Curtin Malaysia and i-CATS Miri strengthen academic ties through benchmarking visit

Miri, Sarawak – 1 May 2026 – Curtin University Malaysia (Curtin Malaysia) continues to reinforce its leadership in academic quality and institutional collaboration with a recent benchmarking visit hosted by its School of Pre-U and Continuing Education (SPACE) for a delegation from i-CATS Miri.

The visit brought together academic leaders from both institutions in a focused exchange on enhancing diploma programme quality, sharing best practices in teaching and learning, and strengthening frameworks for continuous improvement. The session reflected a growing emphasis within the higher education sector on collaboration as a driver of academic excellence.

Chaired by Delon Chai, Associate Dean of Learning and Teaching at SPACE, the session featured key Curtin Malaysia representatives, including Carrie Ho, Associate Director of Continuing Education; Susana Tiew, Head of the Arts and Commerce Department; and Mathilda May, Senior Accreditation and Policy Officer. Discussions centred on curriculum design, delivery standards, and quality assurance processes aimed at producing industry-ready graduates.

Welcoming the delegation, Associate Professor Fidella Tiew, Dean of SPACE, underscored the importance of such engagements in today’s rapidly evolving education landscape. “Benchmarking initiatives like this are essential in ensuring that we remain responsive, rigorous, and aligned with global best practices. They reflect a shared commitment to academic integrity, innovation, and student success,” she said.

The i-CATS delegation, led by Registrar Roziana Abdul Rahman and supported by several Heads of Programmes, highlighted their institution’s proactive approach to strengthening academic standards and fostering continuous enhancement.

The visit not only facilitated meaningful knowledge exchange but also laid the groundwork for deeper collaboration between Curtin Malaysia and i-CATS Miri. Both institutions expressed strong interest in expanding partnerships in areas such as academic quality assurance, external moderation, and programme development.

As Curtin Malaysia continues to champion collaborative initiatives, engagements like this underscore its role in advancing capacity-building and driving excellence across the higher education sector in the region.

For more information about Curtin Malaysia, please visit www.curtin.edu.my or follow Curtin Malaysia on Facebook, Twitter, Instagram, YouTube, LinkedIn, or TikTok.

Associate Professor Fidella Tiew (front row, 5th right) with Roziana Abdul Rahman (standing to her right), alongside staff from SPACE and i-CATS Miri.

Roziana Abdul Rahman (left) presenting a memento to Associate Professor Fidella Tiew.