Any Questions? - Swinburne University of Technology
Any Questions? - Swinburne University of Technology
Any Questions? - Swinburne University of Technology
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<strong>Swinburne</strong> Sarawak 2009 Course Guide<br />
0<br />
Kuching<br />
<strong>Swinburne</strong>’s Sarawak Campus is in<br />
Kuching, the capital city <strong>of</strong> the East<br />
Malaysian state <strong>of</strong> Sarawak. Kuching<br />
has been described as one <strong>of</strong> the most<br />
liveable and attractive cities in<br />
Southeast Asia. Rich in history with<br />
old-world charms blended into 21 st<br />
century modernity, it is the largest city<br />
in the state and rapidly developing.<br />
Character and culture<br />
Meaning “cat” in the Malay language,<br />
Kuching was originally a busy riverine<br />
trading post in the old days. Today, it is<br />
a delightful blend <strong>of</strong> the old and new,<br />
where a mix <strong>of</strong> colonial era and<br />
modern buildings makes up the city’s<br />
skyline.<br />
With a population <strong>of</strong> more than half a<br />
million, the city enjoys a clean, relaxed<br />
and friendly environment. There are<br />
many places to visit and experience.<br />
Among them is the award-winning<br />
Kuching Waterfront, a beautifully<br />
landscaped esplanade on a stretch <strong>of</strong><br />
the old part <strong>of</strong> the city overlooking the<br />
Astana, the <strong>of</strong>ficial residence <strong>of</strong> the<br />
governor <strong>of</strong> Sarawak. The Waterfront is<br />
a popular gathering place especially as<br />
the sun sets beyond the scenic Mount<br />
Serapi.<br />
Cafes and souvenir shops, dating back<br />
to 1864, selling a variety <strong>of</strong> ethnic<br />
handicraft, antiques, art and craft line<br />
the Main Bazaar near the esplanade.<br />
The Sarawak Museum, built in 1891 in<br />
the style <strong>of</strong> a Normandy town hall, is<br />
another interesting stop. It is regarded<br />
as one <strong>of</strong> the best in the region. Other<br />
places <strong>of</strong> interest include the Chinese<br />
History Museum, Islamic Museum, Cat<br />
Museum, Courthouse and Brooke<br />
Memorial and the Round Tower.<br />
Once in Kuching, you will soon<br />
discover that eating out is a favourite<br />
pastime among the local folk. Around<br />
the city an array <strong>of</strong> restaurants, food<br />
courts and open-air eateries <strong>of</strong>fer a<br />
wide variety <strong>of</strong> traditional food ranging<br />
from Chinese, Indian, Malay and Thai<br />
to contemporary Japanese and<br />
Western.<br />
Shopping malls and complexes carry<br />
the latest fashions and a plethora <strong>of</strong><br />
international labels. The city <strong>of</strong>fers a<br />
variety <strong>of</strong> entertainment and night life.<br />
Only minutes away from the city are<br />
magnificent mountains, unspoiled<br />
beaches and even an award winning<br />
“living” museum, the Sarawak Cultural<br />
Village. You will find that the resorts<br />
and golf courses are <strong>of</strong> international<br />
standards.<br />
International events<br />
Kuching is no stranger to hosting<br />
international events among which is<br />
the annual Rainforest World Music<br />
Festival, a unique gathering <strong>of</strong><br />
musicians from all continents and<br />
Borneo who perform on stage.<br />
Kuching is also the venue for the<br />
annual ITF World Junior Tennis<br />
Championship and Sarawak Junior<br />
World Masters Golf Championship.<br />
With its lower cost <strong>of</strong> living and<br />
peaceful environment combined with<br />
its good infrastructure, Kuching is an<br />
ideal destination to pursue tertiary<br />
education for both Malaysian and<br />
international students.<br />
Explore Sarawak<br />
With its rainforest the size <strong>of</strong> Austria,<br />
Sarawak houses the world’s richest<br />
and most diverse ecosystem, making it<br />
a popular destination for eco-tourism.<br />
Its numerous national parks are known<br />
for their many natural wonders. It is<br />
home to many international heritage<br />
sites such as Mulu Caves, Niah Caves,<br />
Bako and Gunung Gading national<br />
parks.<br />
Sarawak, the largest state in the<br />
country with a population <strong>of</strong> only 2.3<br />
million, is also the most culturally<br />
diverse state in the country. Its 29<br />
indigenous communities are well<br />
known for their friendliness and<br />
hospitality, and nowhere else in<br />
Malaysia can such colourful diversity<br />
be found.<br />
Internally, Sarawak is well-connected<br />
by a network <strong>of</strong> air, road and river<br />
transportation making travel<br />
convenient and affordable.<br />
It is normally wet from November to<br />
February and hot and humid the rest<br />
<strong>of</strong> the year.<br />
See Malaysia!<br />
Sarawak is linked to other parts <strong>of</strong><br />
Malaysia and the rest <strong>of</strong> the world via<br />
air. Malaysia is a land <strong>of</strong> friendly<br />
people and amazing variety. The<br />
diversity <strong>of</strong> its people, their rich culture<br />
and the natural beauty <strong>of</strong> the country<br />
are some <strong>of</strong> the things for which it is<br />
well known. In Malaysia, you will find<br />
that it is all things Asia.<br />
Right: The Spring shopping mall<br />
Below left: The Waterfront<br />
Below: Kuching International Airport<br />
<strong>Swinburne</strong> <strong>University</strong> <strong>of</strong> <strong>Technology</strong> Sarawak Campus