Curtin Malaysia and DUBS Miri forge strategic alliance to drive talent, innovation and entrepreneurship in Sarawak

Miri, Sarawak – 8 April 2026 – In a strategic move to strengthen industry-academia collaboration and accelerate entrepreneurship in Sarawak, Curtin University Malaysia (Curtin Malaysia) has formalised a partnership with Dewan Usahawan Bumiputera Sarawak (DUBS) Miri through the signing of a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU).

The MoU, signed at Curtin Malaysia’s campus, establishes a comprehensive framework for collaboration in talent development, entrepreneurship, applied research and community engagement aimed at producing industry-ready graduates and fostering sustainable economic growth in the state.

Representing Pro Vice-Chancellor, President and Chief Executive Professor Vincent Lee Chieng Chen at the ceremony, Deputy Pro Vice-Chancellor Professor Tuong-Thuy Vu emphasised that the partnership marks a significant step in bridging academic expertise with industry needs.

“This collaboration with DUBS Miri strengthens our commitment to nurturing future-ready graduates equipped with both professional competencies and entrepreneurial mindsets. By integrating academic knowledge with real-world industry insights, we are creating meaningful pathways for innovation, employability and long-term impact,” he said.

Established in 1986, DUBS has been instrumental in advancing Bumiputera entrepreneurship and business development across Sarawak. Its collaboration with Curtin Malaysia is expected to further energise the local entrepreneurial ecosystem, particularly in Miri.

Chairman of DUBS Miri, Mohammad Hafidz bin Rohani, highlighted the broader significance of the partnership.

“This MoU goes beyond formal collaboration; it represents a shared vision to develop talent that is not only job-ready but venture-ready. By working closely with Curtin Malaysia, we aim to strengthen local businesses, unlock new opportunities, and contribute to inclusive economic growth in Sarawak,” he said.

The partnership will see both organisations collaborate on a wide range of initiatives, including work-integrated learning, internships, industry-led projects, workshops and experiential learning programmes that expose students to real-world business and sustainability challenges.

In addition, the MoU paves the way for joint research, knowledge exchange and professional engagement through guest lectures, seminars and collaborative projects, as well as opportunities to secure external funding and undertake industry-relevant research.

A strong emphasis will also be placed on community impact, with both parties committing to capacity-building programmes, mentorship, consultancy and professional training initiatives that promote ethical, inclusive and environmentally responsible development.

Among those present at the signing ceremony were Dean of the Faculty of Business, Professor Pauline Ho, and Khairul Sapardin Mohamad of DUBS Miri, alongside senior academics and professional staff from Curtin Malaysia.

Both Curtin Malaysia and DUBS Miri underscored that the success of the partnership will be measured through tangible outcomes, sustained engagement and impactful programmes that deliver real value to students, industry and the wider community.

This collaboration brings together Curtin Malaysia’s global academic network and research strengths with DUBS’s industry reach and entrepreneurial expertise, positioning both organisations to play a pivotal role in advancing Sarawak’s long-term economic resilience and innovation landscape.

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

Professor Vu (second right) and Mohammad Hafidz display the MoU documents, witnessed by Professor Ho and Khairul.

Professor Ho, Professor Vu, Mohammad Hafidz and Khairul in a group photo with Curtin Malaysia academics and staff.

Professor Vu presenting a souvenir to Mohammad Hafidz, witnessed by Professor Ho and Khairul.