Curtin Malaysia and TVS move towards partnership to equip next generation of media talent

Miri, Sarawak – 29 September 2026 – Curtin University Malaysia (Curtin Malaysia) and Sarawak Media Group (TVS) are moving towards a formal partnership that will create new opportunities for students in media, broadcasting and digital storytelling, while connecting university talent with Sarawak’s growing creative industries.

The partnership took a significant step forward during a high-level TVS delegation visit to Curtin Malaysia on 19 September, led by Sarawak Media Group Chief Executive Officer Kushairi Abang.

Held at Cinema Lite at the campus, the visit explored potential collaboration in media production, broadcasting, digital content, creative arts, student placements, research and industry engagement.

The proposed collaboration will be formalised through a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU), which is expected to be signed soon.

The TVS delegation also included Assistant Director of Marketing and Communications Sharif Surur Raihan and Senior Editor Syah Hairizal Kamarul Ariffin.

They were welcomed by Curtin Malaysia representatives including Dean of the Faculty of Business Professor Pauline Ho, representing Pro Vice-Chancellor, President and Chief Executive Professor Vincent Lee Chieng Chen; Viziaty Drahman, Interim Senior Director of Administration; Associate Professor Fidella Tiew, Dean of the School of Pre-U and Continuing Education (SPACE); Nicholas Leong, Manager of Corporate Affairs; Terry Justin Dit, Interim Head of the Department of Media and Communication; and faculty members.

The visit followed an initial engagement with TVS Sarawak on 27 July, led by Mohamad Sardon Zainal, Chief Media Officer of Sarawak Media Group, further strengthening discussions between the two organisations.

Professor Ho highlighted the opportunities the partnership could create for Curtin Malaysia students, particularly through internships, industry placements, guest lectures, joint research and community engagement.

“These opportunities allow our Media and Communication students to take what they learn in the classroom into real-world professional settings, helping them graduate as career-ready, globally competent and socially responsible professionals,” she said.

She also pointed to major upcoming events, including the 2027 SEA Games in Malaysia, as potential platforms for students to gain practical experience in live broadcasting, media production and international sports coverage.

For TVS, the partnership also offers an opportunity to engage directly with the next generation of content creators and audiences.

Kushairi said working with university students, particularly Generation Z, would help TVS better understand the interests and expectations of younger audiences while developing content with strong regional relevance.

“Those are the Gen Zs we want to tap into – they know what they want. That’s why we work with the university and with Gen Z to produce better content that reflects what they want to see and say,” he said.

Among the potential initiatives discussed are tourism, travel and documentary productions designed to showcase Sarawak through formats and storytelling approaches that resonate with younger audiences.

Terry Justin Dit said the proposed partnership would provide students with valuable opportunities to gain industry exposure and develop practical skills.

“Collaborating with TVS provides our students with excellent learning opportunities and hands-on experience. Upcoming events such as the SEA Games could also provide exciting opportunities for internships,” he said.

The proposed partnership reflects Curtin Malaysia’s commitment to strengthening industry-integrated education, while supporting the development of Sarawak’s creative and digital economy.

For TVS, the collaboration provides access to emerging talent and fresh perspectives; for students, it opens a pathway to professional experience; and for Sarawak, it creates opportunities to tell the state’s stories through new voices, platforms and forms of digital media.

As discussions progress towards the signing of the MoU, both parties look forward to developing initiatives that connect education, industry and creativity, and provide meaningful opportunities for the next generation of media professionals.

For more information on Curtin Malaysia, visit curtin.edu.my or follow Curtin Malaysia on Facebook, X (Twitter), Instagram, YouTube, LinkedIn or TikTok.

Professor Pauline Ho presents a souvenir to Kushairi Abang during the TVS visit to Curtin Malaysia.

Kushairi Abang (centre) discusses potential collaboration with Curtin Malaysia representatives.

Kushairi Abang tours Curtin Malaysia’s Radio Conti with Curtin Malaysia academics.