First batch of diploma students graduate from Curtin University of Technology, Sarawak Malaysia

Miri – 28 November 2008 – Curtin University of Technology, Sarawak Malaysia (CSM)’s Inaugural Diploma Conferment Ceremony today was a most significant event for the university, being the graduation of its pioneer batch of 43 diploma graduates from its School of Foundation & Continuing Studies.

The conferment ceremony, which saw 26 students graduating with Diplomas of Process Plant Technology (Oil Industry) and 17 with Diplomas of Business, was held at the university’s Harry Perkins Lecture Theatre and officiated by Sarawak Deputy Chief Minister Datuk Patinggi Tan Sri Dr George Chan Hong Nam, who is also the chairman of the Curtin Sarawak Council.

In his address, Datuk Patinggi Tan Sri Dr Chan said that the graduates could now look forward to entering relevant Curtin undergraduate degree programmes or embark on fulfilling careers in either business or the oil and gas industry. “Those of you who will be continuing your studies at Curtin Sarawak will witness greater developments on campus in the coming years as we enter our second decade. Further infrastructural development that will dramatically transform the look and feel of the university is in the pipeline, and will bring us one step closer to achieving our vision of becoming the campus of choice for education and research serving its wider region,” he said.

“And for those of you who are moving on to jobs and careers in your respective fields, you are now ambassadors for Curtin Sarawak and I hope you will do your utmost to uphold and enhance the reputation of the university,” he added.

Commending CSM on its commitment to becoming the university of choice in the region, he said, “I am proud of the significant achievements Curtin Sarawak has made over the years. In its ten years, it has grown into a leading tertiary education provider for people from all over the globe, offering students the internationally-acclaimed Curtin degree or diploma at a most affordable cost.”

“I am especially proud of the School of Foundation and Continuing Studies for the excellent programmes it offers, as well as the innovative approach to teaching and learning applied by its highly-skilled and dedicated academics to encourage full student participation and enhance the students’ learning experience. Seeing this first batch of Diploma of Process Plant Technology and Diploma of Business graduates speaks volumes of the hard work and commitment of Curtin Sarawak’s academics, as well as of the students themselves, towards the success of the diploma programmes since their inception,” he added.

Two valedictorians, Rosita Kiung Bala and Hexon Hartley Jimenez, also gave speeches on behalf of the Diploma of Process Plant Technology and Diploma of Business graduates respectively. They spoke of their life and studies at CSM, their lecturers and they many friends they made amongst their course-mates.

According to pro vice-chancellor Professor Dr John Evans, there has been a longstanding need for graduates in both process plant technology and business studies locally and nationally and CSM has recognised this, and works closely with the relevant industries to meet this ever-increasing need.

He cited the Diploma in Process Plant Technology programme, which is offered in partnership with the Central Gippsland Institute of TAFE (GippsTAFE), as an example. Introduced in 2006 following consultation with oil and gas industry players and the signing of MOUs between Curtin University of Technology, Sarawak Malaysia and Murphy Sarawak Oil Co. Ltd. and Nippon Oil Exploration (Malaysia) Ltd., this first intake was exclusively for a major student cohort sponsored by Murphy and a smaller cohort sponsored by Nippon.

“Nippon and Murphy have apportioned these students a career path at their respective organisations. This means, our graduates have instant jobs with the companies upon graduation. I am sure they will serve the oil industry well, and ultimately contribute to the industrial and economic development of the region,” said Evans.

The Diploma of Business programme, meanwhile, is offered in partnership with Curtin University, Western Australia’s Vocational Training and Education Centre (VTEC) and designed by the Australian Business Community. It equips students with the necessary skills and knowledge to establish their own businesses, and the international recognition accorded to it is testimony to the fact that its graduates are fully equipped with the entrepreneurial skills required in planning and charting out a business concern.

Representatives from Murphy, Nippon and GippsTAFE were present at the event, including Nippon’s senior general manager Ali Rahman, Murphy’s senior production manager John Blackmore and GippsTAFE chief executive officer Dr. Peter Whitley.

From amongst the graduates, Diploma of Process Plant Technology student Nicholas Billy was adjudged the ‘Most Innovative Student’ and received an award from Professor Dr Evans.

For more information of Curtin University of Technology, Sarawak Malaysia (CSM), visit its website at www.curtin.edu.my.

The diploma graduates, CSM academics and representatives of GippsTAFE posing for a group photo following the graduation ceremony.