MIRI, March 30: Curtin University Sarawak Campus is striving to excel for another 20 years.
“In this ever-changing and incredibly competitive world, we look forward to working ever more closely with the media and engaging in different forms of conventional and so-called new media, to enhance our reputation and brand positioning,” said Datuk Patinggi Dr George Chan, Pro-Chancellor of Curtin Malaysia Sarawak Campus.
In addressing this at Curtin Malaysia Sarawak campus’ 20th anniversary dinner at a leading hotel here on Friday, he said, “Though 20 years have passed, our remit to provide quality education and an enriching learning experience to students from Malaysia and beyond has not changed one bit.
“Our innovative spirit and commitment to educate minds and enrich lives has seen us lead in many areas, including embracing new technologies, introducing new ways of learning, conducting research that impacts local communities, and producing work-ready graduates.”
Dr Chan reminisced leading a delegation of Sarawak leaders to Perth to invite Curtin University to establish its first foreign branch campus here in Miri 21 years ago.
He told those present that it wasn’t an easy task convincing the university leadership, but as implausible as the idea seemed then, it did have its merits.
“We were fortunate to have the support of notable figures, both in Sarawak and Western Australia, that included then Chief Minister (Tun) Pehin Sri Abdul Taib Mahmud and the late Harry Perkins AM, former Chancellor of Curtin University,” he recalled.
“We also owe a debt of gratitude to the press. Without all the news coverage and articles on Curtin Malaysia that you have published, as Professor Beena has alluded to earlier, we would not enjoy the strong reputation we have today,” he pointed out.
“For example, we recently introduced a new journalism stream in our Bachelor of Arts in Mass Communication to complement the Corporate Screen Production and Public Relations and Marketing streams. This involved building an industry-standard radio conty for realistic teaching of the broadcast journalism units. We are now exploring the teaching of TV production and broadcasting,” he said.
Also present at the gathering were Curtin Malaysia Sarawak Campus chairman Datu Ose Murang, Assistant Minister for Tourism, Arts and Culture Datuk Lee Kim Shin, Piasau assemblyman Datuk Sebastian Ting, acting pro-vice chancellor Prof Beena Gindharan, Curtin Malaysia Sarawak campus chief operating officer Pieter Willem Pottas. — DayakDaily
