By George, more to a degree than money for Curtin grads

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One of the graduates, Arthur (left), receiving his scroll for Bachelor of Engineering (Mechanical Engineering) from Acting Chancellor Sue Wilson of Curtin University. Standing at right is Dr Chan.

MIRI: Degree holders at Curtin University Sarawak’s  2015 Graduation are reminded to be more than worthy ambassadors to their alma mater, not just to embrace change for a successful career but also to live life to the fullest.

Former deputy chief minister and chairman of the campus council of Curtin University, Sarawak Malaysia (Curtin Sarawak), Datuk Patinggi Tan Sri Dr George Chan Hong Nam is confident they can succeed in life if they put their minds to what they are doing with the belief that nothing in this world is impossible.

“Live life to the fullest, everyday live your life with a purpose, don’t sit back and do nothing, don’t sit back and do 9-to-5 jobs that is very dull. Money is not everything.

“Show that you are not only technically or academically competent, but that you also possess emotional intelligence. Demonstrate positive attributes like high integrity and a positive attitude, and adopt a continuous learning culture,” he said.

Dr Chan was speaking at the Curtin Sarawak’s Graduation ceremony 2015 for 37 who completed postgraduate degrees, 275 who passed with degree from Faculty of Business and Humanities and 225 from the Faculty of Engineering and Science.

Present at the function were Acting Chancellor Sue Wilson of Curtin University, who handed over the scrolls to graduates at the ceremony, Vice-Chancellor Professor Deborah Terry, Chairman of Curtin (Malaysia) Sdn Bhd Datu Dr Hatta Solhi, Datuk Dr Lee Kim Shin who is Chair of the Curtin Sarawak Management Board and Assistant Minister of Communications, Professor David Wood – Provost & Senior Deputy Vice Chancellor, Curtin University and Professor Jim Mienczakowski who is Pro Vice-Chancellor, Chief Executive of Curtin Sarawak.

The Resident of Miri Division, Antonio Kahti Galis was among other senior government officials and other invited guests at the function which was also attended by parents and families of the graduates.

Dr Chan also reminded that while graduates have every reason to celebrate their educational success with graduation, there is another reason to celebrate in that attaining a degree (or further degree) can change not only their own outcome in life but also that of the wider community.

“Another reason to celebrate the attainment of your degree is the contribution that education makes to the social, cultural and economic outcomes of the community and nation,” he said.

Earlier in her speech Vice-Chancellor of Curtin University, Professor Deborah Terry, commended Curtin Sarawak’s mission to produce graduates of global caliber is aligned closely with Malaysia’s aspirations to build a skilled and educated workforce to support economic growth.

To the graduates, she reminded them that the pursuit of knowledge is far more important than even knowledge itself. It involves discipline and training which, in turn, are moulders of character.

“Today you graduate from a university recently ranked equal 10th in the world for international outlook, and one that is now recognised as being in the top two per cent of universities in the world, having risen more places in the latest rankings of international universities than any other Australian university.

“As you embark on your careers or further study, I am confident that your success will further enhance Curtin’s global reputation. In turn, you have my commitment that we will strive to give you an increasing number of reasons to be proud of your university, as we know that our achievements impact on your reputation,” she said.

Among the graduates in Bachelor of Commerce.