“Curtin Commons is an online storytelling space for Curtin alumni, staff, students and friends. Featuring a series of thought-provoking articles intended to inspire and enlighten, Commons celebrates the many amazing contributions of our Curtin community and how they are striving to create a brighter future for us all.”
– Carmelle Wilkinson, Editor-in-Chief
Captain Ian Cheng is a senior pilot for Singapore Airlines and a proud commerce graduate from Curtin. With 28 years of flying under his wings, Ian now takes great pride training and mentoring the next generation of commercial pilots for one of the world’s best airline carriers.
This month, our Editor-in-Chief of Curtin Commons Carmelle Wilkinson had the pleasure of interviewing the President of the Singapore Alumni Chapter James Chen, PBM – in Singapore!
James is a proud finance and marketing alumnus with a fascinating career journey – which includes time as an air traffic controller for the Singapore Defence Force. He is currently the CEO of Athena Best Financial Singapore and the co-founder of Every Little Helps charity group, which helps underprivileged Singaporean families.
In 2022, Jordan Bowling suffered a serious brain injury after falling off a cliff, that left him fighting for life. After re-learning how to walk and talk, the 23-year-old is now making meaningful progress thanks to Curtin’s student-led speech clinic, which personalises sessions to meet his age, interests and needs.
Changing the world may seem like an impossible feat, but for mechanical engineering graduate Eldin Rostom that dream is one step closer, thanks to breakthrough technology, which could change millions of lives.
Ten years ago, beloved wife, mum and Curtin staff member, Sally Webster lost her courageous five-year battle with ovarian cancer, leaving an irreplaceable void in the Webster family.
The Sally Webster Hardship Fund was established by Curtin, in memory of her kindness and vibrant advocacy spirit.
After years of working as a freelance designer around the world, Curtin Commerce graduate Emilie Otto became burnt out and exhausted. Fast forward to 2024, she is now the owner of House of Hobby, which is a space that helps people find a creative hobby while supporting and empowering local artists and makers to share their skills.
From ED nurse to founder of reputable nursing agency Mediserve, Miles Cue has always been passionate about providing quality healthcare. Aside from offering personalised service you can trust, the company is highly committed to supporting the community and giving back.
Since 2008, Planters have been set in motion restoring and protecting hectares of natural forest in Malaysia. Last month, founder Sadruddin (Dean) announced the company’s new and exciting digital technology – which represents a significant advancement in their mission to safeguard invaluable forests and biodiversity.
Gary Foster was just 20 years old, when he lost his dad (46) to a heart attack. Four years ago, now 60 years of age, the Bachelor of Science graduate suffered a heart attack of his own. Thankfully, Gary made a full recovery and has the Curtin-led initiative Aussie-FIT to thank for giving him a new lease on life.
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After years of working as a freelance designer around the world, Curtin Commerce graduate Emilie Otto became burnt out and exhausted.
Fast forward to 2024, she is now the owner of House of Hobby, which is a space that helps people find a creative hobby while supporting and empowering local artists and makers to share their skills.
Former Head of English and current Head of Academics and Innovation at Wesley College Adam Kealley understands the power of words.
With a recent PhD in creative writing and cultural studies from Curtin, the avid reader and writer shares his top tips on improving your writing skills.
At 81-years of age, Perth Children’s Hospital pharmacist Allan Jones is showing no signs of slowing down. Allan shares his secret to a long and fulfilling career.
For Creative Spotlight, Curtin Master of Fine Arts graduate Abdulrahman Ali Albishi shares his latest research project, “Stories through Pattern and Print: Utilizing Printmaking Techniques to Create Artworks Inspired by Traditional Saudi Arabian Art” which is a fascinating exploration of heritage and creativity.
Abdulrahman’s approach involves a multi-layered process that results in visually captivating and intricate artworks. Through printmaking and painting, his work seeks to convey and preserve the traditional Saudi Arabian art practices and cultural legacies that have deeply resonated with him.
Through his work, Abdulrahman hopes viewers foster a greater appreciation for the significance of traditional art practices and feel inspired to leave a positive and enduring legacy for future generations. Additionally, he hopes his work encourages viewers to deepen their understanding of Saudi Arabian culture and history through art.
Abdulrahman’s work is now on display at the Today | Tomorrow exhibition presented by Contemporary Art Spaces Mandurah and Alcoa Mandurah Art Gallery until 18 August.
Image Carousel: Image one displays a Patterned Shift, dry point, monotype, screenprint and linocut on calico fabric, 14m x 3m. Image Two displays Contrasted Pattern, screenprint and linocut on paper, 101cm x 197cm. Image Three displays Warm Contrasted Pattern, screenprint, and linocut on paper, 101cm x 197cm. Image Four displays Green Contrasted Pattern, screenprint and linocut on paper, 101cm x 197cm.
Read our full interview with Abdulrahman here.
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A ‘commons’ is a space that is shared by and benefits a community.
Our commons is a cultural and virtual one, reflecting the ideas and experiences shared by a proud and distinct Curtin community living in Western Australia and around the world. We hope that this space will inspire us to stay connected in ways that are beneficial to our lives, families and communities.