Celebrating 10 Years of Curtin Sarawak!!
by Noora Ibrahim Zahir

Ten long years have passed since Curtin Sarawak came into existence, and on the 4^th of April 2009 marked the official launching of the celebration of ten years of excellence, innovation, growth, harmony, sharing, accolades, partnerships and service. Indeed, a lot of reasons to celebrate and so the Curtin 10^th Anniversary Open day was filled to the brim with high spirits, excitement and nostalgia.

Curtin Open Day was packed with exciting activities and the beginning of the day was no different. While the formal launch of the ten-year anniversary celebrations was held in the new recreational building, the Student Council launched a less formal opening of the day on the official stage for the open day activities.

The formal launch was a much honored event with distinguished presences such as YAB Pehin Sri Haji Abdul Taib bin Mahmud, the Chief Minister of Sarawak, YAB Datuk Patinggi Tan Sri Dr George Chan Hong Nam, the Deputy Chief Minister of Sarawak and the Chairman of Curtin Sarawak Council, Dr. Gordon Martin, the Chancellor of Curtin University of Technology and many more eminent members and friends of Curtin University of Technology Sarawak. The launching event was a memorable one where not only the 10^th Anniversary Celebrations were launched by the Chief Minister of Sarawak (the light show and streamers that went off at the moment of the launch were very exciting!), but also the new infrastructure development in Curtin Sarawak (the new School of Business and Recreational Center) and the BioValley Park Project. It was an event, which was truly Curtin Sarawak – the singing of national anthems of both Australia and Malaysia symbolizing the ties both countries have towards Curtin and with each other. Furthermore, the opening performance by a local drums troupe and the ethnic dances that were performed by a local cultural troupe signified the relationship Curtin University has with the state of Sarawak. While there were many impressive speeches at the event, the underlining message within each one was the same – celebrating the heights that Curtin Sarawak has reached, appreciating the hard work that has got the university to where it is and looking forward to the future that holds even a better and brighter future for Curtin Sarawak.

On the other side of the University, the Open Day had officially begun as well. Present students, members of Curtin Alumni and local friends of the University presented wonderful performances including different varieties of dance, beat boxing, singing, live bands etc. The very exciting finale of the Mr. and Ms. Curtin competition was held during the day’s celebrations as well, with Kelvin Sim Soon Khiong and Aileen Ho taking home the crown. While all the dance performances for the Open Miri Dance Competition organized by City Club and the Student Council were amazing, the proud winner of first prize and RM500 was HUSH. Curtin Idol did not disappoint either, with talented and lively performances. Neilson Martin got a well-deserved best performance award after driving the crowd wild. Ritcheal Harold and Chong Siew Wui were the pretty and well-dressed winners of Best Attire award. The Divine Divas won the hearts of the crowd and walked away with the Audiences Favorite award. Chai Zing Tian and Neilson Martin were the second and first runner-up respectively and the Divine Divas were the deserving Curtin Idol Champions after their vivacious performance. 

Curtin Open Day also included a huge number of stalls by student associations and clubs, departments of the university and other business organizations such as Miri Marriott Resort & Spa and Delifrance. The stalls offered items from cultural artifacts, souvenirs from the university, food and beverages to fun-filled games and activities for both grown-ups and children. Additionally, the university offered demonstration of academic and other services that are available for prospective students and any others interested. Non Profit Organizations such as the Red Crescent and Human Life Service had stalls through which money was collected for charity as well as creating awareness regarding different issues. Red Crescent Miri Chapter organized a blood donation drive where students, staff, and other visitors donated blood for those in need.

The performers were not the only people who were winners during the Open Day 09. Anyone who bought coupons for the Open Day celebrations were offered the chance to participate in a thrilling lucky draw. Chuan Li Ai was the third prize winner and the chance to enjoy a stay in Miri Marriott Hotel & Spa with a friend. Yu Ching Yaw won second prize of a trip to the famous Mulu caves. The lucky first prize winner Nazri Bin Kawi won the very exciting prize of a return ticket from Royal Brunei Airlines to Perth, Australia! Five other winners walked off with various prizes as well.

The tenth anniversary of Curtin University of Technology Sarawak came to an end with a beautiful showcase of fireworks. It marked a momentous occasion for the university and certainly was a day to remember.