MIRI: Curtin University Malaysia is taking bold steps to safeguard Sarawak’s indigenous heritage by integrating cultural knowledge directly into its academic programmes, setting a strong model for how higher education can actively support endangered cultures.
As part of the Diploma in Media Studies, students enrolled in the ‘Culture to Cultures’ course recently participated in an immersive guest lecture featuring representatives of the Jatti Miriek community, the original settlers of the region from which Miri derives its name.
The session, conducted by Ilylia Iryani Ibrahim and Mohd Irfan Mohd Abdul Latip, brought to life the history, language and cultural expressions of the Jatti Miriek people for 50 Media Studies students.
Through storytelling, language demonstrations and open dialogue, the students gain an intimate understanding of a community that has shaped Miri’s identity, yet remains under-recognised beyond the region.
Ilylia traced the community’s deep-rooted history, while Irfan taught students basic greetings, kinship terms and animal names in the Jatti Miriek language.
Both speakers also highlighted the urgent challenges the community faces in preserving its language and traditions amid rapid modernisation.
The session left a strong impression on the students.
For second-year student, Abdul Waziff Ismail, who is of Jatti Miriek descent, the lecture was deeply personal.
“This experience inspired me to appreciate my own heritage more deeply. It reinforced my belief that digitalising culture and language through media is the way forward for preservation,” he said.
Another student, Mohammad Aiman Amzar Mohammad Syamaizar, noted how surprising it is that the community remains little-known.
“It’s surprising that this community, which played such an important role in naming our city, is not well known to some, especially outside of Miri. The shifting nature of language, culture and identity makes preservation a collective responsibility,” he said.
The guest speakers praised Curtin Malaysia for embedding indigenous cultural education within a media studies framework, saying the approach can significantly strengthen preservation efforts through storytelling, documentation and digital media.
Course lecturer, Peter Jamba, said such collaborations are central to Curtin Malaysia’s educational mission.
“Curtin Malaysia is dedicated to educating students and raising awareness of Sarawak’s diverse indigenous cultures. Collaborating directly with these communities is an essential part of that mission,” he said.
The lecture is part of a three-week module on indigenous peoples, culture and rights.
The Diploma in Media Studies equips students not only with practical skills in filmmaking and journalism but also with a strong grounding in cultural studies, ensuring future media practitioners understand their vital role in shaping and safeguarding society.
For more information on Curtin Malaysia, visit its official website or follow Curtin Malaysia on Facebook, X (Twitter), Instagram, YouTube, LinkedIn or TikTok.
