Curtin Malaysia woos students at campus events
MIRI: Events held last weekend at the campus of Curtin University, Malaysia ( Curtin Malaysia) received a good response from prospective students, their parents and teachers.
‘Curtin Camp- tastic 2017’, the first integrated faculty learning camp organised by Curtin Malaysia, attracted over 180 third, fourth and fifth formers from secondary schools in the Miri and Bintulu divisions as well as Brunei.
The two- day camp was facilitated by academic staff of Curtin Malaysia’s Faculty of Engineering and Science, Faculty of Business and Faculty of Humanities led by deputy pro vice- chancellor Professor Beena Giridharan.
Themed ‘Cultivate, Innovate, Captivate’, the camp aimed to inspire interest in Science, Technology, Engineering and Mathematics ( STEM) through a project-based curriculum on a variety of subjects.
It also provided interesting science and engineering, humanities and skills based activities entitled ‘ Stargazing’, ‘Journey to Mars’, ‘Curtin’s Next Top Entrepreneur’, ‘Introduction to Photojournalism’, ‘ Language Skill Games’ and ‘ Developing Personal Leadership’.
In addition, the participants enjoyed side activities such as ‘Amazing Race’ and a tour of the campus.
In the closing session, the participants, facilitators and student volunteers got together to reflect on their experiences during the camp.
In her closing remarks, Professor Giridharan encouraged the students to continue pursuing their interest in different academic fields and reminded them of the importance of a good education.
Many of the participants commented that the sessions run by the faculties were very enriching, allowing them to gain insights into university studies and career pathways they can pursue in the future. They were also glad for the opportunity to make new friends and have fun while learning.
Doris Chelam, one of the teachers accompanying students from SMK Tinjar, Baram in a letter to the university praised it for not just motivating the students to pursue tertiary studies after their SPM but also for its warm hospitality.
“We felt very welcome and were well taken care of, particularly some of our students who were unwell. We are grateful for the opportunity for rural students to explore an internationallyrenowned university and we hope to collaborate in organising outreach projects in Baram in the future,” Doris stated.
Also happening on the same weekend was Curtin Discovery Day that allowed prospective students and their parents to find out more about available courses, study loans and scholarships and campus facilities to make informed decisions about enrolment.
The event included activities such as course counselling; loans and scholarships sessions with PTPTN and Curtin Malaysia’s Loans and Scholarships Section; and a tour of the campus, including the new RM20 million Faculty of Engineering and Science building.
The students and parents also attended a talk on engineering studies by head of the Department of Civil and Construction Engineering Dr Tang Fu Ee and a graduate sharing session conducted by senior lecturer of human resource management Dr Lew Tek Yew, where Curtin Malaysia alumni were invited to share their experiences as students at Curtin Malaysia as well as their current careers.
Curtin Malaysia offers worldranked courses in business, humanities, engineering and related sciences at foundation, undergraduate and postgraduate levels. The courses are identical in all respects to those delivered at the Curtin campuses in Perth and Singapore and degrees earned at the Malaysian campus are conferred directly by Curtin University.
Curtin Malaysia’s February/ March or first semester intake is still in progress and the university is offering an early bird promotion ( first come, first served basis) where students applying for the initial intake are eligible to receive complimentary Starbucks gift cards worth RM20 and those successfully enrolled with payment made will get AirAsia travel e-vouchers worth RM300.
Terms and conditions apply and potential students can enquire with the university’s marketing department for details.
For further information on the intake and early bird promotion, contact marketing officer Stevenson Tan at 085- 443090 / 019855 0839 or email stevenson.tan@ curtin.edu.my.
In addition, students with outstanding results in the SPM, STPM, O-Level, A-Level and UEC examinations are advised to take advantage of the Curtin Malaysia Merit Scholarships offering significant tuition fee waivers. Full details can be obtained at scholarships.curtin.edu.my.