Renewed interest in Curtin Sarawak’s Diploma in Process Plant Technology Programme

Miri, 4 March 2009 – Curtin University of Technology, Sarawak Malaysia’s School of Foundation & Continuing Studies continues to offer its Diploma of Process Plant Technology (Oil Industry) programme due to renewed interest and demand. Last year, 26 students graduated from the programme, and the intake for this program is in January and March.

A briefing on the programme held at Grand Palace Hotel on 11 February 2009 here in Miri attracted a significant number of interested students, and more briefings and recruitment sessions have been scheduled for the coming months.

The Diploma in Process Plant Technology (Oil Industry) programme is designed to provide students with the skills and knowledge required to work in a process plant facility through a balanced programme of practical, technical and theoretical training relevant to a plant operator in the chemical or oil-refining and distribution industry.

“The programme has both a technical and managerial focus. Students learn about the planning, procedural, technical, mechanical, maintenance and safety aspects of process plant operations in addition to the responsibilities of plant operators in the work environment,” explains lecturer Brad Shaw.

Delivered over two years of full-time study, the programme is designed for students who have completed at least five years of secondary school education, sat for the SPM examination (equivalent to Year 11 or GCE “O” Level) and obtained credits in three academic subjects including at least C6 in SPM English and Mathematics. Students with polytechnic qualifications (two years post-form five) are also eligible to apply. Applications for recognition of prior learning are assessed on an individual basis. Students must furthermore demonstrate competence in English by meeting the Curtin English language requirement.

According to Shaw, the programme runs a series of comprehensive modules to prepare self-directed application of skills and knowledge based on elementary principles and multi-faceted procedures. Students will be equipped with the competence to demonstrate initiative and decision-making across an extensive scope of technical and management skills.

Nicholas Billy, one of the programme’s inaugural batch of graduates, gives the Diploma in Process Plant Technology (Oil Industry) programme the thumbs up, stating, “The course content is very relevant and has proven very useful to me in my work offshore.”

Pro Vice-Chancellor Professor Dr John Evans, meanwhile, says the programme is the ideal solution for those who do not have sufficient prerequisites to enter engineering degree programmes. Upon completion of the Diploma in Process Plant Technology (Oil Industry) programme, students are eligible to enrol in any undergraduate engineering programmes.

He adds that the programme has helped fulfill the state government’s wish to establish independent training programmes in Sarawak that provide a future source of trained industry technicians and to create job opportunities for Sarawakians.

He says there has been a longstanding need for graduates in process plant technology locally and nationally and, recognising this, Curtin Sarawak works closely with oil and gas industry players and other education providers to meet this ever-increasing need. The Diploma in Process Plant Technology (Oil Industry) programme is offered in partnership with Australia’s Central Gippsland Institute of TAFE (GippsTAFE) and the initiative to conduct the programme was largely driven by oil and gas industry players, particularly Murphy Sarawak Oil Co. Ltd. and Nippon Oil Exploration (Malaysia) Ltd. The first intake for the programme was exclusively for a major student cohort sponsored by Murphy and a smaller cohort sponsored by Nippon.

Full information on the Diploma in Process Plant Technology (Oil Industry) programme and other programmes being offered for the 2009 academic year, including application deadlines, orientation and commencement dates, as well as available scholarships and loans for students, can be obtained from the Curtin University of Technology, Sarawak Malaysia website at www.curtin.edu.my. Alternatively, you can contact the university’s Student Recruitment Department at 085-443939 or via e-mail to enquiries@curtin.edu.my for more details.

Lecturer Brad Shaw giving briefing on Curtin Sarawak’s Diploma in Process Plan Technology (Oil Industry) programme recently.