Curtin Malaysia and Samling forge strong partnership for sustainable development

Miri, Sarawak – 11 November 2024 – In a move to strengthen industry-academia collaboration and support Sarawak’s green economy vision, Curtin University Malaysia (Curtin Malaysia) and the Samling Group of Companies are firming up collaboration that will combine Curtin Malaysia’s academic expertise and research capabilities with Samling’s industry insights to drive sustainable innovation and talent development across the state.

The partnership, formalised by a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) signed in August, underscores a shared commitment to sustainability and the economic future of Sarawak. On 5 November 2024, Samling Group’s Chief Executive Officer (CEO), Lawrence Chia, led a high-level delegation to Curtin Malaysia’s campus for a strategic dialogue on key areas for joint research and community impact projects.

Members of the delegation were Zion Kong, Assistant General Manager of Carbon Project,Jason Chieng, Assistant General Manager of Human Resource; Chang Kuet Ming, Assistant General Manager of Research and Development; Yap Fui Fook, Samling’s Chief Operating Officer (COO) and James Ho, Samling’s Senior Advisor.

Welcoming the team were Professor Tuong-Thuy Vu, Dean of Curtin Malaysia’s Faculty of Engineering and Science, Associate Professor Ir. Lim Chye Ing, Associate Dean of External Engagement, and other faculty members aimed to explore mutual interests in areas like sustainable rural infrastructure and socio-economic development, food security, carbon management, biodiversity monitoring and conservation, as well as education programme for schools and community.

Professor Vu highlighted Curtin’s strength as a global university with extensive networks and resources. “This collaboration represents more than just a partnership; it is a step forward in harnessing Curtin’s global expertise to benefit Sarawak’s industries and communities,” he remarked.

Chia echoed these sentiments, emphasising Samling’s commitment to supporting tertiary education and local talent in Miri. “We are excited to contribute to the development of young professionals who will lead Sarawak’s future economy,” he said.

Following their discussions, Associate Professor John Lau Sie Yon, Associate Dean of Research and Development at the Faculty of Engineering and Science, provided an in-depth overview of Curtin Malaysia’s research capabilities. The meeting also discussed potential community-focused research and consultancy projects to address the social, economic and environmental challenges in the Marudi Carbon Project.

The visit concluded with a tour of Curtin Malaysia’s cutting-edge research facilities, leaving the Samling delegation impressed with the university’s robust infrastructure and potential for impactful partnerships.

The new collaboration between Curtin Malaysia and Samling is poised to make a lasting difference in the region’s sustainable development and serves as a model for effective synergy between academia and industry.

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

(From left) Kong, Chieng, Chang, Yap, Ho, Lawrence Chia, Prof Thuy and Associate Professor Ir. Lim give thumbs-up with Curtin Malaysia academics, marking the beginning of an impactful partnership