Curtin Malaysia and Universiti Brunei Darussalam forge strategic partnership to drive regional innovation and sustainability

Miri, Sarawak – 9 April 2025 – Curtin University Malaysia (Curtin Malaysia) and Universiti Brunei Darussalam (UBD) have taken a significant step toward transforming the landscape of higher education and research in Borneo by formalising a strategic partnership through a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) signed on 7 April at UBD’s campus in Brunei.

The collaboration will pave the way for student and faculty exchanges, joint research initiatives, and knowledge-sharing between the two institutions, with a strong focus on sustainability, innovation, and regional development.

The MoU was signed by Professor Vincent Lee Chieng Chen, Interim Pro Vice-Chancellor, President and Chief Executive of Curtin Malaysia, and Dr. Hazri bin Haji Kifle, Vice-Chancellor of UBD. Witnessing the signing were Professor Tuong-Thuy Vu, Dean of Curtin Malaysia’s Faculty of Engineering and Science, and Dr. Haji Abdul Hanif bin Dato Paduka Haji Mahadi, UBD’s Assistant Vice-Chancellor (Research, Innovation and Sustainability).

In his remarks, Professor Lee described the partnership as a powerful alignment of strengths between Curtin Malaysia and UBD, particularly in advancing sustainability-focused research, engineering innovation, and regional enterprise.

“UBD has established itself as a leader in academic excellence and sustainable development, not just in Brunei but across Southeast Asia,” said Professor Lee. “At Curtin Malaysia, as Curtin University’s largest international campus owned by the Sarawak Government, we bring to the table our strong industry links and global research footprint.”

“Thus, it is an honour to formalise this partnership with UBD. This MoU is more than just an agreement – it is a shared vision for progress. By working together, we will create transformative opportunities for students, faculty and researchers, shaping the future of education and innovation in the region.”

Echoing the sentiment, Dr. Hazri said the MoU represents a forward-looking partnership aimed at empowering students and researchers while addressing shared regional challenges.

“This partnership with Curtin University Malaysia reflects our shared commitment to academic excellence, innovation, and regional impact. With Curtin as one of our closest academic neighbours, we see immense potential in working together to empower our students and researchers, and co-create solutions that serve our communities and the wider region,” he said.

The MoU also complements both universities’ commitments to the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), particularly in the areas of climate action, industry innovation, and quality education.

The MoU signing ceremony saw strong delegations from both universities. Curtin Malaysia’s delegation included Professor Roy Rillera Marzo, Dean of Faculty of Humanities and Health Sciences; Associate Professor Ir. Lim Chye Ing, Associate Dean of External Engagement, Faculty of Engineering and Science; Professor Stephanie Chan Yen San, Head of Department of Chemical and Energy Engineering and Director of Centre on New and Sustainable Energy Research and Ventures (CoNSERV); and Nicholas Leong, Manager of Corporate Affairs.

UBD’s delegation included several of its senior leaders, including Dr. Joyce Teo Siew Yean, Assistant Vice-Chancellor (Global Engagement); Associate Professor Pengiran Dr. Mohamad Iskandar bin Pengiran Haji Petra, Assistant Vice-Chancellor (Global Education); Dr. Masairol bin Haji Masri, Assistant Vice-Chancellor (Industry Engagement and Enterprise Development) and Dean of UBD School of Business and Economics; and Hajjah Joanna binti Haji Yacob, Assistant Vice-Chancellor (University Life and Governance).

As higher education institutions increasingly look beyond national borders to solve global and regional challenges, the Curtin Malaysia–UBD partnership represents a timely and strategic alliance.

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

Professor Vincent Lee addressing UBD Vice-Chancellor Dr. Hazri Haji Kifle and other representatives

Dr Haji Abdul Hanif Dato Paduka Haji Mahadi (left) and Professor Tuong-Thuy Vu (second from right) signing as witnesses

Dr Hazri Haji Kifle (left) and Professor Vincent Lee holding the signed MoU

Group photo of the Curtin Malaysia and UBD delegations following the MoU signing