Curtin Malaysia and Interhill Hospitality forge strategic partnership to shape future hospitality leaders

Miri, Sarawak – 13 July 2026 – Curtin University Malaysia (Curtin Malaysia) has strengthened its ties with Interhill Hospitality through the signing of three Memoranda of Understanding (MoUs), reinforcing their shared commitment to developing industry-ready graduates and advancing Malaysia’s hospitality sector.

The strategic partnership brings together Curtin Malaysia and three flagship Interhill Hospitality properties – Pullman Kuching, Pullman Miri Waterfront and ibis Melaka – to provide students with enhanced industry exposure, experiential learning opportunities, and collaborative initiatives that bridge academia and professional practice.

The signing ceremony, held recently at Pullman Miri Waterfront, marked a significant milestone in the organisations’ long-standing relationship and shared aspiration to inspire, develop and empower the next generation of hospitality professionals.

The agreements were signed by Curtin Malaysia’s Pro Vice-Chancellor, President and Chief Executive, Professor Vincent Lee, with Dean of the Faculty of Business, Professor Pauline Ho, serving as witness. Representing Interhill Hospitality were Vice President of Food & Beverage and General Manager of Pullman Miri Waterfront, Alan Tham; Vice President of Operations, Adrian Ng; and Cluster Director of People & Culture, Adonis Saliun.

Also present were Curtin Malaysia Chief Operating Officer Sharon Chong; Associate Dean of External Engagement (Faculty of Engineering and Science), Associate Professor Ir. Dr. Lim Chye Ing; academics from the Faculty of Business, and department heads from Pullman Miri Waterfront.

Professor Lee said the partnership builds upon an already successful collaboration between Curtin Malaysia and Interhill Hospitality, citing the recent launch of the Faculty of Makan, an on-campus eatery operated by Interhill Hospitality.

“The Faculty of Makan is much more than a dining facility. It demonstrates how industry expertise can be integrated into the university environment to create richer, more authentic learning experiences for our students,” he said.

He added that the new agreements reinforce Curtin Malaysia’s commitment to producing graduates equipped with both academic excellence and practical industry experience.

“Through work-integrated learning, internships, industry projects and applied research, we are bridging the gap between classroom learning and professional practice. Partnerships such as this are essential in preparing graduates for the demands of an increasingly competitive sector,” he remarked.

Beyond student internships and placements, the collaboration will also open opportunities for joint research, professional development, staff engagement, corporate social responsibility (CSR) initiatives, and community outreach programmes.

Speaking on behalf of Interhill Hospitality, Alan Tham said the partnership reflects Interhill Hospitality’s commitment to nurturing local talent and bolstering the country’s hospitality workforce.

“Today’s signing strengthens the connections between industry and academia. By working closely with Curtin Malaysia, we are creating opportunities for students to gain valuable exposure and practical experience, develop industry-relevant skillsets and build successful careers,” he concluded.

The partnership underscores both organisations’ shared ambition to cultivate future-ready graduates, drive innovation through collaboration, and contribute to the continued growth of Malaysia’s tourism and hospitality sectors.

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

Professor Lee (2nd right) shakes hands with Tham following the MoU signing, witnessed by Professor Ho (right), Adonis (left) and Ng.

Senior management and academics from Curtin Malaysia with the Interhill Hospitality leadership team.