Jimmy Choo steps forward as Curtin Global Ambassador

May 25, 2015 | Campus News

Miri - 21 May 2015 - Malaysian-born fashion icon Professor Dato' Jimmy Choo has joined Curtin University as an Adjunct Professor and Global Ambassador.

The shoe designer recently visited Curtin University in Perth, Western Australia to participate in several events, including a masterclass and to judge a fashion competition where students competed to win a year-long mentorship with the Professor.

As a Global Ambassador, Professor Dato' Choo will utilise his international connections to provide collaboration and student mobility opportunities with other fashion institutions around the world.

Professor Dato' Choo said he hopes to inspire the next generation of fashion designers by providing encouragement, leadership and by sharing his unparalleled knowledge of the industry.

"Throughout my career I have always respected my father, a shoe designer, and my teacher for giving me a skill,' Professor Dato' Choo said.

"I now want to show people this skill. I want to put my heart and knowledge back into society, back into school and the young people so they can learn something. As a Global Ambassador with Curtin University I can do this both in Perth and overseas.

"I thoroughly enjoyed my time at Curtin working with the students, not only sharing my knowledge, but learning from them as well."

Professor Majella Franzmann, Pro-Vice Chancellor of the Faculty of Humanities at Curtin University, said Professor Choo's appointment was recognition of the strong relationship the University had already established with the fashion designer.

"We are thrilled to have Professor Choo as part of the Curtin team. His expertise, industry experience and enthusiasm fit perfectly with Curtin's commitment to provide our students with access to the very best scholars," Professor Franzmann said.

"Professor Jimmy Choo works passionately for the young designers of tomorrow."

Professor Jim Mienczakowski, Pro Vice-Chancellor and Chief Executive of Curtin University, Sarawak Malaysia (Curtin Sarawak), Curtin's Malaysian campus, said that he too was elated with Professor Dato' Choo's appointment as an Adjunct Professor and Global Ambassador.

He added that it was recognition not just of Professor's Dato' Choo's contribution to the fashion world, but also the wealth of talent and skills Malaysia produces. He said Professor Dato' Choo is a fine example for young Malaysians to follow, particularly if they are eager to enter the world stage.

"From humble beginnings here in Malaysia, Professor Dato' Choo has scaled the heights of the fashion world with his shoes worn by the likes of Diana, Princess of Wales, Cate Blanchett and Madonna. His name is synonymous with quality and style, and his shoe devotees stretch across the globe," Professor Mienczakowski said.

"We are proud that such a Malaysian icon is associated with Curtin, and we look forward to perhaps inviting him for a visit to our campus in Sarawak too, so that he may meet and inspire our students who come from over 45 countries around the world."

In 2000, Professor Dato' Choo was bestowed a state award carrying the title of Dato' by the Sultan of Pahang for his achievements, and in 2002, he was conferred an OBE (Order of the British Empire) in recognition of his services to the shoe and fashion industry in the United Kingdom. This was followed by the the Darjah Setia Pangkuan Negeri awarded by the Yang di-Pertua Negeri of his home state of Penang in 2004.

For more information on Curtin Sarawak, visit its website (www.curtin.edu.my), its Facebook page (CurtinUniversitySarawakMalaysia), Twitter profile (curtinsarawak), YouTube channel (CurtinUniSarawak) or Instagram (curtinsarawak).