New academic and professional staff get acquainted with university

Miri – 25 February 2011 – ‘Informative’ and ‘fun’ were words new staff of Curtin University, Sarawak Malaysia (Curtin Sarawak) used to describe the staff orientation session they attended recently.

The full-day session, the first of the university’s new-format Staff Orientation Programme, was attended by 31 academic and professional staff members. It included interactive workshops and activities designed to help them familiarise themselves with the university, sharing of work and university life experiences by current staff members, and a tour of the campus facilities.

On hand to welcome the staff was Larry Asu, officer in charge of organisational and employee development in the Human Resources Department; Deputy Pro Vice Chancellor Professor Alistair Inglis; Chief Operating Officer James Ng, and senior managers.

In his welcoming speech, Professor Inglis said Curtin Sarawak placed a high value on quality, both academically and professionally.

“I encourage all our staff to contribute constructive ideas and work collaboratively to ensure the continued success of this university,” he said.

Ng, in his speech, remarked that Curtin Sarawak is a growing university that offers exciting opportunities for its students and staff. He said the continual expansion and enhancement of its infrastructure, including lecture theatres and student housing, is part of the university’s commitment towards providing the best facilities for its students.

Planning Manager Doris Bala Lian briefed the staff on the historical background of Curtin Sarawak and Curtin’s vision of becoming an international leader in shaping the future through its graduates and research, and positioning itself among the top 20 universities in Asia by 2020.

This was followed by an overview of the Human Resource Department’s structure and functions, a tour of the campus library, and an interactive workshop. Dr. Adeline Wong, Director of the Office of Staff and Student Affairs, and Dr. Tang Fu Ee, Senior Lecturer from the School of Engineering and Science, then shared their memorable experiences at the campus.

The day’s activities concluded with an ‘Explore the Campus’ activity fashioned on the popular TV reality show, The Amazing Race, followed by a closing speech by Pro Vice-Chancellor and Chief Executive Professor Ian Kerr and a prize-giving ceremony.

Two additional sessions were held specifically for new academic staff the following day. The first, facilitated by Professor Aaron Goh, Dean of Research and Development and Director of the Curtin Sarawak Research Institute, focused on research activities at the university. The second, on teaching and learning, was facilitated by Beena Giridharan, Dean of the School of Foundation and Continuing Studies.

For more information on Curtin Sarawak, visit its website at www.curtin.edu.my or e-mail enquiries@curtin.edu.my.

The new staff posing with Professor Ian Kerr (centre, back row).