Curtin Sarawak’s JCLA ambassadors praised for projects highlighting social concerns

Miri – 3 November 2009 – Sarawak state assemblyman for Pujut Andy Chia recently commended the student ambassadors of Curtin University of Technology, Sarawak Malaysia (Curtin Sarawak)’s John Curtin Leadership Academy (JCLA) for their outstanding achievements in highlighting social concerns, such as care for the elderly, palliative care, women’s welfare, mental illness, and supporting rural communities in Sarawak.

Their collaborative efforts with local NGOs, government agencies and the corporate sector in addressing these issues also received much praise from the assemblyman.

Addressing the current batch of 15 ambassadors at a JCLA Poster Presentation for community and corporate leaders, project partners and the media at a leading hotel here on 30 October 2009, Chia remarked, “The John Curtin Leadership Academy has successfully developed outstanding and committed student leaders who have done Curtin Sarawak proud with their entrepreneurial spirit and community service. I am sure your experience in the JCLA will provide you a solid foundation to become exemplary employees and leaders after you graduate and enter the workforce.”

“I look forward to seeing more and more Curtin Sarawak students emerge through the JCLA as talented, responsible and ethical leaders with a heart for the community they serve, and an interest in preserving the world we live in,” he continued.

Chia commended Curtin Sarawak for establishing the JCLA and for its initiative in grooming young leaders with a focus on community service. He said that with the JCLA, Curtin is addressing the need to better prepare graduates for the challenges and opportunities presented in the workplace.

According to Chia, today’s workplace is changing and increasing competition for employment and a challenging world economy are compelling graduates to emerge from universities with more than just a degree. He said it is important for graduates to develop leadership and entrepreneurial skills to be in the leading edge in the job market.

“Employers will definitely favour graduates who have not only excelled in their discipline, but also possess the confidence, practical skills and network to be immediately effective and productive,” he said.

At the Poster Presentation, the JCLA ambassadors exhibited posters and fielded questions from the invited guests about their respective community projects. In addition, they gave slideshow presentations on their group projects, providing interesting insights into the issues concerned, including a lack of awareness or indifference among the public regarding certain issues, but also the outstanding generosity and spirit of volunteerism within certain segments of the local community.

Of the current six JCLA project teams, two have already graduated with two other ‘advanced’ or final semester groups graduating soon after having spent an entire year with the JCLA, leaving two ‘foundation’ or first semester groups who will move on to their second semester with the JCLA. Nominations for new members are currently ongoing at the Curtin Sarawak campus.

Also present at the event was Pro Vice-Chancellor of Curtin Sarawak, Professor Dr. John Evans, along with senior managers, deans and academic staff of the university.

Dr. Evans too, praised the JCLA student ambassadors for their success in engaging the local community. “The JCLA was regarded as being rather inward-looking, very university-based at first, but that is hardly the case now. The JCLA has come a long way to being well and truly a community player and going out there and getting known,” he said.

He noted that the JCLA’s many fundraising events and its project to provide solar energy to the inhabitants in remote Long Makabar had produced significant results, saying that the project at Long Makabar could lead to research opportunities for the university in the future.

“All you JCLA ambassadors should be congratulated for your hard work and dedication in carrying out your projects. Your contributions will definitely put you in good standing as future leaders of industry, and enhance your citizenship not only in Sarawak but also as global citizens,” said Dr. Evans.

The JCLA is a year-long prestigious leadership programme developed by Curtin University of Technology, Western Australia to groom and grow young leaders beyond the classroom. It also instils in them the three core values of Vision, Leadership and Community Service expounded by former Australian Prime Minister John Curtin, who is regarded as one of the country’s most successful leaders and wartime hero, and after whom the university is named.

The programme consists of workshops, seminars and two semester-long projects. The Foundation Project teaches fund-raising, relationship-building and networking skills, while the Advanced Project focuses on developing students’ work ethic and business acumen, along with other skills such as project and conflict management, presentation and communication skills, as well as entrepreneurship.

One of the advanced groups posing with their poster.

Dr. John Evans (2nd left) with some of the corporate and

community leaders.

An advanced group calling themselves ‘The Samaritans’

State Assemblyman Andy Chia addressing the

student ambassadors.

The JCLA ambassadors with John Evans, Andy Chia and others.

Ambassadors briefing Andy Chia on their project.