JCLA ambassador praised for his community project to promote education

Miri – 16 August 2012 – Ling Jin Hong, a student ambassador of the John Curtin Leadership Academy (JCLA) of Curtin University, Sarawak Malaysia (Curtin Sarawak) recently garnered praise from Dato’ Sebastian Ting, Political Secretary to the Minister of Energy, Green Technology and Water, for his community project to promote education among secondary school students.

Dato’ Ting said Ling’s project, which involved running workshops for over 100 students in Miri, was a most meaningful one for students who wish to do well in their studies and go further in life.

Entitled ’Sparkle of Interest’, the workshops highlighted the importance of education and motivated the students to be passionate about their studies.

Dato’ Ting was speaking at the launch of the first workshop for students of SMK Chung Hua held in The Learning Centre at Curtin Sarawak on 21 July 2012. He also remarked that students should not be satisfied with good academic standing alone as those with good leadership qualities tend to stand out more in society.

A second workshop for students of SMK St. Columba was held on 26 July 2012. Ling, a third-year chemical engineering student, facilitated both workshops.

During the workshops, the students participated in fun and creative activities designed to stir their interest in specific areas of study such as history, mathematics, English, Malay, moral studies, chemistry and general science through active participation.
Also present at the launch was Curtin Sarawak Deputy Pro Vice-Chancellor Professor Alistair Inglis.

Ling said his inspiration for the project came from the JCLA motto ‘Developing future leaders with entrepreneurial spirit and community values’ and that he was determined to execute a project that would enable him to contribute to the local community in a meaningful way.

“I sincerely hope the workshops helped increase the students’ interest in the various subjects, and that in the long term, they will somehow help bring about a positive change to society,” said Ling.

The JCLA is Curtin University’s student leadership programme developed in honour of John Curtin, the fourteenth Prime Minister of Australia and after whom the university is named, with the objectives of instilling his three core values of Vision, Leadership and Community Service.

JCLA ambassador Ling Jin Hong conducting one of the workshops.

Dato’ Sebastian Ting and Professor Alistair Inglis posing with Ling and students from SMK Chung Hua.