Humans of Curtin Malaysia

“When I graduated from my pre-U, searching for a good university was quite exasperating, which I’m pretty sure many other students have experienced too. I attended as many higher education fairs as possible with my friends and we were all fascinated by the idea of going to university and eager to start our university journeys. After much research and planning, I finally decided on pursuing a Bachelor of Engineering in chemical engineering at Curtin Malaysia.”

"Living and studying away from home has taught me a lot. Compared to my previous college environment, Miri is much more relaxed, and there is an endless supply of support and assistance if I need it, which is comforting. I appreciate our diverse campus community. It’s great to see people of so many nationalities and races, creating a very welcoming and inclusive atmosphere. I've learned a lot about my talents and flaws, and I'm now receptive to different experiences and cultures. I used to be a really quiet and introverted person, but now I'm a little more assertive and confident.

“The choice to embark on studies at Curtin Malaysia was a clear-cut decision upon completion of my ‘O’ Levels. My foundation year was physically and mentally draining but I gave it my all and got through successfully. Though it has continued to be tough through the years, the openness and guidance of my lecturers has helped me stay on track.

“But life on campus was not all studies. I occasionally played basketball as a way of relieving stress. The campus has excellent recreational facilities and there are lots of opportunities for extracurricular activities. I was glad to be a part of the Football Field Solar Project team and volunteered at STEM Park Playground.

“Though the pandemic has prevented us from returning to the campus for some time, we have managed to continue out studies and campus life through various online platforms. I’m looking forward to returning to campus soon and being astonished by the new and upgraded facilities that I’ve heard so much about.

“Before joining Curtin Malaysia, I had heard about its reputation for academic excellence and was impressed. When I first joined as a staff member, I was thrilled to be part of the experience. I was able to obtain my very first professional membership, which is the Chartered Engineer (CEng) status through the Institution of Mechanical Engineers, UK. I eventually obtained several other professional memberships such as Professional Technologist (PTech) from the Malaysia Board of Technologists, Professional Member (MIMM) from the Institute of Materials Malaysia and Fellow of the Higher Education Academy (FHEA), UK.

“Working in a highly competitive environment, I was able to produce more than five publications, winning three Silver Awards at innovation exhibitions, and received the most prestigious award given to young engineers under the age of 35 the Institution of Mechanical Engineers, UK, the Young Developing Engineer of the Year 2021.

‘Studying at Curtin Malaysia, with its strengths in engineering, science and business, is an unusual choice for me because I've always been partial to the arts. However, I have come to realise that my passion for being creative has allowed me to have wider perspectives towards engineering and science. 

“I’m grateful for all the great lecturers and friends I have come across on my journey from foundation to degree. They have made my campus life meaningful. Initially, I was unsure about whether computer science or electrical and electronic engineering would be a better choice of undergraduate degree for me, but my programming lecturer Mr. Roy helped me make the right decision. He helped me see my strengths and passion in software and hardware skills, thus my firm decision to pursue E&E engineering.

“To gain more soft skills, I joined the AIESEC in Curtin Malaysia chapter. This has also fulfilled my passion to connect, empower and guide people, and I’m committed to creating and leading Sustainable Development Goals projects in AIESEC throughout my degree years. 

“I’m also the IEEE Curtin Malaysia Student Branch chair for 2022 and looking forward to planning, executing and sustaining technical projects for rural communities in Sarawak. Furthermore, I'm on the Engineers Without Borders Sarawak or EWBS chapter main committee and founded Curtin Malaysia’s EWBS student chapter. 

“When I first started pursuing my higher education at Curtin Malaysia, little did I imagine that I would end up pursuing a professional career with my alma mater. I had a remarkable experience as an undergraduate student, winning the university’s Keysight Technologies Best Electronic Communication Graduate Award in 2015, and this motivated me to pursue a PhD in Mechatronics Engineering.

“Now, as an academic, I am involved in developing STEM skills among students at their early learning stages. I also coordinate industry and external relations, especially in relation to internships for undergraduate students.

“My goal for the future is to help improve the wellbeing of society, especially in the field of healthcare technology. For my PhD, I developed a novel approach to monitoring lower body walking motion using foot insole sensors. The work was published in Scientific Report by Nature, one of the world’s leading publishers for multidisciplinary sciences.

“Despite of the distance between my hometown Penang and Miri, I’m still grateful that I chose to study at Curtin Malaysia in 2018. When I first joined, I was pretty much an introvert due to the new environment and very diverse student community, but my experience at Curtin Malaysia has helped me step out from my comfort zone.

“I tried out activities I had never done before like skateboarding. My skateboarding mates taught me a lot of skateboarding skills and we share our ideas, interests and past experiences a lot. Skating around the campus while listening to music is one of the ways I release my stress. If you see me skating around campus, do join me. I won’t mind letting you to use my board.

“In 2019, I was a Curtin Malaysia Student Ambassador. Working with all the marketing officers was a really interesting experience for me. I got to interact with future students and their parents, sharing my student experience at Curtin Malaysia. The marketing officers were very helpful and friendly when training us student ambassadors for engagement during big events like the Curtin Info Day and Graduation Ceremony.

“As I’m from Miri, Curtin Malaysia was the most obvious and convenient choice for pursuing my further studies. Even though it’s in my hometown, it is very much an international campus providing a global education at par with Curtin in Australia. After all, it’s the same university, just a different campus.

“I really cherished my time there, and the people I met throughout my university journey. Throughout my foundation and undergraduate years, interacting with a great diversity of individuals from all over the world was a phenomenal experience. I made so many lifelong friends and acquaintances.  

“Being one of those ‘study hard and get good grades’ students, I found myself missing out on campus life, especially the events and club activities. So, when I was in my final year, I decided I wanted to get more involved, but alas, COVID-19 struck and we were all stuck at home and learning online.

“But I didn’t let that stop me from making an impact before graduating. Hence, I had the grand idea to organise the first-ever Student Exchange Festival involving four universities in different parts of Asia. It wasn’t that big an event as it was held virtually, but it was an opportunity to showcase our university to the world. I wanted to show that our campus was quite a dynamic one with a diversity of students from all over the world. Seeing the event come to fruition, with the support and participation of amazing students from all the universities, was simply fantastic.

“Joining Curtin Malaysia was one of the best decisions I ever made. I chose Curtin Malaysia because it provides a quality Australian education and courses that are recognised globally. It also offers double majors, which was what attracted me the most.

“Although the past two years of my course have been online, I am still glad to say my university life has been eventful and memorable. I am thankful to my lecturers who have been friendly, responsible, and helpful. Their unique teaching styles made the course more interesting.

“I consider myself an active and enthusiastic individual who likes to join different clubs and take leadership roles. Despite the pressure to maintain good academic results, I still managed to become president of the Accounting Club, an ACCA Student Ambassador, member of the Student Council’s Academic Sub-Council, and treasurer of the Curtin Malaysia SPE Student Chapter. These leadership roles helped me develop vital leadership, teamwork, interpersonal and communication skills.

“As I already held a diploma when I joined Curtin Malaysia, I was given a 1-year exemption in my degree, meaning I spent only two years there. How I wish it were longer!

“Joining Curtin Malaysia was a little nerve-wracking at first as everyone seemed to already have their cliques and assignment buddies. Being a new student in a new environment, my first instinct was to make more friends, and I have made many lifelong friends since!

“In the beginning tried to join all the freshie activities and club events to make friends and fit in. However, as I’m not really an extrovert, I still tended to be rather reserved, but everyone I met was friendly and helpful and I soon found it much easier to fit in.

“Indeed, the friends I made were all so sweet and kind. During my two years, I spent most of my time with my friends in the learning commons at Prinia 1, whether it was to study, rush assignments, play Tetris, or even take a quick nap. I found that place to be my safe haven cause my friends were always there.

“I like to surround myself with music as I find it very therapeutic. Research has proven that music can improve human physical performance, and I listen to music when I’m at work, whenever I’m driving, working out or doing house chores. I always feel at ease when there’s music playing in the background. I also love food, just like any other Malaysian. I like trying the food of other cultures and I would often try making them my myself. There’s nothing like a good home-cooked meal.

“But my biggest passion is my work as it’s where I can really challenge myself and demonstrate my capabilities. Much of my career has been in student career development. It was only recently that I moved into a new role in marketing and communications. My previous role as Career & Alumni Services Officer gave me great satisfaction helping students with career progression opportunities and seeing them start their careers in various professions.

“My current role as a Marketing & Communications Officer is quite different but I’m always up to a challenge and keen to learn new things. I see it as an opportunity to grow, broaden my career prospects, get more experience, and explore new skills and knowledge. The role involves handling all the administrative matters of the department, and as career and alumni services are currently administered by the department, I’ve assumed some of my old responsibilities in the interim. Juggling multiple roles can be tough but it’s taught me to be more resilient and more adaptive towards change.

’Once upon a time’ is how stories normally start in children’s storybooks, but not so much now in modern literature. However, I think the maxim still applies as whenever we write stories, we’re in essence capturing a moment or looking back on a time passed.

“Throughout my time as a student journalist at Curtin Malaysia, I have written a lot of different types of stories - from feature stories to community news and hard news, you name it. In the course of all that writing, I have come across people with very compelling stories to tell, such as their personal struggles to get to where they are now, or ideas or feelings that they have suppressed because they involved things people generally don’t talk about.

“I remember an assignment I had to do which required me to write a piece on James Lau, music director at the Symphony Academy of Music which I attended in the past. He is a wonderful musician and an exceptional teacher, but has a strange habit that always had me curious. He would always lean way forward, his nose almost touching the scores resting on the piano, whenever he played a piece. I discovered during my interview with him that he actually has an acute case of shortsightedness. It amazed me how persistent he is in playing and teaching music despite this condition. His story inspired me to polish my piano skills even more. I told myself that if he could be a skillful musician even with his condition, I as one with normal vision could certainly be one too.

“Though my Bachelor of Commerce course in Management and Marketing was tough at times, it took a very comprehensive approach to teaching the theoretical and practical aspects of management and marketing, incorporating real-world case studies and business simulations, and helping students explore important aspects of business such as ethics and corporate social responsibility. This gave me a head start when I graduated and has enhanced my employability in the job market.

“The toughest part was probably the group assignments and endless group work. It can be challenging working with people of different backgrounds, with personalities and points of view. However, it helped me with my critical thinking, communication, decision making and time management skills. Another good thing was our lecturers and tutors who were always friendly and supportive, always open to consultation, giving helpful advice and feedback to improve our learning experience.

“Coming from KL to join Curtin Malaysia in Miri gave me the opportunity to indulge in new experiences and have the feeling of starting anew. Thanks to the many opportunities presented at the university, I really pushed myself out of my comfort zone. I participated in lots of activities and even managed to become president of the Institute of Marketing Malaysia Student Chapter. It also allowed me to get acquainted with other students of different backgrounds and nationalities, which was a totally new experience for me.

“For much of my life, I’ve been intrigued with business and have always been a bit of a maths nerd. So when I had the opportunity to enroll in the Finance & Marketing program at Curtin Malaysia, I quickly grabbed it. It offered me the opportunity to do the two things I enjoy the most, crunching numbers and influencing others – in this case, to buy things.

“Even before I enrolled at Curtin Malaysia, I was active in dancing. Dancing has been my form of escapism and a way to express my creativity. Ever since I joined the Curtin Art and Dance Club, I knew I was in for a journey of even greater experiences and meeting new people who shared the same passion for dance. Looking back now, I don’t regret a single moment as a member of the club.

“A year into becoming a member of the club, I applied for the publicity role in the club and got it thanks to the seniors who trusted in me and my skills. A year later, I was the vice organising chairperson for Curtin Malaysia's biggest event in 2019, Transcendance 6. I’m still blown away by the immense support from not just the dancers and committee members involved, but also from the university management. After that, I became the president of the club, but unfortunately due to the pandemic, I didn't have the opportunity to organise any events for the members.

“To me, film is an artful method of communicating with others. When done perfectly, I can get the undivided attention of people for the whole period of a film. There is no other tool like it. I'm essentially an existentialist; I enjoy exploring the existence of things, of life and people. Film allows me to do that, to see and experience how other people live their lives, to convey both fiction and non-fiction, to portray interesting facets of life. Ultimately, it teaches me to be resilient and resolute as I pursue different projects.

“I’ve been involved in commercial filmmaking since 2018 and have worked on short films and projects from companies like Sarawak Energy Berhad, DiGi, FINAS, etc. I've also been working independently with several artistes in Sarawak to create music and dance videos.

“My proudest moment was when I saw the final product of my first legit short film. In the span of two and a half months, I learned the proper ways of writing screenplays, creating storyboards, casting actors, managing challenges and 1st Assistant Directing.

“While studying my double major from 2018 until the end of 2020, I found my lecturers be very responsible towards their students, always willing to help, especially when we had to move our studies online due to the pandemic.  

“I had to complete my final year units online and I was grateful to my lecturers for always replying my emails on time. If students requested for meetings to consult about assignments, they would take the time to conduct online meetings with us. It was very apparent that they were trying their best to make our online classes as interesting as possible, just as they did with their physical classes.

“”Where are you planning to further your studies?” and “What course do you intend to take?”. Those were the kinds of questions I’d be asked after I’d finished high school. I dreaded answering them as I was still undecided whether I should go into medicine or applied geology, let alone which university to join. So, I was very grateful to stumble upon Curtin Malaysia’s booth at an education fair. I was instantly intrigued and impressed with what it had to offer. When the recruiter finished explaining, I decided there and then that this is the university I wanted to study at.

“Coming to study at Curtin Malaysia was a big decision for me and fortunately my parents were very supportive. It was my first time away from home in KL, but looking back after three years, I never once regretted my decision to study applied geology here. It has fun and challenging at the same time, and I really enjoy studying rocks and fossils. My lecturers are kind, caring and very helpful, and one reason why I really like my course.

“Apart from my studies, I was also involved in a few clubs. I learned a lot about organising events like the Curtin Malaysia Deputy Pro-Vice Chancellor’s Cup, which was the biggest event I was involved in. I learned how important teamwork is and how to improve myself. Now that I’m president of the Geology Club for the first semester in 2021, I hope I can apply all that I’ve learnt for the good of the club.