Curtin Malaysia and UBD forge stronger academic ties in strategic courtesy visit

Miri, Sarawak – 12 May 2025 – In a significant move to strengthen regional academic collaboration and industry engagement, a delegation from the Faculty of Business at Curtin University Malaysia (Curtin Malaysia) recently paid a courtesy visit to the University of Brunei Darussalam School of Business and Economics (UBDSBE).

The visit marked a key step toward fostering greater collaboration in teaching, research, and innovation between the two institutions, both recognised leaders in business education in the region.

Led by Associate Professor Goi Chai Lee and accompanied by Dr. Lynn Ling and Dr. Fayrene Chieng, the Curtin Malaysia delegation was warmly received by UBDSBE’s senior leadership, including Assistant Vice-Chancellor for Industry Engagement and Enterprise Development and Dean of UBDSBE, Dr. Haji Masairol Haji Masri.

Also present were Dr. Thuraya Farhana Haji Said, Deputy Dean for Engagement and Partnerships; Dr. Lutfi Abdul Razak, Deputy Dean for Research, Innovation, and Sustainability; Dr. Wardah Azimah Binti Haji Sumardi, Deputy Dean for Academic and Student Affairs; Dr. Sazali Zainal Abidin, Programme Leader for Accounting and Finance; and other key academic leaders.

Describing the visit as ‘highly productive and forward-looking’, Dr. Goi said it focused on creating impactful joint initiatives that reflect both universities’ commitment to academic excellence, innovation, and regional impact.

“We explored collaborative research opportunities, innovative curriculum development to better prepare our students for a dynamic business landscape, and closer ties with industry to ensure real-world learning experiences,” Dr. Goi said. “This partnership is very much aligned with Curtin Malaysia’s mission under the Curtin 2030 strategic plan, which focuses on sustainability, community impact, and global engagement.”

Dr. Goi added that the discussions also touched on supporting the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), particularly through projects that generate both local and international impact.

“Curtin Malaysia and UBDSBE share a vision of empowering future business leaders with the skills and mindset to address global challenges. Through this collaboration, we are not only expanding our academic network, but also contributing meaningfully to the region’s socioeconomic growth and sustainable development,” he remarked.

For more information on Curtin Malaysia, visit its website at curtin.edu.my or follow Curtin Malaysia on Facebook, Instagram, YouTube, Twitter, LinkedIn, and TikTok.

Dr Goi (4th from right) presenting a souvenir to Dr Haji Masairol while others from Curtin Malaysia and UBD look on