The award recipients pose for a group photograph with Liew Mei Yin, Dr. Beena Giridharan, Professor Kerr, Dr. Yudi Samyudia (back row).
Miri – 7 October, 2011 – Secondary school students who achieved exceptional academic results in their studies this year were rewarded with the Curtin Award of Excellence from Curtin University, Sarawak Malaysia (Curtin Sarawak) today.
The 24 students from 14 secondary schools in Miri received their awards from the Pro Vice-Chancellor and Chief Executive of Curtin Sarawak, Professor Ian Kerr, at a simple award ceremony at the university’s campus.
Also present were principals, counselors, teachers and Parent-Teacher Association (PIBG) representatives of the respective schools, as well as the deans of Curtin Sarawak’s School of Foundation and Continuing Studies and School of Engineering and Science, Dr. Beena Giridharan and Dr. Yudi Samyudia, and Marketing Manager Liew Mei Yin.
The Curtin Award of Excellence, which was first introduced in 2003, includes cash prizes, and is presented each year to the top students nominated by their school principals.
This year’s recipients were Wafa Nabilah binti Kamal (Kolej Tun Datu Tuanku Haji Bujang); Tan Chin Jie (SM Pei Min); Eva Maria Eeyah anak Unyat (SM Sains); Bianca Chai Yiing Yi, Sonia Chin Jia En, Joyce Teo Jia Ying, Cindy Sim Xin Yong (SMK Chung Hua Miri); Mohd. Zainal bin Udin, Felicia Ulak anak Tlajan (SMK Dato Permaisuri); Shane Khoo Tze Hong (SMK Lopeng Tengah); Elaine Yong Shu Han (SMK Luak); Yee Kah Siew and Chiam Tat Chuen (SMK Lutong); Rima Atria Japarin, Nurkhairunisa binti Awang Jumat (SMK Merbau); Kiu Yun Qian, Winnie Renang (SMK Pujut); Jasmine Baun Fletcher, Mackkinley Bujang Anak Guma (SMK Riam); Elizabeth Natassja Rinie anak Entu (SMK Taman Tunku); Lynna Wong, Daniel Wong Sing Dong (SMK St. Columba); Amy Josephine Khiu Sing Yii, Chong Sung Yan (SMK St. Joseph).
In congratulating the recipients, Professor Kerr said, “Academic achievement of any kind deserves due recognition and reward to help students build their self-esteem, and to encourage them to further excel in their studies.
I trust that by receiving this award, you will be encouraged to face the coming SPM or STPM with full confidence, knowing that you have already come a long way to achieve in your studies, and with continued determination and hard work, will do well in your exams.”
He said the Curtin Award of Excellence is one of the ways Curtin Sarawak shows its appreciation to the local community for its continued support, and the university takes great pleasure in recognising the academic achievements of outstanding students in local schools, just as it recognises the academic performance of its own students at university level.
He encouraged the students to consider Curtin Sarawak for your tertiary education as it offers a very affordable quality Australian education and global learning experience literally at their doorstep.
Professor Kerr said Curtin Sarawak will continue to strengthen its ties with the local schools.
“By working together, we can collectively support the Government’s vision of producing independent and creative thinkers through education and the embracing of technology and innovation, and of making Miri an education hub,” he said.
He added that Curtin Sarawak is committed to the advancement of education in Miri, and in Sarawak on the whole. It is always ready and willing to support local schools by providing academic support, student mentorship, sharing its expertise and resources, and conducting educational workshops and seminars for teachers and students.
For information on Curtin Sarawak, visit its website at www.curtin.edu.my, call +60 85 443 939 or e-mail [email protected].
