Inspirational lecturer Terence Tan to facilitate SPM Workshop for fifth formers

Miri – 22 October, 2009 – Fifth formers participating in Curtin University of Technology, Sarawak Malaysia (Curtin Sarawak)’s SPM Workshop at Pustaka Miri this 25 October 2009 will not only get a spirited boost to face the SPM, but also an opportunity to gain valuable insights on preparing for examinations from Terence Tan of Curtin Sarawak’s School of Engineering and Science.

A brilliant and inspiring lecturer in the school’s Department of Electrical/Communication Engineering & Computing, Tan has successfully motivated his students to not only excel in their studies, but also win in state and national-level competitions such as the Sarawak Open Source Competition in 2006 and 2007, and the SCOPE ICT Competition in 2007.

He holds a Master of Engineering degree in Computing from the prestigious Imperial College London, and Master of Science degree in International Business Economics from City University London. His credentials include winning Curtin’s Excellence and Innovation in Teaching (EIT) Award in 2008 and Student Choice Award for three consecutive years.

Tan said he is very passionate about teaching and the development of students as individuals. “I believe learning should be inspiring and thought-provoking and, most of all, enjoyable. It should not be treated as a chore or something to be dreaded,” declared Tan.

He started his teaching career at Curtin Sarawak in 2005 and has continually sought to improve his approaches to teaching. He is often quoted by his students as being a most creative and innovative lecturer who is always finding ways of sharing knowledge in the most interesting way.

According to one student, Tan embodies a rare educator who seeks to inspire young minds to always go the extra mile, reach for their goals and realise their dreams. Besides emphasising academic excellence, he encourages creativity, innovation and entrepreneurship in his classes.

In addition to inspiring his students in the classroom, Tan plays an active part as facilitator and mentor to members of the John Curtin Leadership Academy (JCLA), the university’s prestigious leadership programme that grooms students for future leadership roles in both business and the community.

Miri will be the last stop of Curtin Sarawak’s four-stop SPM Workshop roadshow, which will see similar workshops being held in Kuching, Sibu and Kota Kinabalu on 17, 18 and 23 October 2009 respectively.

Fifth formers from all secondary schools in Miri are invited to participate in the Miri workshop which will be held from 2.00 pm to 4.00 pm. The workshop is free-of-charge.

Although the workshop is academic in nature, it is meant to be a fulfilling learning experience for the students. Tan said its rather lighthearted theme of ‘Lights, Camera, Action!” reflected the idea of making studying fun and stimulating. “We want the students to come away with a sense of fulfillment and confidence that they will do well in the exams,” he said.

The workshop is also an opportunity for students to find out more about Curtin Sarawak. The university, the first offshore campus of Western Australia’s Curtin University of Technology, offers a variety of high-quality courses, including foundation studies in commerce, arts, engineering and science; diploma courses in process plant technology and business; undergraduate degree courses in arts, commerce, science and technology, and postgraduate studies in project management, business, engineering and science. It also offers pre-university and intensive English language courses.

Students interested to participate in the workshop are requested to register with Felecia Ngalih of Curtin Sarawak’s Marketing Department at 085-443939 or 019-8856076 as soon as possible. As spaces are limited, registration will be on a first-come-first-served basis.

Award-winning Curtin Sarawak lecturer Terence Tan with a student.

Terence Tan (right) examining a student project.

Terence (left) is an inspiration both in and out of the classroom.