MIRI: Curtin University of Technology Sarawak Campus is to set up a community reading centre in Tudan near here by the end of this year to inculcate the reading habit among youngsters from low income families.

MEETING THE PRESS: Jeya (right) with Liew talking to reporters.

“This is the university’s long-term social obligation of giving something back to society. We will have the centre up by the end of this year,” said the dean of the learning centre, Jeya Chandra Malar Jayaprakash yesterday.

According to her, the university will get volunteers to help the children in the area to read books.

“We notice that Asians in general do not like to read books. Reading is very important. Through the centre, we hope to inculcate the reading habit within the densely populated Tudan community.”

She told reporters this during a press conference here.

Marketing manager Liew Mei Yin, corporate communications manager Nicholas Leong and student recruitment officer Felecia Ngalih were also present at the press conference.

Now that the university had an outreach coordinator, more outreach programmes would be carried out for the benefit of the community, Jeya said.

“On July 25, we are going to conduct a motivational talk for Sri Mawar students at Borneo Rainforest Resort.

“We conducted a similar motivational talk for 98 UPSR students in a rural village in Niah last year,” she said.

On the learning centre at the university, Jeya said it provided academic guidance and support for Curtin Sarawak campus students.

“Expert lecturers conduct free seminars and workshop modules in a relaxed and supportive environment.

“The modules are aimed at developing students’ academic skills while they continue studying in their respective enrolled programmes,” she said.

She added that the modules were scheduled at various times throughout the year, some more frequently than others, according to the students’ needs.

“The modules are provided free of charge for current Curtin students,” she explained.

Meanwhile, Liew said the July intake was still going on and potential students were encouraged to apply at the university.