Curtin Malaysia academics shine with prestigious Curtin University teaching awards

Miri, Sarawak – 24 October 2025 – Curtin University Malaysia (Curtin Malaysia), the largest international campus of Curtin University and a key player in higher education excellence in the region, continues to make its mark on the global stage with two of its academics receiving top honours for teaching innovation and leadership from Curtin University in Perth, Australia.

Lai Zhenyue, Staff Practice Advisor at Curtin Malaysia’s Office of Learning and Teaching, has been inducted as a fellow of the Curtin Academy, joining an elite network of educators recognised for advancing excellence, mentorship, and innovation in learning and teaching across Curtin’s global campuses.

Selected for her outstanding leadership in pedagogical research and evidence-based educational practices, Lai has been instrumental in championing teaching quality and academic development at Curtin Malaysia.

“I am deeply honoured to join this community of inspiring educators,” said Lai. “I look forward to working with other Fellows to design impactful initiatives that further enhance student learning experiences and support academic excellence across Curtin’s campuses.”

Meanwhile, Dr. Saaveethya Sivakumar, Senior Lecturer in Electrical and Computer Engineering at the Faculty of Engineering and Science, was awarded the Curtin Excellence and Innovation in Teaching Award, one of Curtin’s most distinguished accolades recognising educators who demonstrate creativity, inclusivity, and outstanding impact in student learning.

Dr. Saaveethya was commended for her innovative and industry-focused teaching methods, which bridge theory and real-world application while nurturing globally competent, ethical, and future-ready graduates.

“This award is a tremendous honour,” said Dr. Saaveethya. “It reaffirms my passion for empowering students through hands-on, inclusive learning experiences that prepare them to lead with confidence and purpose in the global engineering landscape.”

Professor Tang Fu Ee, Dean of Learning and Teaching at Curtin Malaysia, praised both recipients for their remarkable achievements and contributions to Curtin’s learning ecosystem.

“These awards reflect the calibre of academic talent we have at Curtin Malaysia,” said Professor Tang. “Their success not only highlights individual excellence but also reinforces our campus’s commitment to world-class teaching, innovation, and continuous improvement.”

The recognitions further underscore Curtin Malaysia’s reputation as a regional leader in transformative education, one that blends global best practices with local impact. Through strong academic leadership, industry partnerships, and research-informed teaching, Curtin Malaysia continues to produce graduates and educators who are driving innovation and shaping the future of higher education.

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

Lai (left) and Saaveethya’s (right) achievements underscore Curtin Malaysia’s leadership in educational innovation and global teaching excellence.