MIRI: Curtin University Malaysia (Curtin Malaysia) presented financial donation of RM4,000 to SK Temenggong Datuk Muip here, recently.
The amount was raised from sales during ‘Ethnic Food Carnival’ held at the university late last year.
Some 500 students from various disciplines participated in the carnival organised by the General Studies (MPU) Unit of the Culture and Language Studies Department at Curtin Malaysia’s Faculty of Humanities as part of the students’ studies in Ethnic Relations and Islamic and Asian Civilisation (TITAS).
MPU coordinator Valerie Velina Nagreg, accompanied by her colleagues from the MPU Unit and The Library at Curtin Malaysia, handed over the financial donation to the headmistress of SK Temenggong Datuk Muip, Haimisah Sherbini and her staffers in a simple ceremony at the school.
Valerie said that in addition to fulfilling the students’ subject requirements, the carnival was aimed at promoting multicultural unity and to reach out to the local community.
“The students from different ethnic communities prepared their traditional dishes, learning the traditional ways of preparation and the cultural aspects of the different cuisines. The carnival was a huge success, attracting not only our students and staffers but also members of the public,” she said.
Haimisah thanked Curtin Malaysia and the students for including a fund-raising drive for SK Temenggong Datuk Muip at the carnival. She also said that the financial donation would be used to improve the school’s library.
Among those present at the carnival were Sibuti MP Lukanisman Awang Sauni, Curtin Malaysia Deputy Pro Vice-Chancellor Professor Beena Giridharan, who is also Dean of the Faculty of Humanities.
Giridharan said the event helped Curtin Malaysia’s students and staffers to understand more about Malaysia and its rich cultural heritage.
She added that it was a good opportunity for the international students, especially, to find out more about Malaysia, how its cultures have influenced each other and contributed to creating a truly unique Malaysian culture.
“It is widely known that Malaysia’s ethnic diversity is most profound in Sarawak, being home to 27 ethnic groups, each with its own distinct language, culture, lifestyle and of course, food. While not all the cuisines were featured during the carnival, it was nevertheless an impressive spread that was appreciated by everyone,” Prof Giridharan said.
Meanwhile, a MPU student Sherlina George said that the event was a good learning experience for the students in developing their teamwork, entrepreneurial and management skills.
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