Embrace change in order to succeed, Dr Chan urges Curtin graduates

Miri – 12 May 2011 – Former deputy chief minister and chairman of the campus council of Curtin University, Sarawak Malaysia (Curtin Sarawak), Datuk Patinggi Tan Sri Dr. George Chan Hong Nam, urged graduating students of the university to embrace change in order to succeed in their careers.

Addressing the students during Curtin Sarawak’s tenth Graduation Ceremony recently, he said, “Keep in mind that, as you stand on the brink of moving into life beyond Curtin Sarawak, change will be inevitable. It is inevitable, and indeed gratifying, to see that you have matured and become skills proficient, ready to tackle and further your life-long education; it is inevitable that structures and processes and relationships will change in your day-to-day lives; it is inevitable that you will face new challenges; and it is inevitable that things may seem a little different in the year ahead.”

Dr. Chan added that, as the graduates look back on their journey at Curtin Sarawak – a journey that started out with hesitant, tentative steps – they will see just how far they have progressed.

“I hope it has been a journey imbued with wonderful memories, and I trust also a journey that will continue to leave an indelible legacy of excellence, achievement and a fine ethos and tradition in you for many years to come,” he said.

He urged the graduates to face and tackle the inevitable changes of the future, to hold true to themselves and their value systems, work ethic and humanity, saying it was such qualities that would guide them further on their journeys.

Over 500 students of Curtin Sarawak graduated from various pre-university and degree programmes this month. Four events spread over three days were organised to mark the momentous occasion, beginning with a Diploma and Foundation Certificate Ceremony and followed by a Graduation Ceremony, Award and Scholarship Ceremony and Alumni Dinner.

This year’s Graduation Ceremony saw 313 students graduating with undergraduate degrees in Engineering, Science, Technology, Business Administration, Commerce and Arts, and 19 from postgraduate programmes in Business Administration, Project Management and Finance.

In his welcoming address, Curtin Sarawak Pro Vice-Chancellor and Chief Executive Professor Ian Kerr said Curtin Sarawak continually seeks to equip its graduates with Curtin’s graduate attributes, foremost of which is the ability to apply their knowledge and be critical and creative thinkers in solving practical problems and serving the larger community.

“In today’s highly competitive and increasingly global working environment, and with the incredible pace of technological advancement, you need to be technologically savvy and research smart, and commit yourselves to a lifetime of continual learning.

You will need every advantage you can get to advance and improve your marketability. Thus, you are required to be the best that you can be profession-wise, in addition to being international citizens in the truest sense of the word – in tune with world developments and trends, able to communicate with people from East and West and at all levels, and moreover, culturally sensitive when interacting with others or managing subordinates,” said Professor Kerr.

He added that many of Curtin Sarawak’s graduates have applied these attributes to the fullest and established themselves as major contributors to industry and community, in Malaysia and internationally.

Also present at the event were Assistant Minister of Communications and Assistant Minister of Sports and chairman of the Curtin Sarawak Management Board Datuk Lee Kim Shin; Chancellor of Curtin University, Dr. Jim Gill; Vice Chancellor Professor Jeanette Hacket; Deputy Vice-Chancellor – International, Professor David Wood; chairman of Curtin (Malaysia) Sdn. Bhd. Datu Dr. Hatta bin Solhi; and members of Curtin Sarawak Campus Council and Management Board.

Curtin Sarawak, Curtin’s first and largest international campus, has produced over 2,000 graduates in its 11-year existence. Many of its graduates with engineering and technical qualifications are now employed in Sarawak’s oil and gas industry, or in leading manufacturing corporations in West Malaysia and overseas. A good number of graduates from its business programmes are pursuing lucrative careers in the business, banking, communications and multimedia sectors.

With a student population approaching 3000, Curtin Sarawak offers a unique international and cross-cultural learning experience with a cosmopolitan mix of Malaysian and international students from some 40 countries.

For more information on Curtin Sarawak, visit its website at www.curtin.edu.my.

Postgraduate degree graduates.

Pro Vice Chancellor and Chief Executive Prof Ian Kerr giving his speech.

Dr Chan presenting a graduate her award while Dr Jim Gill looks on.

Graduating students from the School of Business.