I-Fest 2011 to promote internationalisation and multiculturalism at Curtin Sarawak

Miri – 9 May 2011 – Holding true to Curtin University’s commitment to internationalise by integrating an international, inter-cultural and indigenous perspective into both its academic and extracurricular activities, the International Sub-Council of the Student Council of Curtin University, Sarawak Malaysia (Curtin Sarawak), will be organising the university’s International Festival or ‘I-Fest 2011’ on 10 May 2011.

The event, which is held annually, also celebrates the multiculturalism that exists at Curtin Sarawak, Curtin largest international campus, which currently has over 3,000 students from over 40 countries, as well as academicians from more than 15 countries.

This year’s I-Fest will be held at the university’s multi-purpose Recreation & Event Centre and will feature fun and colourful programme of cultural activities, including a mock Bengali wedding, dance performances by Nigerian and Indian students, fashion show, beauty pageant, local cultural dances, wushu demonstration, belly dancing, marching band performances, and performances by the Curtin Choir Club and other student clubs.

Over 400 people are expected at the event, including Pro Vice-Chancellor Professor Ian Kerr and Deputy Pro Vice-Chancellor Professor Alistair Inglis. All staff and students of Curtin Sarawak are invited to attend. It is also open to public at a minimal charge of RM15 per person.

In addition to the glittering entertainment, there will be food and activity stalls showcasing the delicacies, arts and culture of various countries.

Curtin University, which has its main campus in Perth, was an early leader in Australia in the field of international student recruitment. It currently has over 42,000 students from more than 105 countries and seven campuses across the Asia-Pacific region, and has established a worldwide reputation as a dynamic and stimulating place of learning. It has also developed partnerships in 10 countries including Singapore, Hong Kong, Malaysia, China, Indonesia, Vietnam, Mauritius and Sri Lanka.

At Curtin Sarawak, international students make up about 14% of the student population and their number continues to increase each year.

For more information on the I-Fest 2011, contact organising chairperson Jonathan Sia at 019-846 7711, or Gabriel Chia at 016-801 5199, or alternatively, view the event Facebook page at http://on.fb.me/ifest2011. Enquiries can also be made by e-mailing international.sc@curtin.edu.my.