MIRI: Tourism, Arts and Culture Assistant Minister Datuk Lee Kim Shin yesterday treated 19 architecture and construction management students of Curtin University, Perth, Western Australia and four of its staff to lunch at Piasau Boat Club here.
In his welcoming speech, Lee briefed the students on Sarawak and the lives of the local communities here.
The group was the third batch of students from Curtin University in Perth taking part in the study tour of Miri and the state.
Today, the entourage will proceed to Long Pilah, Baram for a two-day visit before departing for Kuching for a similar tour.
The students are currently in their first and third year studies of their respective courses.
Lee, when met later, said such study tours had exposed foreign students to Sarawak culture.
“I believe they will have a better understanding of the local communities and our diverse cultures apart from our unique building architecture,” he added.
Lee disclosed that Curtin University Malaysia and Curtin University in Perth Australia had renewed their joint venture agreement (JVA) for another 20 years.
“In the last 20 years, we have benefited a lot from our agreement not only in terms of tertiary studies but also many other aspects,” he said.
“I definitely hope more new and relevant courses can be brought into Sarawak following the renewal of the agreement,” Lee added.
Also present at the lunch reception were lecturers of Curtin University Perth Western Australia for Construction Nanagement and Architecture Dr Emil Jonescu, Associate Professor Khoa Do and its student mobility coordinator cross campus Eileen Chan.
