Curtin Malaysia and DBNA Miri forge partnership to empower Bidayuh community

Miri, Sarawak – 24 March 2025 – In a landmark step towards community empowerment, Curtin University Malaysia (Curtin Malaysia) and the Dayak Bidayuh National Association (DBNA) Miri held their first official meeting at Curtin Malaysia’s campus, marking the beginning of transformative initiatives aimed at uplifting the Bidayuh community.

This milestone meeting followed the recent signing of a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) between the two organisations, reinforcing their commitment to advancing education, technology, and entrepreneurship within the Bidayuh community under the theme ‘To the People, With the People’.

Key discussions revolved around the launch of high-impact initiatives designed to bridge gaps in digital literacy, economic empowerment, and sustainable business ventures. One major initiative, the Rural Reach Programme, aims to connect rural Bidayuh entrepreneurs and artisans to the digital marketplace, equipping them with the tools and knowledge to expand their reach beyond local borders.

“This partnership is a milestone in our efforts to ensure the Bidayuh community is not left behind in the digital era,” said Simon Ilus, Chairman of DBNA Miri. “By embracing innovation and sustainable practices, we are setting the stage for long-term prosperity.”

Beyond economic initiatives, the collaboration also seeks to establish a model for other indigenous communities in Sarawak. “Our goal is to empower not just the Bidayuh community here but to create a blueprint for other indigenous groups to thrive,” said Valerie Velina Anaelechi, Chair of Community Engagement at Curtin Malaysia’s Faculty of Humanities and Health Sciences. “By leveraging education, technology, and cultural heritage, we are laying a foundation for sustainable growth.”

Recognising the crucial role of healthcare in community development, Curtin Malaysia and DBNA Miri are launching health-focused initiatives, including health screenings, educational workshops, and targeted outreach programmes for older adults and vulnerable rural populations.

“Improving healthcare access is essential to enhancing the quality of life for underserved communities,” said Professor Roy Rillera Marzo, Dean of the Faculty of Humanities and Health Sciences. “Through this collaboration, we aim to bridge healthcare gaps and provide vital medical knowledge and services to those who need them most.”

With a shared vision of long-term impact, Curtin Malaysia and DBNA Miri are now focused on refining project details, securing additional partnerships, and ensuring the successful execution of their ambitious plans. This collaboration stands as a beacon of progress, championing inclusivity, innovation, and sustainability for the Bidayuh community and beyond.

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

Simon Ilus and Prof Roy Rillera Marzo (4th & 5th from left) in group photo with DBNA and Curtin Malaysia representatives