Curtin Malaysia and JCI Miri forge partnership to drive SDG education at Second Borneo SDG Summit

Miri, Sarawak – 28 August 2024 – In a step toward advancing sustainable education, Curtin University Malaysia’s (Curtin Malaysia) Faculty of Business has signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with Junior Chamber International (JCI) Miri. The signing, a highlight of the Second Borneo Sustainable Development Goals (SDG) Summit held at Curtin Malaysia recently, underscores their shared commitment to addressing global sustainability challenges.

The MoU was signed by Dean of the Faculty of Business, Professor Pauline Ho, and JCI Miri President, Michelle Toh, signalling a strategic partnership aimed at advancing the United Nations’ SDGs through collaborative projects and impactful community engagement. This collaboration promises to generate a wave of initiatives designed to empower local communities and promote sustainable development.

The SDG Summit, co-organised by Curtin Malaysia’s Faculty of Business, brought together an impressive array of stakeholders, including non-profit organisations, educational institutions, government departments, community groups, and the public, all united under SDG Goal 4: promoting inclusive and equitable quality education.

A key feature of the summit was a series of workshops on humanities, culture, and business planned and executed by the Faculty of Business. Under the leadership of Professor Ho, lecturer Dr. Ivy Hii, and senior lecturer and Associate Dean of Research and Development Dr. Tiong Ying, these sessions explored the integration of SDG principles into education and business practices, providing participants with insights into innovative strategies for tackling global challenges.

Professor Ho, speaking on behalf of Acting Pro Vice-Chancellor and Chief Executive Professor Vincent Lee, opened the summit with an impassioned address. She emphasised the transformative power of education as a catalyst for change, stating, “This gathering is a testament to our shared commitment to SDG 4: Quality Education. It is an opportunity for us to explore cutting-edge educational strategies and connect with leaders who are shaping the future of education.”

The summit featured a vibrant showcase of how Curtin Malaysia’s Business programme weaves SDG elements into its curriculum. Students took centre stage, presenting innovative projects championing sustainable practices and inspiring the audience with their forward-thinking ideas. Interactive exhibitions and workshops provided community members with practical knowledge on personal finance management, fraud awareness, carbon footprint calculation, and even the use of creative tools like Lego bricks to address global challenges.

A spotlight on cross-generational collaboration in sustainable fashion further underscored the event’s inclusive and equitable focus, driving home the message that sustainability is a collective endeavour.

The Faculty of Business’s prominent role in the summit demonstrates its unwavering dedication to nurturing students who are not just academically proficient but also deeply committed to sustainable and socially responsible practices. Through initiatives like this, Curtin Malaysia continues to lead the charge in embedding SDGs into higher education, fostering a new generation of leaders ready to make a positive and lasting impact on society.

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Miri Mayor Adam Yii Siew Sang examines an exhibition at the Second Borneo SDG Summit, co-hosted by Curtin Malaysia

Prof. Pauline Ho and JCI Miri President Michelle Toh posing with copies of the MoU following the signing ceremony