Curtin Malaysia marks 20th anniversary
CURTIN University Malaysia celebrated with over 120 alumni at the Curtin Malaysia 20th Anniversary Alumni Homecoming.
The alumni included those that graduated at Curtin Malaysia and Curtin’s main campus in Perth, Western Australia.
Present at the event were Curtin Malaysia pro-chancellor Tan Sri Dr George Chan, pro vice-chancellor and chief executive Prof Jim Mienczakowski, deputy pro vicechancellor Prof Beena Giridharan; chief operating officer Pieter Pottas and Curtin University associate deputy vice-chancellor International, Assoc Prof Simon Leunig. Several faculty deans and management staff also attended.
Among the highlights of the evening was the presentation of alumni achievement awards to three notable alumni by Leunig. These were chosen by a university selection panel from over 20 candidates who were nominated by their peers.
Mechanical engineering graduate Joyceanna Hong Jia Ming, who graduated in 2012, received the Curtin Malaysia Alumni Professional Award which recognises distinction, exemplary leadership and achievement in the professions or industry.
Receiving the Curtin Malaysia Alumni Entrepreneur Award, which recognises outstanding initiative or contribution to innovation or creative new ideas, solutions or business opportunities that have the potential for strong growth, was Master of Science in Electrical Engineering graduate Stanly Ampah Barak, who graduated earlier this year.
The Curtin Malaysia Social Impact Award for exceptional contribution and commitment to creating positive social change and improving the lives of others, went to electrical and communication engineering graduate and environmentalist Rexy Prakash Chacko, who graduated in 2016.
In his welcome speech, Prof Mienczakowski said the alumni homecoming was aimed at getting alumni to re-connect with their alma mater, especially during the 20th anniversary year.
He said that a series of commemorative events for various stakeholders have been held this year to mark the important milestone.
“It is only fitting that Curtin Malaysia hosts one for Curtin alumni in Miri,” he said, adding that a second event for alumni based in the peninsula as well as government and industry stakeholders, was jointly hosted by Curtin University and Curtin Malaysia in Kuala Lumpur.
In his address, Chan said Curtin has had a long and meaningful relationship with Sarawak since 1998 when the university and the Sarawak government signed a memorandum of understanding for the development of academic cooperation.
This led to the establishment of Curtin Malaysia later that year, and the commencement of classes with 220 students in March the following year.
“In recent years, we have continued to produce more graduates who have spread far and wide across the world, helping Curtin build a strong international reputation with global reach,” he said.