Curtin University Sarawak scholarship students make most of studies in Perth
MIRI: Five outstanding Curtin University Sarawak scholarship students are making the most of their studies at the university’s main campus in Perth, Western Australia.
Civil and construction engineering students Alexis Lee and Jeffrey Lam; accounting and finance students Jong Yee Yee and Soo Yann Bin; and electronic and communication engineering student Han Yi Chiew want to gain different perspectives on their respective fields of study while experiencing a completely different lifestyle and culture.
In a statement yesterday, Curtin Sarawak pro vice- chancellor Professor Jim Mienczakowski said the five are fitting ambassadors of Curtin Sarawak in Western Australia.
“Through the scholarship, some of our best and brightest students have been given the opportunity to study abroad, gain valuable new experiences and broaden their horizons. We are very proud of what these five students have accomplished,” he said.
The students are the 2014 recipients of the jointly- funded Western Australia Premier’s Scholarship offered by Curtin University and the Western Australia state government, which enables them to complete their final year of study in Perth.
The Western Australia state government pays for the airfare and accommodation, while Curtin pays for the tuition fees.
Lee, who is from Sabah, said the scholarship and opportunity to complete his degree in Australia is a dream come true.
“Coming from a medium income family, my parents would otherwise have had to work extremely hard to put me through studies overseas,” he said.
Ipoh-born Lam applied for the scholarship hoping to set a good example for his younger siblings, two of whom are also students of Curtin Sarawak.
His excellence extends beyond the classroom, having headed several student clubs at Curtin Sarawak.
“It gives me the opportunity to experience a completely new environment and will take me to a new level of personal advancement. I’m very thankful to the academic staff at Curtin Sarawak for their help,” said Lam.
For Jong, the scholarship proved that hard work pays and puts her a step closer to her dream of becoming a professional accountant.
“I plan to apply for an internship during my semester break to experience the working environment in Australia, and ultimately, I hope to get a job with one of the ‘Big Four’ corporations after graduating,” said Jong, who is from Miri.
Soo – from Johor – said studying in Perth will make him more independent and responsible.
“I picked up many useful skills at Curtin Sarawak that I continue to apply here in Perth. They include organisational and time management skills, which help me balance my studies and social life,” he said.
Han credits his parents for his achievement and said good opportunities will come to those who are honest and passionate about what they do.
Curtin Sarawak offers scholarships for foundation and undergraduate studies such as the Pro Vice- Chancellor’s International Scholar, Dean’s Scholar apart from the Western Australia Premier’s Scholarship.
Other external scholarships and study loans are also available such as the Tunku Abdul Rahman Scholarship, Yayasan Sarawak Bestari Scholarship and Yayasan Sarawak Study Loan.
For further details contact loans and scholarships officer Jeremy Edison George on 085- 443035 or email loans.scholarships@ curtin. edu.my.