Western Australia Government hosts Curtin Sarawak scholars

Miri – 20 August 2009 – Five outstanding scholarship students from Curtin University of Technology, Sarawak Malaysia (Curtin Sarawak) had the privilege of meeting Western Australian Minister for Education, the Honorable Dr. Elizabeth Constable MLA, at Parliament House in Perth, Western Australia, last week. Curtin University of Technology’s Vice Chancellor, Professor Jeanette Hacket, was also present at the meeting.

The students are the 2009 recipients of the Western Australia Premier’s Scholarship, a jointly-funded scholarship offered by Curtin and the Western Australia State Government enabling them to complete their final year of study at Curtin’s main Bentley Campus in Perth.

Deputy Pro Vice-Chancellor for Curtin Sarawak, Professor Joan Gribble, said she is proud to have the five students representing the Sarawak Campus.

“Through this scholarship, some of our best and brightest students have been given the opportunity to experience study abroad, gaining valuable new experiences and allowing them to broaden their horizons,” she said.

“The students’ interaction with the Curtin community has also given staff and students at Bentley the opportunity for cultural and social exchange as well,” she added.

Teo Shu Qing, one of this year’s scholars, has had to adjust to life and studying in a different country.

“The tutors and lecturers here have a different teaching style to those at Curtin Sarawak, so I had to get use to that, but they are extremely encouraging. The Bentley campus is so multicultural, and I have made friends from all around the world, an opportunity that rarely arose back home,” she said.

The opportunity to visit Parliament House was also a unique experience for Teo. “Visiting Parliament House was a real eye opener and very educational. I’ve never been on such a visit before and I felt honoured to meet with the Minister,” she said.

This Western Australia Premier’s Scholarship scheme was announced by then Premier Geoff Gallop during a visit to the Curtin Sarawak campus in Miri in 2003.

For each student, the Western Australia State Government covers the cost of airfare and accommodation, and Curtin meets the cost of tuition fees.

The five 2009 scholars are currently studying undergraduate degrees in the areas of Engineering and Commerce.

Completing a double degree in Marketing and Management, Teo said the amazing experience was different to anything she has ever done before.

“This is the first time I have lived away of home so I am faced with many new responsibilities and total independence,” she said.

Besides taking in the sights of Perth, the students have also been able to participate in many extra curricular activities and community programmes at Curtin and around Western Australia.

Professor Gribble said that the scheme has been invaluable in helping to build a stronger relationship between Western Australia and Malaysia.

“Many of Curtin Sarawak students have benefited from this Scheme over the years and they have always provided much positive feedback about their experiences. We would like to commend the State Government for its vision in supporting such an important education programme,” she said

The five Curtin Sarawak scholars with Vice Chancellor

Professor Jeanette Hacket (far left) and the

Hon. Dr. Elizabeth Constable MLA (5th left) on the steps

of the Western Australia Parliament House.