Curtin Malaysia and Kazakhstan’s Margulan University forge strategic global partnership to boost innovation and sustainability

Miri, Sarawak – 16 May 2025 – In a significant move to strengthen global academic ties and drive innovation in sustainable technology, Curtin University Malaysia (Curtin Malaysia) has signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with Pavlodar Pedagogical University Named After Alkey Margulan (Margulan University) of the Republic of Kazakhstan, one of the country’s most forward-thinking institutions.

The MoU, signed in a ceremony at Curtin Malaysia’s campus in Miri, marks the beginning of a strategic collaboration in research, academic exchange, and cross-cultural engagement, with both institutions pledging to build borderless opportunities for their students, researchers and communities.

Representing Margulan University were its Rector, Professor Yerzhan Amirbekuly; Vice-Rector for Research, Professor Bauyrzhan Yessengeldin; and Aidana Algazinova, Head of the Internationalisation Office.

The delegation was warmly received by Professor Tuong-Thuy Vu, Acting Deputy Pro Vice-Chancellor and Dean of the Faculty of Engineering and Science, who officiated the ceremony on behalf of Professor Vincent Lee, Interim Pro Vice-Chancellor, President and Chief Executive of Curtin Malaysia.

Also present were Professor Roy Rillera Marzo, Dean of the Faculty of Humanities and Health Sciences, and members of the Faculty of Humanities and Health Sciences academic team, and Nicholas Leong, Manager of Corporate Affairs. To solidify this partnership, Professor Dr. Roy Rillera Marzo is collaborating on an ongoing mega-research project with Pavlodar Pedagogical University—titled “Creation of a Comprehensive Scientific and Innovative Environment for the Training of Teachers for the Development of Gifted Children in Kazakhstan.”

In a message delivered by Professor Vu, Professor Lee described the agreement as the foundation for a forward-looking, impact-driven partnership. “This collaboration not only enhances academic and research capacity but also supports our shared vision of creating an entrepreneurial ecosystem grounded in sustainable technologies,” he said.

He highlighted Curtin Malaysia’s unique position as Curtin University’s largest international campus and a regional leader in higher education, while praising Margulan University’s reputation for educational reform, innovation, and global engagement.

“One of the most exciting aspects of this partnership is our joint ambition to incubate Sarawak-based startups focused on sustainable development,” Professor Lee noted. “Together, we aim to nurture talent and technology that will tackle pressing challenges across Asia and beyond.”

Echoing these sentiments, Professor Amirbekuly expressed strong confidence in the potential of the partnership to foster transformative learning and research. “We look forward to working closely with Curtin Malaysia to build pathways that connect cultures, advance knowledge, and empower future leaders,” he said.

The MoU is expected to pave the way for student and staff exchanges, joint research initiatives, curriculum development, and collaborative events that promote intercultural understanding and innovation.

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

Prof Vu (2nd right) exchanging MoU document with Prof Amirbekuly (2nd left), witnessed by Prof Marzo (right) and Prof Yessengeldin (left)

(5th right) Aidana Algazinova, Prof Marzo, Prof Vu, Prof Amirbekuly, Prof Yessengeldin, and Leong (3rd left) in group photo with faculty staff