Curtin Sarawak’s Cultural Night celebrates cultural diversity on campus

Miri – 11 October 2013 – In keeping with its tradition of celebrating the cultural diversity of its campus community, the Curtin Recreational Club (CRC) of Curtin University, Sarawak Malaysia (Curtin Sarawak) recently held a Cultural Night for its staff and students at its Recreation and Event Centre.

Over 80 Malaysian and expatriate staff members and international students attended the event including Curtin Sarawak’s Pro Vice-Chancellor and Chief Executive Professor Jim Mienczakowski and Chief Operating Officer Nicholas Ching.

In his welcoming speech, Professor Mienczakowski said the campus community’s diverse mix of nationalities offers a unique multi-ethnic and inter-cultural experience and enables the university to adopt a very global outlook.

He added that Malaysia is a land of intriguing diversity and there is every reason to celebrate its rich multicultural mix at such an event. He also applauded Malaysians for their tradition of hospitality, which he said complements the country’s stunning geography and colourful cultural heritage.

He also spoke about upholding the Curtin culture of promoting a comfortable, relaxed and inclusive environment for all, and in terms of ethics, how everything the staff do should have a positive effect on the university’s students and the wider community.

Themed ‘Broadening our Mind and Spirit’, the event featured a variety of cultural performances ranging from a lion dance and traditional Indian, African and Sarawakian dance performances to musical performances by Chinese and Korean students.

Those attending were also entertained to the music of the Iban community performed by staff on traditional musical instruments such as the as the gong, engkerumung and bedup, as well as a fashion show to select the best dressed male and female staff of the night.

Curtin Sarawak, Curtin’s largest international campus, currently has over 3,500 students with a cosmopolitan mix of Malaysian and international students from over 40 countries, in addition to academics from over 15 countries.

Professor Mienczakowski offering a plate of oranges to symbolise longevity and good luck during the lion dance performance.

Staff playing Iban musical instruments.

A classical Indian dance performance.

Sarawak’s rich and diverse cultural heritage depicted in a colourful dance performance.

African students performing a cultural dance.