Cambodian embassy delegation visits Curtin Malaysia

Miri, Sarawak – 8 January 2025 – Curtin University Malaysia (Curtin Malaysia) deepened regional collaboration with Cambodia during a courtesy visit by His Excellency Ouk Chandara, Cambodian Ambassador to Malaysia, on January 5.

The visit marked a pivotal moment in fostering education, research, and cultural partnerships between Sarawak and Cambodia, with both sides expressing enthusiasm for transformative initiatives aimed at empowering students, researchers, and communities.

Welcoming the delegation, Professor Simon Leunig, Pro Vice-Chancellor, President, and Chief Executive of Curtin Malaysia, highlighted education as a vital cornerstone of bilateral relations.

“Your Excellency, your visit underscores the importance of education as a bridge between nations,” said Prof. Leunig. “Curtin Malaysia is committed to leveraging our position as a global university to drive collaboration, empower communities, and create innovative solutions for a sustainable future.”

Prof. Leunig also emphasised Curtin Malaysia’s unique role as a regional hub for Curtin University and its contributions to advancing ASEAN partnerships in education, research, trade, and tourism. He pointed to the university’s fruitful collaboration with the Institute of Technology of Cambodia (ITC), one of Cambodia’s leading tertiary institutions, as an example of the tangible benefits of academic partnerships.

“Our partnership with ITC exemplifies the power of knowledge sharing and talent development,” Prof. Leunig noted. “Through student exchanges, joint research, and capacity-building programmes, we are bridging Sarawak and Cambodia to tackle shared challenges and unlock opportunities for growth.”

H.E. Chandara, accompanied by Cambodian Trade Attaché Vith Panhnha and representatives of the Cambodia China Investment Development Association and Miri City Council, echoed these sentiments. The ambassador expressed keen interest in initiating a student exchange programme to bring Cambodian students to Curtin Malaysia.

“Curtin Malaysia is a world-class university, and I believe Cambodian students would greatly benefit from studying here,” said H.E. Chandara. “Let us work toward formalising an exchange programme through a Memorandum of Understanding. By doing so, we can attract more students to explore the excellent learning opportunities offered by Curtin Malaysia.”

The visit also underscored growing ties between Miri and Phnom Penh, as discussions between MCC and the Cambodian delegation explored the potential for a Friendship City agreement, signalling stronger cultural and economic connections.

As part of the visit, the delegation toured Curtin Malaysia’s facilities, including the Curtin Aquaculture Research Laboratories (CARL). They witnessed firsthand the innovative work being done to address regional challenges in aquaculture and sustainability.

Dr. Lee Yih Nin, Assistant Director of CARL, provided insights into ongoing research efforts, while delegates, including H.E. Chandara, participated in fish-feeding activities at the facility.

Curtin Malaysia’s commitment to fostering global partnerships aligns with Sarawak’s vision for sustainable development and multicultural collaboration. With Cambodia’s shared priorities in education and economic growth, this visit signals the start of a promising chapter in bilateral relations.

Prof. Leunig concluded, “As we move forward, we look forward to strengthening our ties with Cambodia, creating opportunities that empower students and communities, and contributing to the shared prosperity of our regions.”

Also present during the visit were, Curtin Malaysia’s Senior Director of Future Students and External Engagement, Debora Caroline; Manager of Student Recruitment and Business Development (International), Stephanie Chew; and Dean of the School of Pre-U and Continuing Education (SPACE), Associate Prof. Fidella Tiew.

For more information on Curtin Malaysia, visit curtin.edu.my or look for Curtin Malaysia on Facebook, X, Instagram, YouTube, LinkedIn, or TikTok.

Professor Simon (eighth from the left) presented a souvenir to H.E. Ouk Chandara as (third from left) Chew, Dr. Lee, Debora, representatives from MCC and other delegates look on

Second from left Dr. Lee, councillor Huang, H.E Ouk Chandara, Prof. Simon and other delegates feeding the fish during a visit to CARL