Fun and festivities at Curtin Sarawak’s Open Day to celebrate university’s tenth anniversary

Miri – 26 March, 2009 – To commemorate its tenth anniversary this year, Curtin University of Technology, Sarawak Malaysia is holding its 10th Anniversary Curtin Open Day at its campus on 4 April 2009. The day-long event which promises a real carnival atmosphere is open to the public and all Mirians are invited to join the fun and festivities.

Entry to the event is free and visitors will get to tour the campus and gain an insight into life at Curtin Sarawak, participate in a host of fun activities, indulge in a variety of food and beverages, and take home souvenirs and goodies. They will also get the chance to win attractive lucky draw prizes, including hotel, hair salon and spa vouchers, as well as a tour package to Mulu and a return airticket to Perth, Australia.

Canopies and stalls will dot the entire campus, where Curtin Sarawak’s student clubs, hotels, restaurants and other businesses will sell and promote food and beverages, retail items, handicrafts and more. Purchases at student-operated stalls will be by cash coupons that can be bought on the day and each book of coupons includes a coupon for a lucky draw offering attractive prizes, while purchases at other stalls will be on cash terms.

Curtin Sarawak’s School of Business, School of Foundation & Continuing Studies, School of Engineering & Science and The Teaching & Learning Centre will showcase their facilities, academic programmes and activities through innovative displays and demonstrations. There will also be a Future Students Booth where prospective students and their parents will be able to obtain relevant information and make informed decisions about academic programmes. Visitors are encouraged to visit all the booths and have ‘passports’ that will be distributed to them that day stamped at each booth to redeem mystery gifts.

“We want to make this Curtin Open Day a real community event and invite the people of Miri to come and celebrate with us. Our tenth anniversary not only commemorates Curtin Sarawak’s ten years in Sarawak but also Miri’s coming of age as a regional education hub. It is a cause for celebration for all,” says event coordinator Haslina Abdul Malek.

Other attractions include a Hobby Corner where visitors can view displays of patchwork,  stocking flowers, Chinese calligraphy, fine art, paper-cutting and hobby toys, and a Charity & Community Corner where various charitable organisations and other NGOs will operate booths and stalls for fund-raising and awareness campaigns. In addition, Curtin Sarawak is collaborating with the Miri General Hospital and Malaysian Red Crescent Society to run a blood donation drive during the event.

Of particular interest to children will be the Kids’ Corner where there will be host of activities for the young ones, including games, sand art, fan colouring, face-painting, a colouring competition, bouncy castle and cartoon character mascots. Children interested to participate in the ‘Colour the World” Colouring Competition from noon to 1.30 pm can pre-register with either the Global Art Miri Centre (tel: 085-417110) or Curtin Sarawak’s Marketing Department (tel: 085-443893), or register during the Open Day between 10 am and 11 am. The competition is divided into three categories for children aged 4 to 6 years, 7 to 9 years and 10 to 12 years. Oil pastels will be provided by Pelikan Asia Sdn Bhd and no other oil pastels will be allowed. In addition, there will be radio-controlled helicopter demonstration, which should be a huge draw for both children and adults.

Activities at the event’s main stage organized by Curtin Sarawak’s Student Council and scheduled from 10 am to 8 pm will include performances by the university’s Music Club, live bands, children’s and cultural groups; a Mr & Mrs Curtin Pageant, student talent shows, a Miri Open Dance Competition, a Curtin Idol singing competition, hairstyling show, as well as a fireworks display to cap off the event. Popular deejays of TraXX-fm’s ‘Wake Up Show’ are also expected to fly in from Kuala Lumpur and be a part of the main stage activities.

Sponsors for the event so far include ABX Express, Alan Inspiration Salon, Avon Cosmetics, Borneo Indah, Boulevard Hypermarket, DHL Worldwide Express, Global Art Miri Centre, Halo Café, Jaring Communications, Maybank, Miri Printing, Nestle Products, Rex Box, Sarawak Shell Berhad, Star Cineplex, Mandara Spa, Miri Marriott Resort & Spa, ParkCity Everly Hotel Miri, Royal Brunei Airlines, Total Water, United Consultants and Wah Tung Travel.