Curtin Social Ambassadors of Curtin Malaysia hosts successful ‘The Great Escape’ Camp for local secondary school students

Miri, Sarawak – 8 May 2024 – The Curtin Social Ambassadors (CSA) of Curtin University Malaysia (Curtin Malaysia) concluded another successful edition of ‘The Great Escape’ camp (TGE 2024), continuing its annual tradition since 2014. The two-day camp, which saw enthusiastic students from seven local secondary schools participating, proved to be an effective platform for fostering educational empowerment and holistic development.

TGE, an initiative by CSA, stands as a beacon of educational enrichment and opportunity exploration for aspiring tertiary students. Through engaging activities, the annual camp, which started in 2014, offers an immersive learning experience, equipping students with invaluable skills and insights pivotal for their academic and personal growth.

This year’s camp, held from 26 to 28 April 2024, was attended by over 100 students from Riam Road Secondary School, SMK Baru, SMK Chung Hua Miri, SMK Lopeng Tengah, SMK Pujut, SMK St. Columba and SMK St. Joseph Miri. It witnessed an amalgamation of diverse talents and perspectives from these schools, fostering a vibrant atmosphere conducive to collaborative learning and camaraderie.

Over the two days, the participants were immersed in a series of intellectually stimulating workshops, interactive sessions, and team-building exercises, meticulously designed to ignite curiosity, foster critical thinking, and nurture leadership potential.

Officiating the camp’s opening was Sarawak Minister for Transport Dato Sri Lee Kim Shin. Also present were Curtin Malaysia’s Chief Operating Officer, Sharon Chong, Miri City Councillor Tan Lek Jin representing Deputy Minister for Tourism, Creative Industry and Performing Arts I (Tourism) Datuk Sebastian Ting, CSA President Lee Jing Yau, TGE 2024 Organising Chairperson Eunice Chong, event sponsors and partners, and school representatives.

Dato Sri Lee, who is chair of Curtin Malaysia’s management committee, commended CSA, a student-run organisation dedicated to promoting tertiary education to secondary school students, for its continued efforts in organising the camp each year. He said the camp offered participants a unique platform to socialise, learn, and realise their potential.

CSA President Lee expressed heartfelt gratitude to the participating schools, CSA volunteers, and sponsors for their support and commitment to educational excellence. “This camp epitomises CSA’s dedication to empowering young minds and fostering a culture of lifelong learning. We are immensely proud of the transformative impact witnessed year after year, and remain steadfast in our mission to cultivate the next generation of leaders and change-makers,” he said.

Chong also commended the CSA for their outstanding efforts in organising the TGE 2024. “This annual camp has proven very popular and very effective in engaging local secondary school students, giving them a taste of life at our campus, keeping them motivated in their studies, developing important soft skills, and helping them build their life ambitions,” she remarked.

Chong also expressed how the TGE is a beneficial learning experience for the CSA volunteers themselves. “I am sure this experience will enhance your spirit of volunteerism and giving back to the community, and that you will prove yourselves worthy ambassadors of this university, and all the positive benefits it has to offer young people in our community,” she said.

As the curtains have been drawn on yet another successful iteration of TGE, CSA reaffirms its commitment to championing educational empowerment and fostering a brighter future for students across the region. With an unwavering resolve and boundless enthusiasm, CSA looks forward to continuing its legacy of excellence, leaving an indelible mark on the educational landscape in Sarawak and beyond.

Information on Curtin Malaysia can be found on its website at curtin.edu.my, or look for Curtin Malaysia on Facebook, Twitter, Instagram, YouTube, LinkedIn, and TikTok.

Dato Sri Lee (6th left), Chong (4th left), Tan (3rd right), sponsors and the organising team at the opening of TGE 2024.

Group photo of VIP guests, sponsors, organisers and participating students of TGE 2024

CSA volunteers and camp participants posing for a group photo on the final day of the camp.