Curtin Malaysia celebrates 331 graduates, highlighting resilience, excellence and future-ready talent

Miri, Sarawak – 25 April 2026 – Curtin University Malaysia (Curtin Malaysia) celebrated the achievements of 331 graduates in 2026, underscoring the institution’s growing impact in producing resilient, industry-ready talent for the region and beyond.

A total of 256 graduates took to the stage at the Curtin Malaysia Graduation Ceremony 2026, held on 17 April at the university’s Recreation & Event Centre, marking a significant milestone in their academic journeys.

Among the inspiring stories was Kenzon Yeoh, a Bachelor of Computing (Cyber Security) graduate with a visual impairment, whose success reflects perseverance, adaptability and determination in overcoming challenges to achieve academic excellence.

The graduating cohort comprised 266 bachelor’s degree recipients, 52 master’s graduates, 11 doctoral candidates, and two graduate certificate holders in project management, demonstrating Curtin Malaysia’s expanding academic depth and research capability. The degrees were conferred by Curtin University Chancellor David Lock, who also delivered the charge to the graduates.

Curtin University Vice-Chancellor Professor Harlene Hayne commended the graduates, expressing confidence in their potential to drive meaningful change.

“As graduates of Curtin University, I am confident you will use your time, talent and world-class education to make a difference in the world,” she said, while also acknowledging the critical role of families and friends in supporting the graduates’ success.

Curtin Malaysia Pro-Chancellor Datuk Patinggi Tan Sri Dr George Chan Hong Nam highlighted Curtin Malaysia’s continued rise as a leading education hub in the region, noting its track record in producing influential leaders and entrepreneurs.

He emphasised Curtin Malaysia’s commitment to academic excellence and research, pointing to a record number of PhD graduates over the last two years and the institution’s strong industry recognition, including its graduates being ranked highly in the Talentbank Employers’ Choice Award for three consecutive years.

Dr Chan also welcomed Sarawak’s Free Tertiary Education Scheme (FTES), describing it as a transformative initiative that will broaden access to higher education and strengthen the state’s future workforce.

“As you leave Curtin, lead with purpose, adapt with confidence, and strive to create meaningful change,” he told the graduates.

He further expressed appreciation to Curtin Malaysia’s academic and professional staff for their dedication, as well as to the graduates’ families for their unwavering support, adding that the university is well-positioned to continue advancing education and research in an increasingly dynamic global landscape.

The ceremony was attended by senior leaders from Curtin University and key stakeholders from Sarawak, including Deputy Vice-Chancellor, Global, Professor Xiaotian Zhang; Sarawak Transport Minister and Chair of the Curtin Malaysia Management Committee, Dato Sri Lee Kim Shin; Director of Yayasan Sarawak and Board Member of Curtin Malaysia, Datu Mohamad Junaidi bin Mohidi; Mayor of Miri and Council Member of Curtin Malaysia, Adam Yii; and Curtin Malaysia Pro Vice-Chancellor, President and Chief Executive, Professor Vincent Lee.

Also present were representatives from the Australian High Commission in Kuala Lumpur, Curtin University alumni chapters in Malaysia and Singapore, and the university’s alumni engagement team from Perth.

As the ceremony concluded, graduates left not only with their academic qualifications, but with the skills, resilience and ambition to contribute meaningfully to society and shape the future.

The celebrations extended into the evening with a glittering Alumni Awards and Homecoming Dinner, which brought together more than 200 alumni and honoured six outstanding Curtin alumni in Malaysia for their exemplary achievements and contributions to industry and society.

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

Graduates celebrate a milestone moment, marking the culmination of years of dedication and achievement.

Professor Harlene Hayne encourages graduates to pursue impact beyond university.

Chancellor David Lock presents a scroll to Kenzon Yeoh, whose journey exemplifies resilience and determination.

Dato Sri Lee Kim Shin congratulates a graduate during the ceremony.

Graduate Darry Munashe Matsika celebrates the occasion with family and friends.