.

Commenting on Curtin Sarawak retaining its Tier 5 or ‘Excellent’ rating in the Malaysian Qualifications Agency’s 2011 SETARA rating system for institutions of higher learning, he said Curtin Sarawak remains among the premier institutions in Malaysia.

The event was sponsored by One Borneo Enterprise, Maxi Photo Trade, Aim-Exact Supplies and Services, Grand Palace Hotel, Miri Marriott Resort and Spa, ParkCity Everly Hotel Miri, Imperial Hotel, Dynasty Hotel and Mega Hotel.

Press members participating in a game.

Prof. Alistair Inglis, Prof. Kerr and a staff member participating in ‘Triplets in a Sarong’ game.

Curtin Sarawak management and press members in a photo call