Curtin Malaysia and IBTE forge strategic partnership to advance technical and higher education collaboration

Miri, Sarawak – 10 October 2025 – Curtin University Malaysia (Curtin Malaysia) and the Institute of Brunei Technical Education (IBTE) Sultan Saiful Rijal Campus in Brunei Darussalam have entered into a landmark Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) to strengthen academic cooperation, promote knowledge exchange, and enhance professional development opportunities across both institutions.

The MoU signing ceremony took place at the Longhouse Training Restaurant, IBTE Sultan Saiful Rijal Campus in Bandar Seri Begawan, with Yang Mulia Dr. Haji Azman bin Ahmad, Permanent Secretary (Higher Education) of the Ministry of Education, Brunei Darussalam, officiating as Guest of Honour.

Among the distinguished attendees were His Excellency Michael Hoy, High Commissioner of Australia to Brunei Darussalam; Dr. Haji Zamri Haji Mohd Sabli, Director of Technical Education and Chief Executive Officer of IBTE; and members of the IBTE Senior Management Team.

Representing Curtin Malaysia was Professor Vincent Lee, Pro Vice-Chancellor, President and Chief Executive, accompanied by Associate Professor Fidella Tiew, Dean of the School of Pre-U and Continuing Education (SPACE); Dr. Lee Yih Nin, Assistant Director of the Curtin Aquaculture Research Lab (CARL); and Debora Caroline, Senior Director of Future Students and External Engagement.

In his remarks, Professor Lee described the MoU as a milestone in Curtin Malaysia’s ongoing efforts to strengthen educational linkages across the region.

“This MoU represents not only a formal partnership but a shared vision, one that seeks to empower learners, broaden opportunities, and build capacity for the future workforce of our region,” he said.

He emphasised that the collaboration would pave the way for joint initiatives in academic exchange, professional training, and research collaboration.

“Through this partnership, we aim to promote student and staff exchanges, enabling participants to gain wider academic, professional, and cultural perspectives. Such experiences not only enrich learning but also foster mutual understanding and regional cooperation,” he added.

Professor Lee also noted that IBTE, as Brunei’s premier post-secondary institution for technical and vocational education, plays a vital role in developing skilled, socially responsible graduates who contribute to the nation’s goal of building a knowledge-based economy.

He further highlighted that Curtin Malaysia’s strong research focus on sustainability, energy transition, and digital transformation offers valuable synergies with IBTE’s technical and vocational expertise.

“We see immense potential to collaborate on initiatives that combine Curtin Malaysia’s research strengths with IBTE’s applied learning environment, ultimately contributing to workforce readiness and regional development,” he said.

The MoU underscores Curtin Malaysia’s growing role as an international education and research hub in ASEAN and marks another step forward in fostering impactful cross-border partnerships that benefit students, educators, and industries alike.

For more information on Curtin Malaysia, visit curtin.edu.my or look for Curtin Malaysia on Facebook, Twitter, Instagram, YouTube, LinkedIn, or TikTok.

Dr Haji Mohd Zamri (left) exchanging MoU document with Prof Lee, witnessed by Dr. Haji Azman (back row) and Dr Tiew.

Prof Lee (seated, 2nd right) and Curtin Malaysia delegation in group photo with Dr. Haji Mohd Zamri (seated, 2nd right), Michael Hoy, Dr. Haji Azman, and members of IBTE Senior Management Team.