Ground breaking a memorable event not only in the life of Curtin Sarawak, but also of Curtin University, says chancellor

Miri – 11 May 2011 – The recent ground breaking for the new Chancellery at Curtin University, Sarawak Malaysia (Curtin Sarawak) was a memorable event not only in the life of Curtin Sarawak, but also of Curtin University, according to the Chancellor of Curtin University, Dr. Jim Gill.

Dr. Gill was speaking before those gathered for the ground breaking for the state-of-the-art building at the Curtin Sarawak campus on 6 May 2011.

They included the chairmen of Curtin Sarawak’s campus council and management board, Datuk Patinggi Tan Sri Dr. George Chan Hong Nam and Datuk Lee Kim Shin; its pro vice-chancellor, Professor Ian Kerr; Vice Chancellor of Curtin University, Professor Jeanette Hacket, and deputy vice chancellor Professor David Wood; and chairman of Curtin (Malaysia) Sdn Bhd, Datuk Dr. Hatta bin Solhi. Also present were members of the campus’ council and management board, senior management staff and academics.

“This is also a significant event in the history of higher education in the Asia Pacific region, where a new chapter is being written. For even as we celebrate the literal ground breaking in this remarkable location, this place of cultural and spiritual significance, we also celebrate it in the wider educational sense,” Dr. Gill remarked.

He said that while the physical ground breaking will support further development for the campus, with buildings of beauty and functionality, the ‘educational ground breaking’ marks the creation of an institution whose bold vision and innovative design promise to make it a place of transforming influence and enduring significance.