Curtin Malaysia and AZAM Sarawak explore partnership to develop future leaders and empower youth

Miri, Sarawak – 26 June 2026 – Curtin University Malaysia (Curtin Malaysia) and Angkatan Zaman Mansang (AZAM) Sarawak are set to explore strategic collaborations aimed at empowering young people, strengthening leadership development, and creating greater opportunities for youth engagement across Sarawak.

The shared commitment was reaffirmed during a courtesy visit by an AZAM Sarawak delegation to Curtin Malaysia on 23 June, where both parties discussed potential initiatives that could leverage the strengths of academia and community-based youth development to benefit the next generation of Sarawakian leaders.

Leading the delegation was Chief Executive Officer Ali Suhaili, accompanied by Strategic Communication, Media and Youth Relations Manager Hassnal Hakim Junaidi, Youth Relations Officer Cody Anthony, and Administrative Assistants Hilton Anak Deli and Asraf Lokman.

The delegation was welcomed by Curtin Malaysia Pro Vice-Chancellor, President and Chief Executive Professor Vincent Lee; Deputy Pro Vice-Chancellor Professor Tuong-Thuy Vu; Dean of Learning and Teaching Professor Tang Fu Ee; Corporate Affairs Manager Nicholas Leong; Associate Dean, External Engagement, School of Pre-U and Continuing Education (SPACE), Dr Anita Jimmie; Teaching Fellow, Work Integrated Learning and Language Department, SPACE, Adriel Junu Anak Mong; Curtin Malaysia Student Council Treasurer Alvin Tan; and representatives of the Curtin Malaysia Debating Society, Awangku Zuhairi Awangku Feazirroeddi and Ryan Vincoles Chong De Cheng.

Professor Lee said the discussions highlighted significant opportunities for collaboration in youth leadership, communication skills development, community engagement, and capacity building.

“Curtin Malaysia is committed to producing graduates who are not only academically capable but also socially responsible and globally minded. By combining AZAM Sarawak’s extensive grassroots networks and experience in youth empowerment with Curtin Malaysia’s academic expertise and talented student community, we can create meaningful opportunities that contribute to the development of Sarawak’s future leaders,” he said.

He added that partnerships such as these align closely with the university’s mission of advancing education, innovation, and community impact while supporting Sarawak’s broader human capital development agenda.

A key outcome of the visit was AZAM Sarawak’s invitation for Curtin Malaysia students to participate in the upcoming Premier of Sarawak Debate Challenge Cup 2026, which will be held this August at Universiti Malaysia Sarawak (UNIMAS) in Kota Samarahan.

According to Ali, the competition is more than a debating tournament; it serves as a platform to nurture critical thinking, leadership, public speaking, and public policy literacy among young Sarawakians.

“In today’s rapidly changing world, young people need more than academic qualifications. They need confidence, communication skills, leadership qualities, and the ability to engage constructively with society. Through initiatives such as the Premier of Sarawak Debate Challenge Cup, we hope to cultivate a generation of young leaders who can represent Sarawak with distinction at the national and international levels,” he said.

Ali also encouraged Curtin Malaysia students to become involved in AZAM’s wider youth development ecosystem through the ‘AZAM Young Souls’ volunteer network and the AZAM Toastmasters Club, both of which provide avenues for leadership growth, community service, and public speaking development.

Professor Lee welcomed the invitation and praised AZAM’s commitment to fostering intellectual discourse and civic engagement among young people.

“Our students have consistently demonstrated strong analytical, communication, and leadership capabilities through initiatives such as the Curtin Malaysia Debating Society. We are encouraged by AZAM’s vision and see considerable potential to work together on programmes that promote leadership excellence, critical thinking, community engagement, and lifelong learning,” he said.

The meeting concluded with both organisations expressing their intention to explore future collaborations that would strengthen youth empowerment efforts and create impactful opportunities for students and communities throughout Sarawak.

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Professor Lee (second left) presenting a souvenir to Ali while Professor Vu (left), Hassnal (second right) and Cody look on.

Representatives from Curtin Malaysia and AZAM Sarawak in a group photo.

Ali (third left) sharing insights on youth development and leadership initiatives with Professor Lee and representatives from Curtin Malaysia.