Curtin Malaysia and Sarawak Energy unite for greener future in tree-planting drive

Miri, Sarawak – 1 August 2025 – In a powerful demonstration of environmental commitment and community partnership, Curtin University Malaysia (Curtin Malaysia) recently teamed up with Sarawak Energy Berhad (SEB) for a large-scale tree-planting campaign that brought together over 100 participants from both organisations.

The event, held under SEB’s Tree Planting Programme, saw 117 staff, faculty members, students, and SEB personnel planting 100 trees in eight designated zones across the Curtin Malaysia campus. The initiative contributed to the Sarawak Government’s ambitious Greening Sarawak campaign, which aims to plant 35 million trees by 2025.

The tree-planting exercise was a dynamic and spirited affair, as teams raced against the clock in a one-hour mission to green their respective zones, reinforcing the message that small actions, when multiplied, can drive meaningful environmental change.

“This campaign is more than just planting trees; it is about collaboration, long-term commitment, and shared responsibility for our environment,” said Michael Wong, Senior Manager II, Strategy, Architecture and Innovation at SEB’s ICT Department.

“Our goal is to plant and protect 500,000 trees across Sarawak by 2030, and we have already made significant strides, with over 188,000 trees planted to date. This includes efforts by our ICT team, who planted around 2,900 trees in areas such as the Sabal Forest Reserve, Lubok Ria, Miri Bulatan Park, and schools across Sarawak.”

Echoing this sentiment, Sharon Chong, Chief Operating Officer of Curtin Malaysia, emphasised the deep values that drive such sustainability initiatives: “Planting a tree may seem like a small gesture, but it carries a powerful message. It is a symbol of hope, responsibility, and action – for the planet, future generations, and the kind of world we aspire to build,” said Chong.

“Curtin Malaysia is proud to support the Sarawak Government’s sustainability goals and the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals, particularly those focusing on climate action, sustainable cities, and life on land. This collaboration with SEB reflects our shared vision and our active role in making that vision a reality,” Chong added.

Among the university leadership present were Professor Tang Fu Ee, Dean of Learning and Teaching; Professor Pauline Ho, Dean of the Faculty of Business; Associate Professor Fidella Tiew, Dean of the School of Pre-U and Continuing Education; and Associate Professor Ir. Dr. Lim Chye Ing, Associate Dean of External Engagement, Faculty of Engineering and Science.

Also in attendance were Viziaty Drahman, Human Resources Manager; Nicholas Leong, Corporate Affairs Manager; and Sarah Voon, Facilities Maintenance Manager, along with SEB’s Jill Ellen, Senior IT Executive, and the SEB ICT team.

The tree-planting initiative is part of a growing series of collaborations between Curtin Malaysia and SEB aimed at driving sustainability through action, education, and innovation.

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

Volunteers pose for a group photo before heading out to their assigned planting zones.

Michael Wong and Sharon Chong water a newly planted tree, observed by Nicholas Leong and Jill Ellen.

From right Dr. Lim, Viziaty, Dr. Ho, Dr. Tiew, and Professor Tang showing their support for the initiative with a thumbs-up at one of the planting zones.