Students taking part in the colourful fashion show
Miri – 19 May 2011 – The International Festival 2011 or ‘I-Fest 2011’ held at Curtin University, Sarawak Malaysia (Curtin Sarawak) was a huge success judging from the large crowd of over 400 students and staff who attended.
Deputy Pro Vice-Chancellor of Curtin Sarawak, Professor Alistair Inglis, in addressing the gathering, said, “Being a student of Curtin Sarawak prepares you in becoming a citizen of the world. Think of the possibilities that the university has to offer in shaping your future.”
He urged them to take full advantage of the cultural diversity on Curtin Sarawak’s campus and the unique international and cross-cultural experience students derive as a result, as well as the potential for establishing friendships and networks that could last a lifetime and help in advancing their careers and lives in the future.
The annual I-Fest is truly a celebration of cultural diversity, attended by students and staff from over 40 countries and showcasing the culture, arts, heritage and cuisine of various countries, including Malaysia. This year’s event was organised by the Curtin Cultural Club and the International Sub-Council of the Student Council at the university’s Recreation & Event Centre.
Students from India, Pakistan, Sri Lanka, Indonesia, Brunei, the African continent and Malaysia turned up in full force wearing their national costumes.
Apart from partaking in an array of tantalising delicacies from a number of countries, those attending also got to enjoy exciting musical, song and dance performances, a mock Bengali wedding and Chinese yoyo and wushu demonstrations by students.
Adding more colour to the festivities was an interesting fashion show where students of various nationalities paraded in the traditional costumes of other nationalities.
The president of the Student Council, James Chai, said he was glad the festival is continues to be an annual event as it is a good means of promoting togetherness among Curtin Sarawak’s students.
“As students, our goal is to not only obtain the qualification we aim for but we are also here to expand our social circle, to balance life between learning and living,” commented James.
Organising chairman of I-Fest 2011, Jonathan Sia, meanwhile expressed his satisfaction over the organisation of the event.
“The event went well beyond my expectations in terms of the number of people who turned up. Like any other event, we experienced minor glitches but we will definitely improve our organisational skills for next year’s event. Nonetheless, I think our committee members did a great job in making the event a success,” Jonathan remarked.
Being Curtin’s largest international campus, Curtin Sarawak is home to 3,000 students from over 40 countries, as well as academicians from more than 15 countries.
For more information of Curtin Sarawak, visit its website at www.curtin.edu.my.
Beena Giridharan, Dean of the School of Foundation and Continuing Studies presenting the award for Best Dressed Female
