Curtin Malaysia and University of Danang – University of Science and Technology ink MoU to foster academic collaboration

Miri, Sarawak – 26 April 2024 – Curtin University Malaysia (Curtin Malaysia) and the University of Danang – University of Science and Technology (UD-DUT) in Da Nang, Vietnam have forged a strategic partnership aimed at fostering academic cooperation and knowledge exchange with the signing of a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) in the south-central Vietnamese city recently.

Representing Curtin Malaysia’s Pro Vice-Chancellor, President and Chief Executive, Professor Simon Leunig, at the signing was Associate Professor Wong Kwong Soon, Head of the Civil and Construction Engineering Department at Curtin Malaysia’s Faculty of Engineering and Science. Vice Rector Professor Le Tien Dung represented UD-DUT.

Also present were UD-DUT’s Deputy Head of Department of Science, Technology and International Cooperation Dr. Nguyen Hoang Trung Hieu; Vice Director of Department of Academic Affairs Professor Nguyen Thi Dieu Hang; Dean of Faculty of Chemical Engineering Professor Dang Minh Nhat; Vice Dean of Faculty of Project Management Dr. Ngo Ngoc Tri; Vice Dean of Faculty of Civil Engineering Professor Nguyen Van Chinh; and Vice Dean of Faculty of Chemical Engineering Associate Professor Ho Viet Thang.

According to Associate Professor Wong, the MoU lays out a comprehensive framework for cooperation encompassing joint education and research activities, and exchange of faculty members for research, guest lectures, and scholarly discussions.

One of the key facets of this collaboration is the facilitation of student mobility programmes, which will promote cross-border and intra-ASEAN exchange. Students from both institutions will have the opportunity to engage in short study and research stints, enriching their academic experience and cultural understanding.

Additionally, the MoU outlines provisions for the exchange of academic materials and publications, fostering a dynamic exchange of knowledge and ideas between Curtin Malaysia and UD-DUT. Moreover, both institutions will join forces in organising academic and scientific conferences, providing platforms for researchers and scholars to disseminate their findings and engage in meaningful discourse.

Associate Professor Wong, in his speech during the signing, said Curtin Malaysia was honoured to partner with UD-DUT, a prestigious institution that traces its roots back to the former Danang Higher Education Institute, established in 1975 and later named The University of Danang – University of Science and Technology in 1976. UD-DUT is now one of three leading technological universities in Vietnam, as well as a scientific research and technology transfer centre playing an important role in the industrialisation and modernisation of Vietnam.

Commenting on the significance of the partnership, Professor Leunig stated, “This collaboration marks a significant step towards enhancing academic excellence and fostering international cooperation. By leveraging the strengths of both our institutions, we aim to cultivate a vibrant academic ecosystem that transcends geographical boundaries.”

He said that as Curtin University’s largest global campus and hub in ASEAN, as well as a recognised regional leader in education and research, Curtin Malaysia is well positioned to contribute significantly to such a partnership.

Similarly, Dr. Nguyen Hoang Trung Hieu echoed these sentiments, emphasising the importance of collaboration in advancing education and research. “We are delighted to embark on this journey of collaboration with Curtin Malaysia. Together, we can harness the power of collective expertise to address global challenges and nurture the next generation of innovators and thought leaders.”

The signing of the MOU signifies a commitment by both Curtin Malaysia and UD-DUT to promote academic excellence, innovation, and cross-cultural understanding. It heralds a new chapter of cooperation that promises to enrich the academic landscape and contribute to the advancement of knowledge in the ASEAN region and beyond.

Information on Curtin Malaysia can be found on its website at curtin.edu.my, or look for Curtin Malaysia on Facebook, Twitter, Instagram, YouTube, LinkedIn, and TikTok.

Dr. Wong (left) and Professor Le Tien Dung holding up copies of the MoU as others look on.