Monday 2 August 2010
C148/10
Five outstanding scholarship students from Curtin University’s Sarawak Campus in Miri, Malaysia, received a firsthand experience of Parliament House when they met with Dr Mike Nahan MLA, Member for Riverton, recently.
The students are the 2010 recipients of the jointly funded WA Government Scholarship offered by Curtin and the State Government that enables them to complete their final year of study at the University’s Bentley Campus.
Pro Vice-Chancellor for Curtin Sarawak, Professor Ian Kerr, said the students had done very well in representing Curtin Sarawak in WA.
“Through this scholarship some of our best and brightest students have been given the opportunity to study abroad and gain valuable new experiences and broaden their horizons. We are very proud of what they have accomplished,” Professor Kerr said.
“Opportunities like these go a long way to help enhance the strong ties between both campuses. The staff and students at Bentley also benefit from the cultural and social exchange that takes place with these visits.”
One of this year’s scholars, Miss Wong Ming Yi , 21, said her experience at Curtin Bentley had been challenging but very beneficial.
“The teaching style in Australia is somewhat different from Sarawak, which proved challenging at times, but yet it has been stimulating, and I really think that I have improved as a student from it, ” Miss Wong said.
“Studying at the Bentley campus also provides the advantage of a very culturally diverse campus, and I’ve learnt a lot from working with Australian students as well as others from all over the world.”
The opportunity to visit Parliament House was a unique experience for Miss Wong.
“Visiting Parliament House was very educational because I’ve never been on such a visit before,” she said.
“We got a firsthand insight into how the WA government works and this was really interesting.”
The scholarship was established in 2003, with the State Government covering the cost of airfare and accommodation for each student while Curtin meets the cost of tuition fees.
The five 2010 scholars are currently studying undergraduate degrees in commerce, geology and engineering.
Besides Miss Wong, the other scholars are Liaw Sui Boon, Raymond Chiong Choo Wee, Liew Kim Fung and Tang Ing Cheng.
Miss Wong, who is studying geology, hopes to work in the oil and gas industry.
“Curtin is one of the leading educators in the oil and gas industry, and I am very excited to be able to study here in WA,” she said.
“I’m looking forward to a rewarding career where I don’t have to be stuck behind a desk all the time as I like being outdoors.”
Besides soaking in the sights of Perth, the students have also been able to participate in many extra curricular activities and community programs at Curtin and around WA.
Professor Kerr said the long running scheme had also been invaluable in building a stronger relationship between WA and Malaysia.
“Many Curtin Sarawak students have benefited from this scheme over the years and they have always provided much positive feedback about their experiences,” he said.
“With this scheme, the WA government has shown its strong commitment to education and we commend them for making these opportunities possible.”
Attention Editor/COS: A photograph of the five students is available on request.
Contacts: Ann Marie Lim; Public Relations; Public Relations; Curtin; 08 9266 4241; 0401 103 532; ann.lim@curtin.edu.au
