Dr Chan urges Sarawakians to give their full support to Curtin Sarawak

Miri – 16 April, 2009 – Sarawak Deputy Chief Minister Datuk Patinggi Tan Sri Dr George Chan Hong Nam has called on Sarawakians to have full confidence in the quality and standard of courses offered by Curtin University of Technology, Sarawak Malaysia (Curtin Sarawak).

Dr Chan, who is also the Curtin Sarawak Council chairman, said it is particularly important that the locals themselves believe in what the university can do in terms of giving the right qualifications to their children. Their wholehearted support will also help ensure the continued success of the university which now ranks amongst the top universities in the country and is fast gaining a reputation for research ad development in the region.

Speaking at Curtin Sarawak’s 10th Anniversary Celebration Dinner at the Miri Marriott Resort & Spa on 4 April 2009, Dr Chan said it is crucial for the locals, especially Mirians, to set an example by sending their children to study at the university located in Senadin here.

Dr Chan said besides doing away with studying abroad and incurring heavy expenses, Curtin Sarawak’s academic programmes, including course materials and examinations, are identical to those offered by Curtin’s main campus at Bentley, Perth in Western Australia.

He said he was happy to note that some political figures and prominent businessmen in Miri were sending their children to study at Curtin Sarawak, and urged others to do likewise.

“We believe in Curtin Sarawak because it is good for the people and the state in general. We must convince others to come and study here,” he said, adding Miri can become a major education hub as it is strategically located.

Among those present at the dinner were Minister of Plantation Industries and Commodities Datuk Peter Chin Fah Kui, State Secretary Datuk Amar Wilson Baya Dandot, Assistant Minister of Infrastructure Development and Communication Lee Kim Shin, the chancellor of Curtin University of Technology, Western Australia Gordon Martin, vice-chancellor Professor Jeanette Hacket, and the pro vice-chancellor and chief executive of Curtin Sarawak Professor John Evans.

Also attending were members of the Curtin University of Technology Council, former vice-chancellor and member of the first Curtin Sarawak Protem Council Professor Dato Lance Twomey, former Curtin Sarawak academic director and chief executive officer Professor Frank Sheehy, former administration director Dennis Ham, senior government officers, community leaders and corporate figures, and members of the local press.

During the dinner, Dr Chan, Lee Kim Shin, Professor Dato Lance Twomey, Professor Frank Sheehy and Dennis Ham reminisced about the setting up of Curtin Sarawak, sharing anecdotes of the key personalities involved, the university’s humble beginnings, bridging the cultural divides between Malaysia and Australia, and the incredible pace of registering the university and establishing its state-of-the-art campus in Senadin.

The evening included cultural dances, presentation of souvenirs to the Australian guests, and a 10th Anniversary cake-cutting ceremony.

Datuk Patinggi Tan Sri Dr George Chan addressing the dinner guests.

Chancellor Gordon Martin giving his speech.

Dr Chan presenting Chancellor Gordon Martin a souvenir.

Dr Chan presenting a souvenir to Dianne Smith, one of the guests from Curtin University, Perth.

Dr Chan (centre) joined by Dennis Ham, Lee Kim Shin, Jeanette Hacket, Lance Twomey, Gordon Martin, John Evans and Frank Sheehy in cutting the anniversary cake

Professor Frank Sheehy shared some of the lighter moments of the early days.

Mr Dennis Ham spoke of the trials and tribulations of setting up the university.