Curtin Malaysia and RECODA forge strategic partnership to drive sustainable development in Sarawak

Miri, Sarawak – 22 May 2025 – Curtin University Malaysia (Curtin Malaysia) has inked a landmark Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with the Regional Corridor Development Authority (RECODA), marking a powerful alliance aimed at accelerating sustainable and inclusive socio-economic development across Sarawak, particularly within the Sarawak Corridor of Renewable Energy (SCORE).

The MoU, signed during an official ceremony in Miri, lays the groundwork for transformative collaboration in key areas such as community capacity building, research and innovation, sustainable enterprise, and policy development.

“This partnership is about creating real impact,” said Professor Vincent Lee, Interim Pro Vice-Chancellor, President, and Chief Executive of Curtin Malaysia. “It is about empowering communities through knowledge-sharing, technology, and entrepreneurship to become active contributors to Sarawak’s bold development goals.”

Lee highlighted the initiative’s focus on advancing the circular economy and designing community-driven development programmes that align with environmental sustainability and economic resilience. “This MoU lays the foundation for coordinated efforts in critical areas such as community capacity building, knowledge-sharing, research and innovation, and the design of impactful development programmes for the communities,” he stated.

Prof. Lee signed on behalf of Curtin Malaysia while RECODA Chief Executive Officer, Datuk Haji Ismawi Haji, signed for the authority. Signing as witnesses were Curtin Malaysia’s Chief Operating Officer, Sharon Chong, and RECODA’s Director of Corporate Services, Dr. Hadysyam Junaidi.

In his address, Datuk Haji Ismawi reaffirmed the state’s vision to achieve high-income status by 2030 under the Post-COVID-19 Development Strategy (PCDS). He also stressed the urgency of developing a skilled, industry-ready workforce: “Strategic investments in education and training are essential not only for individual growth but also for advancing technology and innovation across the state.”

“Education must go beyond the classroom; it must align with real-world opportunities, which is why partnerships like this are pivotal,” he said, adding that RECODA has already implemented multiple initiatives with private investors, corporations, and academic institutions to support Sarawak’s long-term development goals.

He praised Curtin Malaysia as an ideal partner, citing its global perspective, strong research credentials, and proven track record of producing work-ready graduates. “This MoU reflects our shared commitment to driving economic growth, entrepreneurship, and innovation. Beyond facilitating research and industry linkages, it establishes a framework for sustainable impact that will endure long into the future,” he concluded.

Under the MoU, Curtin Malaysia and RECODA will collaborate on initiatives including policy dialogues, community outreach, joint research, industrial partnerships, and the delivery of skills training programmes to enhance local talent pipelines.

Also attending the signing ceremony were RECODA’s Head of Human Resources, Sabrina Razali; Head of Investment and Socio-economic Development, Khairina Dawek; and Senior Executive, Communications and External Relations, Daniella Lupi Balan; as well as members of Curtin Malaysia’s senior leadership team.

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.

Professor Vincent Lee (2nd right) exchanges MoU documents with Datuk Haji Ismawi Haji Ismuni, witnessed by Dr. Hadysyam (left) and Sharon Chong (right)

Datuk Haji Ismawi (7th left) and the RECODA team in group photo with Professor Lee (8th left) and Curtin Malaysia senior leadership