Academic transformation stories don’t happen overnight, but when they do, they deserve recognition. At Curtin University Malaysia, five students recently proved that persistence and the right mentorship can turn struggling grades into remarkable success, earning them spots at the prestigious Student Learning Awards 2025.
Curtin Malaysia Student Learning Awards 2025 Celebrates Academic Turnarounds
On October 8, 2025, Curtin University Malaysia (Curtin Malaysia) hosted its third annual Student Learning Awards (CMSLA) in Miri, Sarawak. This celebration highlighted five students who dramatically improved their academic performance throughout 2025, alongside the dedicated lecturers who guided their journeys.
The CMSLA recognises students who have demonstrated remarkable academic improvement through persistence, hard work, and active engagement in their studies. Moreover, it pays tribute to the lecturers who have gone the extra mile to mentor and support their students.
Meet This Year’s Academic Champions
The 2025 honourees represent diverse academic disciplines and year levels, each with their own unique transformation story:
- Sean Liau Tze Chuen – Fourth-year Chemical Engineering student, mentored by Jenney Ngu
- Calvin Ngu Guang Jun – Commerce student guided by Dr. Ivy Hii
- Darrell Eleazer Jerow – Foundation of Engineering and Science student supported by Jameson Malang
- Russell Agung Wilfred – Engineering First Year student mentored by Jameson Malang
- Ng Xin Kai – Engineering First Year student guided by Hii Kiew Ling
Hard-Won Wisdom from Student Achievers
For many of the awardees, success was hard-won. Liau reflected on his journey with candid advice:
“I struggled with my studies before. My advice is not to give up and to regularly approach your lecturers to share your progress and challenges.”
Russell echoed this sentiment with practical study strategies, sharing: “I use the Pomodoro Method to stay focused and avoid burnout. Just do it consistently. Remember, if it is not hard, it is not worth it.”
The Power of Dedicated Mentorship
Behind every success story were committed mentors who went beyond traditional teaching roles. Jameson Malang, who supported two winners, emphasised the importance of structure and consistency:
“I encourage my students to stay organised with a personal study timetable, and consistent follow-up is essential to keep them on track.”
Dr. Hii offered insights into her mentoring philosophy, explaining: “Effective student support begins with a genuine mentoring relationship. I encourage a growth mindset so students see setbacks as opportunities to learn and grow.”
Leadership Recognition and University Commitment
Dean of Learning and Teaching, Professor Tang Fu Ee, praised both students and staff during the ceremony. “It is gratifying to see how our lecturers’ support has enabled this year’s awardees to dramatically turn around their academic performance,” he noted. “I am proud of the high quality of teaching and the excellent student engagement in their studies.”
Pro Vice-Chancellor, President, and Chief Executive Professor Vincent Lee Chieng Chen joined Professor Tang in presenting the awards. Their presence underscored the university’s commitment to creating a supportive learning environment where both students and educators can thrive.
Building a Legacy of Academic Excellence
Now in its third edition, the CMSLA has evolved into an important platform showcasing resilience, mentorship, and the power of student-staff collaboration. Unlike typical academic awards that focus solely on high achievers, these honours celebrate academic improvement strategies and the transformative power of educational support systems.
The awards ceremony reinforces Curtin Malaysia’s dedication to student success, demonstrating that with proper guidance and determination, any student can overcome academic challenges. Furthermore, this initiative highlights the university’s commitment to fostering meaningful relationships between faculty and students.
The Student Learning Awards 2025 serves as a powerful reminder that academic success isn’t just about natural talent—it’s about persistence, effective mentorship, and the courage to seek help when needed. These five students and their mentors have created a blueprint for turning academic struggles into triumphs, inspiring future generations at Curtin University Malaysia. As the program continues to grow, it stands as testament to the transformative power of education when combined with genuine care and support.
