Borneo universities strengthen partnership in sustainability, innovation and research

Miri, Sarawak – 23 May 2026 – Two leading universities on the island of Borneo are deepening ties to advance regional collaboration in sustainability, clean energy, digital innovation, and applied research.

Curtin University Malaysia (Curtin Malaysia) recently hosted a high-level delegation from Universiti Brunei Darussalam (UBD), led by Vice Chancellor, Dr. Hazri Haji Kifle, in a visit aimed at identifying new opportunities for strategic academic and research collaboration that could benefit both institutions and the wider Borneo region.

Welcoming the delegation on behalf of Curtin Malaysia’s Pro Vice-Chancellor, President and Chief Executive Professor Vincent Lee Chieng Chen, Deputy Pro Vice-Chancellor Professor Tuong-Thuy Vu said the university was keen to strengthen partnerships with UBD in areas of shared regional importance.

“As universities based on the island of Borneo, we share many common aspirations in advancing education, research, innovation, and sustainable development for the benefit of our communities and the wider region,” said Professor Vu.

He noted that UBD has established strong recognition in areas such as sustainability, biodiversity, energy, digital innovation, and regional studies, while Curtin Malaysia continues to contribute significantly through education, research, and industry engagement across Sarawak and the ASEAN region.

“Given our shared regional context and complementary strengths, partnerships between UBD and Curtin Malaysia can play an important role in addressing pressing challenges related to sustainability, clean energy, digital transformation, and scientific innovation,” he added.

The visit follows the signing of a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) between the two universities last year, marking the start of broader collaboration initiatives between the institutions.

Dr. Hazri said UBD was looking forward to building stronger linkages with Curtin Malaysia through collaborative research, innovation initiatives, and academic engagement aligned with both universities’ research strengths.

“We see tremendous potential for cooperation in interdisciplinary research, regional resilience, innovation ecosystems, and other thematic areas of mutual interest,” he said.

“These are areas where our institutions can complement one another’s expertise and develop meaningful partnerships that support staff and student development, while contributing positively to the wider region.”

He added that UBD values partnerships that are forward-looking, practical, and grounded in shared purpose.

“We look forward to identifying concrete opportunities for collaboration that will create long-term impact for both institutions and the communities we serve,” he remarked.

The UBD delegation also included Assistant Vice-Chancellors Dr. Joyce Teo Siew Yean (Global Engagement), Dr. Haji Abdul Hanif Dato Paduka Haji Mahadi (Research, Innovation & Sustainability), Dr. Masairol Haji Masri (Industry Engagement & Enterprise Development), and Dayang Hajah Maudena Haji Abdul Hamid (University Life & Governance), along with senior representatives from research internationalisation, student mobility, and administration.

Also present to welcome the delegation were Curtin Malaysia’s management and academic leaders, including Professor Raymond Chiong Choo Wee, Dean of the Faculty of Engineering and Science; John Curtin Distinguished Professor Nagarajan Ramasamy, Dean of Research and Development and Director of the Curtin Malaysia Research Institute (CMRI); Associate Professor Fidella Tiew Nga Huong, Dean of the School of Pre-U and Continuing Education; and other faculty representatives and senior staff.

During the visit, the delegation toured Curtin Malaysia’s research and learning facilities, including the Curtin Aquaculture Research Laboratory, where discussions focused on opportunities for collaborative research and innovation relevant to Borneo’s sustainable development agenda.

For more information on Curtin Malaysia, visit curtin.edu.my or follow Curtin Malaysia on Facebook, X (Twitter), Instagram, YouTube, LinkedIn or TikTok.

Professor Vu (7th left) and Curtin Malaysia academic leaders with Dr. Hazri (8th left) and members of the UBD delegation.

Professor Vu presenting a souvenir to Dr Hazri.

Dr Lee Yih Nin, Assistant Director of the Curtin Aquaculture Research Laboratory (3rd left), briefing the UBD delegation during a tour of the laboratory facilities.