By Jaythaleela K
MIRI, Mar 2: Curtin University Malaysia staff recently handed over RM4,000, raised from the ‘Ethnic Food Carnival’ held at the university last year, to SK Temenggong Datuk Muip to help upgrade its library.
About 500 students from various disciplines participated in the carnival organised by the General Studies (MPU) Unit of the Culture and Language Studies Department at Curtin Malaysia’s Faculty of Humanities. It formed part of the students’ studies in Ethnic Relations and Islamic and Asian Civilisation.
MPU coordinator Valerie Velina Nagreg handed over the money to the school’s headmistress Haimisah Sherbini at the school.
Valerie said that besides fulfilling the students’ subject requirements, the aim of the carnival was to promote multicultural unity and to reach out to the community.
“The students from different ethnic communities prepared their traditional dishes, learned the traditional ways of preparation and the cultural aspects of the different cuisines. The carnival was a huge success, attracting not only our students and staff but also members of the public,” she said.
Haimisah thanked Curtin and the students for incorporating a fund-raising drive in aid of SK Temenggong Datuk Muip. She said the funds raised would go a long way to improving the school’s library.
Among those present at the carnival were Sibuti MP Lukanisman Awang Sauni, Haimisah and the university’s Deputy Pro Vice-Chancellor Professor Beena Giridharan, who is also dean of the Faculty of Humanities.
Giridharan said the event helped Curtin students and staff understand more about Malaysia and its rich cultural heritage.
She added that it was a good opportunity for the international students, especially, to find out more about Malaysia, how its cultures have influenced each other and contributed to creating a truly unique Malaysian culture.
“It is widely known that Malaysia’s ethnic diversity is most profound in Sarawak, being home to some 27 ethnic groups, each with its own distinct language, culture, lifestyle and, of course, food. While not all the cuisines were featured during the carnival, it was nevertheless an impressive spread that was appreciated by everyone,” said Giridharan.
Meanwhile, MPU student Sherlina George commented that the event was a good learning experience for the students in developing their teamwork, entrepreneurial and management skills.
For more information on Curtin Malaysia, visit its website (www.curtin.edu.my), its Facebook page (CurtinMalaysia), Twitter profile (curtinmalaysia), Google+ page (Curtin Malaysia), Instagram (curtinmalaysia), YouTube channel (Curtin Malaysia) or LinkedIn page (Curtin Malaysia). — DayakDaily
