Taib performs the gimmick to mark the opening of Curtin Malaysia’s anniversary dinner witnessed by (from his left) Manyin, Dr Chan and Lee. On Taib’s right is his wife Toh Puan Datuk Patinggi Raghad Kurdi Taib.
MIRI: Sarawak and Australia have been enjoying a special relationship for many years and this should be nurtured.
In this respect, Yang Di-Pertua Negeri Sarawak Tun Pehin Sri Abdul Taib Mahmud sees the Curtin University Malaysia Campus, which was established here 20 years ago, as continuing to enhance this tie.
“Australia’s open concept made it a nation of choice to obtain tertiary education – making students, including (former ones like) myself, very comfortable.
“I’d like to see this powerful relationship to be continued beyond education and be built in other forms – business, profession and international trade – for the future our younger generation,” said the Head of State in officiating at the ceremony to mark Curtin Malaysia’s 20th anniversary dinner here on Friday.
Adding on, Taib paid tribute to all those involved in making Curtin Malaysia a reality.
Meanwhile, Chief Minister Datuk Patinggi Abang Johari Tun Openg also congratulated Curtin University for its 20th anniversary in Malaysia, which he regarded as a significant milestone not just for the university, but also for Sarawak.
“Now that Curtin University and the Sarawak government, through Curtin (Malaysia) Sdn Bhd, have recently signed a new joint venture (JV) agreement, we can look forward to another 20 years of fruitful partnership.
“The agreement affirms Curtin University’s commitment to providing high-quality education in Sarawak, the strengthening of the Australia-Malaysia ties, and (upholding) the continued success of its campus here,” said Abang Johari in his speech, which was read out by Minister of Education, Science and Technological Research Dato Sri Michael Manyin at the event.
Abang Johari was also very pleased that Curtin Malaysia had been strongly supportive of Sarawak’s needs to have skilful manpower, offering courses relevant to Sarawak’s digital economy and Industry 4.0 initiatives.
“Curtin Malaysia has come through with innovative courses in construction management, engineering management, cyber security, software engineering, international business, management and human resources management,” he said, adding that such initiatives would propel Sarawak into a new digital era and become an economic and technological powerhouse in Malaysia.
Abang Johari also assured Curtin Malaysia that the Sarawak government would continue to reciprocate such support, pointing out the setting up of a pilot facility for biotechnological research at Miri BioValley Park – owned and developed by the Sarawak government at Curtin Malaysia Campus – as a way to contribute back to the university.
It is said that the biotechnological research facility would create fresh opportunities for collaborative research and industry engagements, aimed at bringing positive changes to local communities.
Separately, Curtin Malaysia pro-chancellor Datuk Patinggi Tan Sri Dr George Chan thanked everyone involved in making the university what it is today – an international-class institution.
It is known that Curtin Malaysia is Curtin Group’s largest international campus and also a global hub in Asia.
“Curtin Malaysia has progressed by leaps and bounds from our small fledgling Riam Campus 20 years ago, with just about 200 mainly-Sarawakian students then.
“Today at our modern 1,200-acre campus in Senadin, we can boast having over 4,000 students from over 50 different countries,” he said.
Dr Chan said in 20 years, Curtin Malaysia had produced over 7,000 graduates in various disciplines – it is learnt that this year, 735 students graduated, which is the largest number by far.
Assistant Minister of Tourism, Arts and Culture Datuk Lee Kim Shin, who is Senadin assemblyman, was also present to witness the opening ceremony.