Ground breaking a memorable event not only in the life of Curtin Sarawak, but also of Curtin University, says chancellor

Miri – 11 May 2011 – The recent ground breaking for the new Chancellery at Curtin University, Sarawak Malaysia (Curtin Sarawak) was a memorable event not only in the life of Curtin Sarawak, but also of Curtin University, according to the Chancellor of Curtin University, Dr. Jim Gill.

Dr. Gill was speaking before those gathered for the ground breaking for the state-of-the-art building at the Curtin Sarawak campus on 6 May 2011.

They included the chairmen of Curtin Sarawak’s campus council and management board, Datuk Patinggi Tan Sri Dr. George Chan Hong Nam and Datuk Lee Kim Shin; its pro vice-chancellor, Professor Ian Kerr; Vice Chancellor of Curtin University, Professor Jeanette Hacket, and deputy vice chancellor Professor David Wood; and chairman of Curtin (Malaysia) Sdn Bhd, Datuk Dr. Hatta bin Solhi. Also present were members of the campus’ council and management board, senior management staff and academics.

“This is also a significant event in the history of higher education in the Asia Pacific region, where a new chapter is being written. For even as we celebrate the literal ground breaking in this remarkable location, this place of cultural and spiritual significance, we also celebrate it in the wider educational sense,” Dr. Gill remarked.

He said that while the physical ground breaking will support further development for the campus, with buildings of beauty and functionality, the ‘educational ground breaking’ marks the creation of an institution whose bold vision and innovative design promise to make it a place of transforming influence and enduring significance.

“Curtin’s magnificent reputation is based first and foremost on the success of its outstanding graduates, but this reputation is also based, in part, on the superb facilities essential to innovative education championed by past and present Curtin leaders. Our graduates consist of some of the world’s best educated professionals, all over the world. Therefore they need to learn in the world’s best facilities,” he added.

Dr. Gill disclosed that Curtin is developing many of its facilities to match the exceptional growth it is experiencing throughout its campuses across the Asia-Pacific region. This includes a facelift of its main Bentley Campus in Perth with a long-term vision to turn the area into a world-class university town centre.

Curtin Sarawak’s Pro Vice-Chancellor and Chief Executive, Professor Ian Kerr, said the ground breaking signalled a new enrichment of campus life and the student experience at Curtin Sarawak.

He said the distinctive new building will reflect all that is great about Curtin University and the tremendous growth Curtin Sarawak has undergone. In addition, it will be the catalyst for the university’s future growth, the broadening of campus services and discourse, as well as greater engagement with the larger community.

With a total built up area of approximately 3,300 square metres, the Chancellery will include a 3-storey administrative block, 400-seat lecture theatre, meeting and corporate training rooms; as well as spaces to showcase Sarawak’s indigenous arts, culture and heritage and the university’s awards and accolades. Construction of the building is expected to commence this August and scheduled for completion by the end of 2012.

On completion of the Chancellery, the John Curtin Building, which currently houses the campus’ administrative offices and library, will become a Library and Resource Centre, followed by other infrastructural development projects and renovations and enhancements of existing spaces.

According to Professor Kerr, further infrastructural development within the next 3 to 5 years will include a surau, the Miri Bio-Park housing the Curtin Sarawak Research Institute, a new multipurpose teaching block, student apartments, as well as a gymnasium, tennis courts and other recreational facilities.

Datuk Patinggi Tan Sri Dr. Chan, in his address meanwhile, retraced Curtin Sarawak’s progress from its earliest days in 1998 and described the Chancellery project as bold and imaginative. He commended the Curtin Sarawak board of directors and management board, as well as former Pro Vice-Chancellor Professor John Evans, for their contributions towards the project from its earliest stages.

He said the next phase of Curtin Sarawak’s development will bring greater depth and strength to the university’s facilities.

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

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Dr Jim Gill and Datuk Patinggi Tan Sri Dr George Chan breaking the ground.

Prof Jeanette Hacket, Dr Jim Gill, Datuk Patinggi Tan Sri Dr Gerorge Chan and Datuk Lee Kim Shin (3rd to 6th left) examining a model of the new Chancellery.

An artist’s impression of the new Chancellery.