Curtin Malaysia and SHEDA explore strategic partnership to strengthen Sarawak’s built environment talent

Miri, Sarawak – 25 August 2026 – Curtin University Malaysia (Curtin Malaysia) and the Sarawak Housing and Real Estate Developers’ Association (SHEDA), together with the SHEDA Institute, are exploring new opportunities to strengthen talent development, professional training and research collaboration in Sarawak’s built environment sector.

The potential partnership was discussed during a recent courtesy visit by SHEDA and SHEDA Institute delegation to Curtin Malaysia, with both parties identifying opportunities to bridge academia and industry while equipping professionals with skills to meet the region’s evolving needs.

Led by Tuan Haji Zaidi Ahmad, Chairman of the SHEDA Institute, the delegation included Dato Ir Sr Alex Ting, Deputy Chairman of the SHEDA Institute; Datuk John Yong, Director of the SHEDA Institute and Secretary General of SHEDA; Dato William Wei, Director of the SHEDA Institute; James Hii, Chairman of the SHEDA Miri Branch; Aaron Hii, Deputy Chairman of the SHEDA Miri Branch; and Lawrence Kong, Secretary of the SHEDA Miri Branch.

The delegation was received by Professor Vincent Lee Chieng Chen, Pro-Vice-Chancellor, President and Chief Executive of Curtin Malaysia, together with senior university representatives including Professor Raymond Chiong, Dean of the Faculty of Engineering and Science; Associate Professor Fidella Tiew, Dean of the School of Pre-U and Continuing Education; Associate Professor Ir. Dr. Lim Chye Ing, Associate Dean of External Engagement, Faculty of Engineering and Science; Ir. Meheron Selowara Joo, Interim Head of Department of Built Environment; Dr. Ivy Hii, Associate Dean of External Engagement, Faculty of Business; and Dr. Hamzh Hamad Aboubakr Alarifi, Lecturer in the Civil and Construction Engineering Department.

Professor Lee welcomed the opportunity to explore closer collaboration with SHEDA and the SHEDA Institute, emphasising the university’s commitment to supporting regional capacity building through industry-relevant education, research and professional development.

“Curtin Malaysia is committed to working closely with regional partners to develop talent and contribute to community growth. There is strong potential for us to combine our academic expertise with industry knowledge to develop relevant professional education programmes and research initiatives,” he said.

The discussions also highlighted opportunities to leverage Curtin Malaysia’s strengths in engineering and business to support the professional development of the built environment sector, particularly through specialised training and industry-focused programmes.

Tuan Haji Zaidi said the SHEDA Institute is committed to promoting professional excellence through closer collaboration with government, academia and industry.

He highlighted the importance of working with universities to provide practical skills development and continuous professional learning that can help industry professionals remain competitive and responsive to changing demands.

The visit concluded with both parties expressing strong interest in developing joint initiatives, specialised training programmes and collaborative projects that could contribute to talent development and the continued growth of Sarawak’s built environment sector.

The engagement marks a step towards building a stronger industry–academia ecosystem in Sarawak, with the potential to create new pathways for professional upskilling, applied research and the development of future-ready talent.

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Tuan Haji Zaidi presents a souvenir to Professor Lee, joined by Curtin Malaysia, SHEDA and SHEDA Institute representatives.