The Beginning of a greater Curtin Sarawak Development

MIRI, 11 May 2006 – In supporting the efforts to make Malaysia a hub for educational excellence, particularly in higher education, and in line with its continuous dedication to the advancement of knowledge, Curtin University of Technology, Sarawak Malaysia (Curtin Sarawak) continues to witness expansion at its existing campus.

YB Datuk Patinggi Tan Sri Dr George Chan Hong Nam, Deputy Chief Minister, Minister of Modernization of Agriculture and Minister of Industrial Development, Sarawak and Chairman of Curtin Sarawak Council today officiated the Ground Breaking Ceremony of Curtin Sarawak Phase II extension at its campus premises, witnessed by distinguished representatives from the Sarawak State government, senior management from Curtin University of Technology and other dignitaries.

In his official address, YB Datuk Patinggi Tan Sri Dr George Chan Hong Nam said, “The ground breaking ceremony today symbolises the beginning of Curtin Sarawak Campus Phase II and the Proposed Curtin Lakeview Eco–City demonstrates the continuous development and expansion of the Greater Curtin Sarawak Development.

The Greater Curtin Sarawak Development is made up of the intentions, dreams, plans and designs which flowed from the hearts and minds of the State Government as well as Imasa Dinasti Sdn Bhd and the TAK Group of Companies who aspire towards this vision.

This also forms part of the national quest to develop the innovative biotechnology sector in the state of Sarawak by creating a comprehensive satellite biotechnology hub which includes an institutional segment, Curtin Sarawak, as well as residential and commercial components to provide an environment which encourages innovative world class technology development and commercialisation.”

“The Greater Curtin Sarawak Development will feature a creation of a World–class centre of excellence made up of relationships both from within as well as extending worldwide with all parties involved working towards setting up of a profitable, prosperous and thriving community.

Imasa’s involvement with the development of Curtin Sarawak Campus is inline with its primary objective to create a Sustainable and a ‘Must See–Must Experience University Township’ in East Malaysia. Curtin Sarawak will be developed into a focal point for nurturing and developing new skills and talents for the fledgling bio–tech industry in Sarawak while the gated and guarded Proposed Curtin Lakeview Eco–City, located in close proximity to the campus grounds, provides international standard residential amenities with state–of–the–art facilities and amenities within a secure neighbourhood,” he continued.

YB (Dr) Lee Kim Shin, Assistant Minister of Infrastructure Development and Communication, Sarawak and Chairman, Management Board, Curtin Sarawak, and Director, Sarawak Tertiary Education Services Sdn Bhd (STES) in his welcome speech said, “The planning, design and submission for the entire Phase II development of the university have been on–going since early last year. An extensive consultative process was conducted with each operational unit of the University, to provide recommendation lists that are considered as the “best mix”, buildings and facilities to cater for a population of 5,000 students drawn from over 50 countries and an increasing number of staff for the projected growth.”

The plans for the development covers approximately 300 acres of land, within the 1,250 acres designated for the Greater Curtin Sarawak Development, set aside for the expansion of Curtin Sarawak Campus.

The expansion features development of specific components to enhance the readily available facilities, having international standards of research and supporting facilities on par with other centres of excellence in established regions such as the United States of America, Europe and Australia.

TAK’s design while in harmony with existing structures also injects new state–of–the–art elements within the development. Specific common elements, for example the banded fair brick walls, curved metal deck roof, blade walls and louvers are maintained while new elements such as sun–shading devices, membrane structures and other detailing add an aspect of modern architecture into the overall design of the facilities. Specific components added within the extension are a Lakeside cafeteria, IT Building, a Multi–purpose Hall, a general purpose building, student common rooms, a new Bookshop, lecture theatres and also a Child–care centre.

The design’s marriage of beauty and harmony with practicality is evident in the manner in which the beautiful natural landscape harmonizes with the new facilities. The lake–view cafeteria provides amazing vistas for the enjoyment of all while emphasis on colour and vibrancy adds uniqueness and beauty to the entire development.

On the other hand, Imasa’s new township in the shape of the Proposed Curtin Lakeview Eco–City represents an area of 192 acres within the Greater Curtin Sarawak Master Plan. The Curtin Lakeview Eco–City is an elegant, exclusive and integrated township in an unsurpassed location, with superb architecture and craftsmanship. Located in proximity to the Curtin campus it is within easy walking distance for staff, students, residents and others. The secure, gated and guarded neighbourhood will also be fully equipped with necessary community facilities such as schools, surau and mosque, kindergartens and child–care centres, clinics, petrol kiosks, fire and police stations and a bus terminal, as well as commercial developments, making it a self–contained township. The residential units developed will include low and medium density landed residential units. Design and pricing of all units are affordable and takes into consideration the requirements of the varied, multi–national community envisaged. The potential returns from investment in these properties are envisaged to be extremely rewarding for the savvy purchasers.

Professor Jeanette Hacket, Vice Chancellor of Curtin University said, “The Sarawak Government’s invitation to Curtin to establish the Miri campus is a substantial vote of confidence in the University’s export education expertise. Strategic partnerships are critical to Curtin’s international activities, and the Miri campus is a good example of a strategic partnership at work.”

“The strategic partnership between the Sarawak Government and the University has been an extraordinarily collaborative one – a partnership that is already bringing significant rewards to Miri, to Sarawak and to the University. I am confident that the shared vision and spirit of cooperation, which was the hallmark of the creation of this campus will continue as Curtin Sarawak embarks on the next stage of development,” she added.

Curtin Sarawak was established in February 1999 in partnership with the Sarawak Government, it is the first offshore campus of the Curtin University of Technology, Western Australia and also the first foreign university campus to be set up in East Malaysia. In November 1999, Curtin Sarawak was awarded the Multimedia Super Corridor status. In December 2004, Curtin Sarawak was awarded the prestigious IRPA grant (Intensification of Research in Priority Areas) from the Ministry of Science, Technology and Environment.

Curtin Sarawak’s next intake will be in July 2006, and recruitment sessions are currently ongoing throughout the region. Application for admission form for Curtin Sarawak programs can be downloaded at www.curtin.edu.my/prospective/how2apply.htm

With students drawn from various countries, Curtin Sarawak offers an affordable education and a unique international and cross–cultural learning experience. The ultimate reward is the attainment of a prestigious internationally acclaimed Curtin degree.

Picture 1: VIPs at site

Picture 2: VIPs viewing the model of Phase II

Picture 3: VIPs and the Curtin students