Curtin Sarawak Top Students Awarded Western Australian Government / Curtin Australia Scholarships

MIRI, 7 February 2006 – Curtin University of Technology Sarawak (Curtin Sarawak) achieved another milestone as 4 of its top students were awarded with Curtin University’s most prestigious award, the Western Australian Government & Curtin University of Technology Australia Scholarships.

The recipients of these scholarships are :

Yeo Tze Sheng                    Bachelor of Commerce – Accounting & Finance
Cynthia Chiu Li Nyen           Bachelor of Commerce – Accounting & Finance
Voon Kah Li                         Bachelor of Commerce – Accounting & Finance
Tan Tze Hau                        Bachelor of Engineering – Computer Systems Engineering

YB (Dr) Lee Kim Shin, Assistant Minister of Infrastructure Development and Communication, Sarawak who is also the Chairman of the Management Board of the university presented the scholarships witnessed by Professor Dr John Evans, Pro Vice-Chancellor/Chief Executive and senior management staff from Curtin Sarawak, parents and students.

Vice Chancellor’s List Award as well as Pat Addison Award recipients in 2005, Mirian, Yeo Tze Sheng said “ When I started out, I chose Accounting & Finance course because I believed it provided a wide range of career prospects in the future for me. Putting a child through university has never been an easy task, especially an international university like Curtin University of Technology. I believe our educational experience can aid my professional development especially since my involvement with the Rotaract Club of Curtin, and the Certified Practising Accountant (CPA) Student Charter of Curtin.”

Both Curtin Foundation Scholarship recipient in 2003, Vice Chancellor List’s Award in 2005 recipient, Jessica Voon from Miri said, “ I chose Accounting & Finance as my major course at Curtin University of Technology, Sarawak Campus is due to the high demand for accounts and financial analysts in today’s society and also due to my personal interest in Mathematics. In future years, I am sure I could contribute to the society’s needs with my knowledge and wisdom gained during my tertiary education in Curtin University. In addition, I enjoy the challenge of solving problems with the new things I have learnt.”

A recipient of the Deputy Chief Minister’s Award for Best Foundation student for Commerce in 2003 and Ernst & Young Award for Most Oustanding Bachelor of Commerce (Accounting & Finance) Year 1 student, Cynthia Chiu from Kota Kinabalu said, “ With the continuous support of my parents, I worked very hard and I chose to further my education in Curtin Sarawak as I know a degree from Curtin Sarawak is highly recognized and reputable especially in the area of accounting and finance”.

This scholarship enables the students to complete their final year of their undergraduate degree program in Bentley Campus in Perth and amount of AUD 5,000 contributed by Western Australian Government for each scholarship inclusive of return airfare, traveling expenses and on-campus accommodation, while Curtin University of Technology Australia contributes by granting full tuition fee waiver for one year of study.

The selection of students was based on their excellent academic performance throughout the whole course of study at Curtin Sarawak. The recipients of the scholarships who will be leaving for Perth on 10th February 2006 were given a pre-departure briefing and equipped with the information about Sarawak as they are not just completing their degree program but are also ambassadors for Curtin Sarawak campus and Sarawak State.

Offering these scholarship forms part of the Western Australian Government’s effort to foster better ties with Sarawak and its effort to further provide assistance and incentive to students, increase the participation of those who demonstrate high academic achievements from low socio-economic background.

Curtin Sarawak’s next intake will be in February and July 2006 and recruitment sessions are currently ongoing throughout the region. Application for admission for Curtin Sarawak programs can also be made online at www.curtin.edu.my/prospective/index.htm.

Parents and students may meet academicians for personal counseling from Monday until Saturday commencing from 4 February 2006 until 4 March 2006 from 9.00am until 6.00 pm (Monday to Friday) and 9.00 am – 1.00 pm (Saturday).