Curtin Malaysia academic earns rare triple recognition for teaching excellence, cultural impact and academic leadership

Miri, Sarawak – 20 May 2025 – In an extraordinary academic milestone that sets a new benchmark for teaching excellence, Delon Chai, Associate Director of Learning and Teaching at Curtin University Malaysia’s School of Pre-U and Continuing Education (SPACE), has earned three prestigious professional fellowships within the span of a single year.

Chai has been conferred the Fellowship of Advance HE (FHEA), the Associate Fellowship of the Higher Education Research and Development Society of Australasia (AFHERDSA), and the Associate Fellowship of Advance HE in Indigenous Knowledges (AFHEA – Indigenous Knowledges). Each accolade marks excellence in academic leadership and commitment to student success,  but achieving all three in one year is a testament to Chai’s passion, scholarly rigour, and innovative approach to education.

“This was neither quick nor simple; it was the culmination of years of effort, reflection, and continuous improvement,” said Chai, a proud Sarawakian whose journey as an educator began right here in Miri.

The Advance HE Fellowship (FHEA) is awarded by the UK-based Advance HE to educators who demonstrate high-impact teaching and curriculum design aligned with the UK Professional Standards Framework. The AFHERDSA, meanwhile, recognises Chai’s contribution to evidence-based reflective teaching practice across the Australasian higher education landscape.

Most notably, the AFHEA (Indigenous Knowledges) celebrates Chai’s pioneering work in embedding Indigenous perspectives into curricula – a specialist recognition held by fewer than 200 academics in Australia.

“This recognition was deeply personal,” Chai said of the AFHEA (Indigenous Knowledges). “It validated not just my work as an educator, but also the importance of cultural competence in shaping meaningful and inclusive learning experiences, especially in Sarawak’s uniquely diverse context.”

Chai’s journey began with a curiosity for using digital tools to enhance student engagement. Over time, it evolved into a much larger mission: to redefine what it means to educate in a multicultural and rapidly changing world.

As he took on leadership roles – first as Head of Department and now as Associate Director of Learning and Teaching – his perspective shifted from classroom teaching to systemic educational transformation.

“I began to see my role not just as a teacher, but as a leader shaping educational environments where diversity, equity, and innovation flourish,” he said.

This led him to integrate Indigenous worldviews and local cultural narratives into teaching practice – not just as content, but as pedagogical foundations. “It challenged me to re-evaluate what ‘success’ in education really means,” he added. “For me, it means students leaving our classrooms not only informed, but also culturally aware and ethically grounded.”

Chai’s achievement is not just personal; it reflects Curtin Malaysia’s commitment to fostering outstanding educators who inspire, innovate and impact communities through education. His work has directly influenced SPACE’s teaching approaches and staff development initiatives.

Throughout this transformative journey, he considers himself fortunate to have received strong support from an encouraging institutional culture. This includes support from his colleagues in SPACE and Curtin Malaysia’s Office of Learning and Teaching, as well as the Curtin University Teaching Enhancement team in Perth.

Associate Professor Fidella Tiew, Dean of SPACE, lauded Chai’s contributions: “He brings visionary thinking and tireless dedication to SPACE. His work has enabled us to roll out impactful teaching innovations and build a culture of continuous improvement. He is a role model and mentor for our academic staff.”

Professor Tang Fu Ee, Dean of Learning and Teaching at Curtin Malaysia, also highlighted the significance: “Delon exemplifies the type of educator Curtin seeks to nurture – one who merges scholarly rigour with real-world relevance and cultural intelligence. His achievements raise the bar not just for Curtin Malaysia, but for Curtin globally.”

Chai continues to mentor colleagues across SPACE, guiding them in their professional development and helping them chart their own fellowship pathways. He is also pursuing full HERDSA Fellowship, further cementing his role as a thought leader in higher education practice.

In addition to these fellowships, Chai was recently honoured with two major institutional awards: the Curtin Excellence and Innovation in Teaching Award (Global Category) and the Curtin Malaysia Excellence in Teaching Award, further validating his impact across the university.

“Each recognition is more than just a milestone – it is a checkpoint,” Chai said. “It helps me stay grounded in purpose and reminds me that good teaching is always evolving, always learning.”

Delon Chai’s exceptional triple recognition not only sets him apart as an individual academic;  it also signals Curtin Malaysia’s rising prominence as a leader in transformative, inclusive, and future-focused higher education.

In a time when universities are challenged to rethink the role of education, Chai’s story is a powerful reminder that great teaching changes lives, and that Curtin Malaysia is leading that change from Sarawak to the world.

For more information, visit Curtin Malaysia’s website at curtin.edu.my or follow Curtin Malaysia on Facebook, Instagram, YouTube, Twitter, LinkedIn, and TikTok.

Delon Chai’s triple recognition setting the bar for academic excellence