Swinburne Sarawak awards over RM3 million in scholarships

KUCHING – It literally pays to do well in one’s studies for about 270 students when they were recently awarded more than RM3 million in scholarships for outstanding academic performance.

The top students, who had enrolled on foundation and degree courses with Swinburne University of Technology Sarawak Campus this year, were presented with the scholarships by Pro Vice-Chancellor and Chief Executive Professor Anthony Cahalan at a ceremony on campus.

The students had achieved impressive results in SPM, STPM, UEC, A Levels and other recognised public exams.

Twenty-five postgraduate students pursuing masters and doctoral degrees in science, engineering and commerce were also awarded scholarships by the university.

The recipients comprised students from Indonesia, Kazakhstan, Malaysia, Mauritius, Pakistan and Sri Lanka. Swinburne Sarawak currently hosts students from more than 60 countries.

In his speech Cahalan said, “We give away scholarships to acknowledge the good job you have done in your studies. It is our way of saying ‘Well done and keep up the good work.’

“Scholarships also serve as recognition of your school, teachers, principals and family for their contribution in helping you to be where you are today.”

Cahalan urged the foundation and degree students to emulate the postgraduate students in their career aspirations. The latter were awarded scholarships based on merit, CGPAs, relevant experience including publications, and strong support from appropriate referees on research potentials.

Two foundation students, Xavier Ino Lee and Fabian Francis, from SMK St Columba in Miri who had represented their school and Sarawak in softball competitions, received the Swinburne Sarawak Sport and Leadership Award.

Three students who had contributed to the development and well-being of residents at the on-campus hostels were awarded the Resident Advisor Scholarship.