Curtin Malaysia and i-CATS sign MoU to solidify partnership in academia and research

Miri, Sarawak – 6 May 2024 – Curtin University of Malaysia (Curtin Malaysia) has signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with PPKS Ilmu Sdn. Bhd. (i-CATS), solidifying a partnership in academia and research between the two institutions. Copies of the MoU, which was signed in a virtual signing ceremony in February, were formally exchanged during a visit by a delegation from PPKS Ilmu Sdn. Bhd. and i-CATS Miri to Curtin Malaysia recently.

On hand to exchange the documents were Curtin Malaysia’s Pro Vice-Chancellor, President and Chief Executive, Professor Simon Leunig, and PPKS Ilmu Sdn. Bhd.’s Managing Director, Hallman Sabri, who were the signatories of the MoU.

Also representing Curtin Malaysia were Deputy Pro-Vice Chancellor Professor Vincent Lee, Dean of Faculty of Engineering and Science Professor Tuong-Thuy Vu, Dean of External Engagement at the Faculty of Engineering and Science Associate Professor Ir. Lim Chye Ing, Electrical and Computer Engineering Department Head Terence Tan Peng Lian, Programme Coordinator Dr. Chew Ing Ming Dr. Chew Ing Ming, Director of Future Students and External Engagement Debora Caroline, and Corporate Affairs Manager Nicholas Leong.

The delegate members from i-CATS Miri were Chief Executive Ts. Syuhaira Mohd Zin, Registrar Roziana Abdul Rahman, Head of Programme Ts. Paran Jonly and a number of administrative and academic staff.

In his speech during the exchange ceremony, Professor Leunig emphasised Curtin Malaysia’s commitment to fostering collaborative partnerships with esteemed institutions like i-CATS. He further highlighted Curtin Malaysia and i-CATS’s shared heritage as Yayasan Sarawak-owned institutions, and how i-CATS’s strengths in academia and training, and its significance as one of the leading institutions in Sarawak, could be leveraged with Curtin Malaysia’s status as Curtin University’s earliest and largest global campus and hub in ASEAN.

“As part of a reputable university ranked among the top one per cent of universities worldwide, and the highest-ranked institution in Borneo by all the key performance metrics, the educational practices offered at Curtin Malaysia meet international standards and are highly regarded within the education sector globally,” Professor Leunig remarked.

“We also value research and innovation as cornerstones of academic excellence, and actively encourage our faculty and students to engage in research activities, focusing on areas that have a direct impact on educational practices and the local economy. This research culture ensures that the educational programmes we offer are grounded in evidence-based practices.”

According to Professor Leunig, the MoU sets the framework for the exchange of academic personnel for teaching, learning and research; and acceptance of undergraduate and graduate students into each other’s institutions for varying lengths of study. Additionally, it calls for the joint development and conducting of academic and professional training programmes, exchange of know-how and advisory, and joint organising of events and activities at both institutions for the benefit of their students.

“As i-CATS’s strengths parallel ours in many ways, leveraging the resources and expertise of both institutions will not only ensure our mutual growth, but also shape a brighter future for education in Sarawak and the wider region,” he concluded.

Hallman echoed the importance of enhancing academic excellence and fostering meaningful collaboration between i-CATS and Curtin Malaysia. He highlighted the significance of exchanging educational personnel and collaborative research in enriching both institutions’ teaching methods and research initiatives.

“We believe that by combining our resources and expertise, both institutions will inspire significant changes and contribute to the advancement of knowledge in various fields. The potential of impactful discoveries and innovations through this partnership is truly exciting,” he said.

“We are particularly excited about the opportunities this partnership presents for student engagement. Students from i-CATS Miri and Curtin Malaysia will surely benefit from the cultural exchanges and practical experiences that will enrich their academic and personal growth.”

Hallman added that the partnership marks a significant step forward in the pursuit of academic excellence and collaborative research not only for Curtin Malaysia and i-CATS, but also the wider educational community in Sarawak and the ASEAN region.

The visit ended with a tour of the Curtin Malaysia campus led by Dr. Chew.

Information on Curtin Malaysia can be found on its website at curtin.edu.my, or look for Curtin Malaysia on Facebook, Twitter, Instagram, YouTube, LinkedIn, and TikTok.

Hallman and Prof Leunig (8th & 9th left) holding copies of the MoU while others from i-CATS Miri and Curtin Malaysia look on

Dr Chew (right) briefing i-CATS delegation on Electrical and Computer Engineering programme and lab facilities during campus tour