MIRI: Curtin University Malaysia (Curtin Malaysia) and Universiti Brunei Darussalam (UBD) have formalised a strategic partnership through the signing of a memorandum of understanding (MoU) in what is seen as a ground-breaking move set to reshape the higher education and research landscape in Borneo,
The MoU was sealed on Apr 7 at UBD’s campus in Brunei.
The agreement heralds a new era of collaboration, facilitating student and faculty exchanges, joint research initiatives and knowledge-sharing, with a considerable emphasis on sustainability innovation and regional development.
Signing the MoU were professor vincent lee chieng chen, interim pro vice-chancellor, president and Chief Executive of Curtin Malaysia, and Dr Hazri Kifle, vice-chancellor of UBD.
The ceremony was attended by key figures from both institutions, including Professor Tuong-Thuy Vu, dean of Curtin Malaysia’s Faculty of Engineering and Science, and Dr Abdul Hanif Dato Paduka Mahadi, UBD’s assistant vice-chancellor (Research, Innovation and Sustainability).
In his address, Lee spoke passionately about the strengths of the partnership, highlighting its potential to advance sustainability-focused research, engineering innovation, and regional enterprise.
“UBD has established itself as a leader in academic excellence and sustainable development, not just in Brunei but across Southeast Asia,” he remarked.
“At Curtin Malaysia, as the largest international campus owned by the Sarawak government, we contribute our strong industry links and global research footprint. Through this partnership, we aim to create transformative opportunities.”
Echoing Lee’s sentiments, Dr Hazri described the MoU as a forward-looking partnership that seeks to empower students and researchers while addressing the shared challenges faced by the region.
“This partnership with Curtin University Malaysia reflects our collective commitment to academic excellence, innovation, and regional impact.
“With Curtin as one of our closest academic neighbours, we see immense potential in working together to empower our students and researchers, co-creating solutions that serve our communities and the wider region,” he said.
Moreover, the MoU bolsters the commitments of both universities to the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), particularly in areas such as climate action, industry innovation, and quality education. The MoU signing ceremony saw a robust representation from both institutions.
Delegates from Curtin Malaysia included Professor Roy Rillera Marzo, dean of the Faculty of Humanities and Health Sciences, Associate Professor Lim Chye Ing, associate dean of External Engagement at the Faculty of Engineering and Science, Professor Stephanie Chan Yen San, head of the Department of Chemical and Energy Engineering, and Nicholas Leong, manager of Corporate Affairs.
UBD’s delegation featured several senior leaders, including Dr Joyce Teo Siew Yean, assistant vice-chancellor (Global Engagement), and associate professor Pengiran Dr Mohamad Iskandar Pengiran Petra, assistant vice-chancellor (Global Education).
