SERVING IS FUN: The participants in a photo call after the event.
MIRI: Some 40 students and staff members of Curtin University, Sarawak Campus (Curtin Sarawak) and Miri Marriott Resort & Spa endured the scorching sun to clean the whole stretch of Tanjong Lobang Beach here recently.
They were divided into five groups, and managed to collect more than 10 large bags of rubbish and debris. Apart from that, they also took part in fun activities throughout the day.
The event called ‘Beach Whitening’ was initiated by the Bowling Club of Curtin Sarawak and carried out together with Curtin Sarawak’s Leo Club and the Department of Science and Foundation of the university’s School of Engineering and Science.
Miri Marriott Resort & Spa was the event sponsor.
Curtin Sarawak’s chief operating officer and advisor to the Curtin Leo Club, Nicholas Ching Lai Hock, Miri Marriott Resort & Spa general manager Marcel Hinderer, Bowling Club advisor and engineering mathematics associate lecturer Jameson Malang and club president Henry Ngu Chu Lik launched the event.
“This is the first such campaign initiated by the club involving students and staff members of Curtin Sarawak and Marriott Resort & Spa.
“The main objective was to help maintain the cleanliness of one of Miri’s most popular beaches while raising awareness on the importance of preserving the environment,” Ngu who is a fourth-year mechanical engineering student explained.
Hinderer, meanwhile, commented that the event brought both parties together to act as important players in the community with a ‘spirit to serve’.
“It’s not about getting credit or to aim for profits, but to raise awareness and share the passion for a cleaner and brighter environment with the locals,” he added.
At the closing ceremony, Ching praised the student clubs for the initiative to organise the meaningful campaign, saying it was a good opportunity to enhance relationships and build friendships, as well as work towards a common cause.
Meanwhile, Jameson thanked everyone for their support, particularly the Miri Marriott Resort & Spa for sponsoring the event.
The next event by the Curtin Bowling Club will be the Curtin Open Bowling competition on Oct 12.
Participation is open to all and those interested may contact Bobby Tie at 018-9738872, or Patricia Choo at 016-8768197.
At the same time, those interested can visit the club’s Facebook page for updates on its activities.