Curtin Sarawak shutterbugs receive prizes

Miri – 21 June, 2010 – The winners of the ‘Faces of Curtin’ Photo Contest 2010 for students and staff of Curtin University of Technology, Sarawak Malaysia (Curtin Sarawak) received their prizes from the Deputy Pro Vice-Chancellor of the university, Professor Joan Gribble, at a simple prize-presentation ceremony last Friday.

The contest, organised for the first time by the Corporate Communications Department of the university, was held from 21 April to 5 May 2010. Students and staff were invited to participate in the contest, whether photography was their passion, hobby or just an occasional pastime.

According to Corporate Communications Officer (Corporate Communications & Publications) Ling Yii Yang who coordinated the contest, it was aimed at celebrating the beauty and unique characteristics of Curtin Sarawak’s students and staff, as well as promoting Miri as an attractive education destination, and showcasing the vibrant academic and social scene on the university’s campus.

He added that the response to the contest was very good, considering it was the first time such a contest was held at the university. Over 300 photos were submitted by participants, of which 30 were shortlisted for judging.

Winner of the grand prize was Applied Geology student Johan Iskandar Mohd. Nasir, who walked away with a trophy, certificate of participation, an electric blender, a 2 days/1 night stay in a Deluxe Garden Room for two persons at the Miri Marriott Resort & Spa, as well as complimentary Indian Head Massage and Hot Stone Treatment at the resort’s Mandara Spa.

Second-prize winner George Ong Jun Chong, a Chemical Engineering student, won a trophy, certificate of participation, a toaster, a 2 days/1 night stay in a Deluxe Seaview Room at Parkcity Everly Hotel Miri, and complimentary Hot Stone Treatment at the Mandara Spa.

Emerging in third place was Marketing and Management student Siaunee Dana Mogunsal, who also received a trophy, certificate, a hairdryer, and a 2 days/1 night stay in a Deluxe Seaview Room at Parkcity Everly Hotel Miri.

The fourth to ninth prizes, which included certificates of participation; hotel stays at ParkCity Everly Hotel Miri, Mega Hotel, Eastwood Valley Golf and Country Club, and Borneo Tropical Rainforest Resort, went to Applied Geology student Zim Ak Dana, International Officer William Lim Kien Soon, Applied Geology students Anders Cheng and Widy Linggo Pangarso, Computers Systems and Networking student Amalina Mohamad Sabri and University Life officer Ansovinus Bonus Chai respectively. A special consolation prize was awarded to Mechanical Engineering student Fung Dar Kiong.

Judging for the contest, which was based on technical merit, composition and impact, was carried out by three independent judges on 10 May 2010, following which the winning entries were displayed in a week-long exhibition in the lobby of the John Curtin Building at the university campus.

As all submissions will be used by the university for commercial purposes, the contestants are likely to see their photos being featured in the university’s advertising, publications and online promotion for some years to come. In addition, 12 selected photos will be featured in a 2011 ‘Faces of Curtin’ desktop calendar the Curtin Sarawak will publish before the end of the year.

 “Congratulations to the winners for their excellent work, and thanks to all our students and staff who participated in the contest. These new photos will certainly bring a refreshing new look and add a whole new dimension to our promotional material and publications,” said Professor Gribble during the prize presentation.

The contest was sponsored by Soo Chew Studio, Aim-Exact Supplies and Services, New World Advertising Company, the Miri Marriott Resort & Spa, Mandara Spa, ParkCity Everly Hotel Miri, Mega Hotel, Eastwood Valley Golf and Country Club, and the Borneo Tropical Rainforest Resort.

Some of the ‘Faces of Curtin’ Photo Contest winners displaying their winning entries while Professor Joan Gribble (3rd right, back row) looks on.