The contractor (front row, right) briefing Dr Chan (fourth left), Mienczakowski (front row, second right) and the others on the new faculty project.
MIRI: Curtin University of Technology Sarawak is now moving forward in pursuing autonomy as Curtin University’s largest off-shore international campus with its new Faculty of Engineering and Science building.
Curtin Sarawak’s Pro-Chancellor Datuk Patinggi Tan Sri Dr George Chan disclosed this was a new drive in the long-term strategic growth for the university’s Sarawak campus.
Speaking to the media after signing a foundation plaque of the new building, Dr Chan said the RM24 million four-storey building was to bring further enrichment of campus life and learning experience to the students, whose population has now exceeded 3,500.
“The new faculty building will pave a new direction for Curtin Sarawak’s strategic growth in the coming years.”
In addition to that, Chan said the university had plans to beautify the landscape of its existing lake for recreational activities next year to provide students a green environment conducive for learning.
In an effort to increase student enrolment, he said the university offered scholarships to foreign students to do their foundation course besides giving scholarships to bright local students, including Bumiputeras.
Pro vice-chancellor Professor Jim Mienczakowski said with the new building, its School of Engineering and Science and School of Business will be elevated to full-fledged faculties.
“The move is an important marker of Curtin Sarawak’s strategic growth and its growing autonomy as Curtin University’s largest international campus, in addition to bolstering its status as a leading higher education institution in the country.
“Faculties are often referred to as the engines of a university. Our faculty deans will become full members of our senior executive team and will be a crucial element in our strategic planning and decision-making.”
Scheduled for completion in March 2016, the new faculty will be a signature work of architecture and landmark for the campus’s Skylark Precinct, which currently consists of two buildings housing the faculty’s laboratories and workshops.
It will house three lecture halls, 160 to 240 seats on the ground floor, four classrooms of between 56 and 84 seats on the first floor, lecturer and meeting rooms on the second floor, and offices and more meeting and discussion rooms on the third floor.