Curtin Malaysia marks International Women’s Day with ‘Inspiring Women Talks’

Miri – 15 March 2024 - Curtin University Malaysia (Curtin Malaysia) marked International Women’s Day on March 8 with its ‘Inspiring Women Talks’ featuring six women leaders in the Miri community. The 3-hour event was well attended by over 50 staff and students of the university in Cinema Lite, the theaterette at its Faculty of Humanities and Health Sciences.

In her welcoming speech, Director of the School of Pre-University and Continuing Education (SPACE) and one of five female members in Curtin Malaysia’s 12-member senior leadership, Associate Professor Fidella Tiew, said that Curtin Malaysia is committed to elevating the status of women by integrating principles of inclusivity, equality, and diversity into its teaching, research, consultancy, and human resource policies. This is evidenced in the gender equity not only amongst its senior leadership, but also among is managers and department heads, teaching and professional staff.

“We are furthermore actively fostering attitude change and providing opportunities and support to encourage women to pursue and work in Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics (STEM) fields, which are traditionally male-dominated,” Tiew remarked.

She added that as part of a global university, Curtin Malaysia seeks to facilitate meaningful dialogues and create opportunities for women to build connections, establish rapport, and network for future success. She also stressed the importance of collaboration and support in paving the way for a more inclusive and equitable society.

The six speakers for the event, themed ‘Inspiring and Empowering the Women of Today’, were Dr. Bridgid Chin Lai Fui, an associate professor in chemical and energy engineering and an expert in green and sustainable energy at Curtin Malaysia; Diana Rose, a former journalist who is now a successful entrepreneur and Managing Director of Lamin LD Sdn Bhd; Ir. Chong Boon Hui, Immediate Past Chairlady of the Institution of Engineers Malaysia (IEM) Miri Branch and Director of PCS Konsultant Sdn Bhd; Koh Shin Hong, Manager of HSBC Bank Malaysia Bhd Miri Branch; Serawa Anak Budol, General Manager of Miri Port Authority; and Cecilia Sman, a former journalist and now an ebook author trainer and entrepreneur under MSGA Master Shiro of Global Agency.

All six shared their career and life experiences and success stories, aiming to inspire and empower the women and men in the audience, particularly the younger ones, to confidently pursue their dreams.

Cecilia commended Curtin Malaysia’s corporate affairs and community outreach teams for organising such a meaningful and inspiring event in conjunction with International Women’s Day. Diana Rose also expressed her appreciation of the well-organised and event, saying it was an honour to be invited as a speaker and be an inspiration to the younger generation. Likewise, Ir. Chong felt honoured to share her life experiences and also learn from the other speakers.

Meanwhile, Dr. Chin reflected on the challenges and obstacles women have faced in their journey toward achieving equality and empowerment, demonstrating their resilience, creativity, and leadership across different fields. Serawa highlighted the significance of International Women's Day as a reminder of the contributions of women and a celebration of their achievements globally.

Chin, Ir. Chong and Koh, who are alumni of Curtin Malaysia, also related their experiences as students and alumni of Curtin Malaysia, further inspiring the students among the audience to aim for lofty career goals.

Also present at the event were special guest Rita Lau, wife of the Mayor of Miri; organising chair and Community Outreach Manager Suwapa Jitman; Corporate Affairs Manager Nicholas Leong, Career and Alumni Services Manager Chin Li Yen, Student Services Manager Audrey Ruby Palance, and International Journal of Business Events and Legacies (IJBEL) Manager Doris Lian.

For more information about Curtin Malaysia, visit www.curtin.edu.my or search for Curtin Malaysia on Facebook, Twitter, Instagram, YouTube, LinkedIn, or Tik-Tok.