Curtin Malaysia contributes to Miri economy
CURTIN University Malaysia graduates have not only become highly successful in their careers but are serving society as good citizens with noble qualities.
The Curtin Malaysia campus in Miri, Sarawak, has also created economic spinoffs totalling some RM2.2bil that has benefited Miri’s economy in the 20 years since it was set up there, said Curtin Malaysia prochancellor Tan Sri Dr George Chan Hong Nam.
Dr Chan said the university has developed into a top academic body and a key socio-economic entity for the state and country.
“It has been 20 good years of Curtin Malaysia’s existence in Miri.
“They have produced thousands of graduates who are now holding key posts and playing key roles in public and private entities in Sarawak, Malaysia, and overseas.
“This is the result of the holistic education they received from this world class campus in Miri that places equal emphasis on intellectual academic qualifications and human values,” he said.
He was speaking after witnessing the signing of another 20-year joint venture agreement between Curtin Malaysia and its Curtin Australia umbrella organisation.
The Curtin Malaysia campus was set up in Miri in 1999. It was Dr Chan – during his tenure as Sarawak’s Deputy Chief Minister – who persuaded Curtin Australia to set up a campus in Sarawak’s second biggest city (Kuching is the largest).
With the signing of another 20-year agreement, the campus in Miri is set to increase its student population of some 5,000 from 50 countries.
It began in 1999 with just 200 students, Dr Chan said.
Curtin Malaysia board chairman Datuk Ose Murang signed the agreement with Curtin Australia vice-chancellor Prof Deborah Terry.
Prof Terry said: “Graduates of Curtin should be proud of the fact that we are recognised as among the best in the world in education.
“However, the thing that makes me the proudest is when I see our Curtin graduates serving society as people with good hearts who are responsible and caring.
“Curtin Malaysia graduates must use what they have learned to make their society a better place,” she said.
Curtin Malaysia chief executive Prof Jim Mienczakowski said he is happy to see that the Sarawak campus has the biggest Curtin international campus in the world.
He said Curtin Malaysia is expanding its scope in the sciences, engineering, oil and gas, businesses, and industries and the humanities.