Curtin Malaysia and IMM deepen industry ties with courtesy visit to Miri Housing Group Executive Chairman

Miri, Sarawak – 4 February 2026 – Curtin University Malaysia (Curtin Malaysia), together with the Institute of Marketing Malaysia (IMM), has reinforced its commitment to industry-academia collaboration through a courtesy visit to Dato Lau Siu Wai, Executive Chairman of the Miri Housing Group of Companies, held recently at the Meritz Hotel.

The visit followed a one-day marketing seminar titled ‘Customer Retention and Expansion: Your Most Profitable Growth Strategy,’ jointly organised by Curtin Malaysia’s Faculty of Business and IMM on 29 January. The seminar attracted 50 participants, including academics, industry practitioners and marketing professionals, providing a platform to exchange insights on evolving marketing trends and to strengthen professional networks within the region.

The Curtin Malaysia delegation was led by Professor Vincent Lee, Pro Vice-Chancellor, President and Chief Executive, and comprised Professor Pauline Ho, Dean of the Faculty of Business; Dr. Tiong Ying Ying, Associate Dean (Research & Development); Dr. Ivy Hii, Associate Dean (External Engagement); and Professor Goi Chai Lee. They were joined by the IMM delegation led by its President, Dato’ Sharifah Mohd. Ismail, as well as international seminar speaker Ruth P. Stevens.

Discussions during the engagement underscored the importance of tripartite collaboration between academia, industry and professional bodies in developing relevant, high-impact platforms for the marketing community. The parties explored opportunities to enhance knowledge exchange, ensure industry relevance in academic initiatives, and deliver practical, market-driven insights that benefit professionals and businesses alike.

The visit highlights Curtin Malaysia’s continued efforts to work closely with industry leaders and professional organisations to bridge theory and practice, enrich student learning experiences, enhance graduate employability, and contribute meaningfully to the advancement of the marketing profession in Sarawak and beyond.

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Dato Lau (seated left) and Ruth Stevens (seated right) with delegation headed by Prof Lee (standing, 3rd left), Prof Ho (2nd left), and Dato Sharifah Mohd. Ismail (standing, 2nd right).