Curtin University of Technology, Sarawak Malaysia celebrates its 10th Anniversary this year

Miri, 31 January 2009 – Curtin University of Technology, Sarawak Malaysia (CSM) is marking its 10th Anniversary this year with a year-long celebration that will see a number of special events involving its staff and students as well as the public being held in the coming months.

This was disclosed by Sarawak Deputy Chief Minister and Curtin Sarawak Council Chairman Datuk Patinggi Tan Sri Dr George Chan Hong Nam as he launched the 10th Anniversary celebration by unveiling a commemorative 10th Anniversary billboard at the entrance to the university campus today.

The launch kicked off not only the programme of some ten special events that will start in February and run through to December, but also media and website campaigns showcasing Curtin Sarawak’s ten years of development, excellence and innovation.

Witnessing the launch were Assistant Minister of Infrastructure Development & Communications Lee Kim Shin, who is also the chairman of the Curtin Sarawak Management Board; chairman of the board of directors of Curtin (Malaysia) Sdn Bhd Datu Dr Hatta bin Solhee, State Assemblyman for Pujut YB Andy Chia and other dignitaries. Also present were Curtin Sarawak’s 10th Anniversary organising committee, deans, heads of department, staff and students, as well as the local press.

The highlights of the celebration will be in April, when the university will hold graduation ceremonies for its foundation and degree programmes on 2 and 3 April 2009; as well as a spectacular Celebration Day main event and 10th Anniversary Dinner, the official opening of its new Phase 2 buildings, a prizes and scholarships conferment ceremony, and the Curtin 10th Anniversary Open Day for the public – all on 4 April 2009.

In March, there will be a celebration exclusively for Curtin Sarawak staff, during which pioneer staff members who have been with the university since its inception in 1999 will be recognised for their outstanding loyalty and dedication.

The graduation ceremonies, which are expected to be grand affairs in line with the 10th Anniversary celebration, will see about 482 students graduating from the university’s certificate and Intensive English Programme (IEP), and a further over 200 students graduating from engineering and business degree programmes.

For the Celebration Day on 4 April 2009, government leaders from Malaysia and Australia, senior officers from Curtin University of Technology’s main campus in Perth including Curtin Vice-Chancellor Jeanette Hacket and members of the Curtin University Council, current and previous Curtin Sarawak executives and faculty, local dignitaries and up to 600 other invited guests are expected to attend.

The opening of Curtin Sarawak’s new School of Business building and Recreation & Events Centre, which are part of the university’s ambitious Phase 2 Development, will also be held as part of the event.

The Curtin 10th Anniversary Open Day, meanwhile, is a public event that will feature exhibition and activity booths showcasing Curtin Sarawak’s facilities, courses, school activities and projects, campus lifestyle and more. The general public and prospective students and their parents will be able to obtain relevant information and make informed decisions about various academic programmes, discover the wide range of teaching and learning, research and student facilities available on campus, and also gain an insight into university life in Miri.

The event will also incorporate a host of fun activities, games, entertainment, product displays and food stalls providing a carnival-like atmosphere for the enjoyment of visitors. While previous Curtin Open Days have attracted crowds of up to 5,000, attendance is expected to swell to 8,000 or more this year.

“The continued success of Curtin Sarawak over the past 10 years is indicative of the pivotal role it has played in the development of Miri and in enhancing the city’s status as an education hub,” says Professor Dr John Evans, Pro Vice-Chancellor of Curtin Sarawak. “Our 10th Anniversary celebration is as much a celebration of the city’s achievements as it is of ours. Celebrating this important milestone provides us with an excellent opportunity to thank the visionaries behind Curtin Sarawak, the state government, our partners in business and industry, and our dedicated academics and staff, as well as the people of Miri and Sarawak for their contributions and support,” he continued.

For more information on Curtin Sarawak’s 10th Anniversary celebration, visit www.curtin.edu.my/10thAnniversary/ or contact the university’s Corporate Communications Department at corpcomm@curtin.edu.my or via telephone at +60 85 443939.

Datuk Patinggi Tan Sri Dr George Chan Hong Nam unveiling the 10th Anniversary billboard.