Curtin Malaysia collaborates with Borneo Tropical Rainforest Resort to enhance student learning and boost resort’s digital presence

Miri, Sarawak – 6 June 2024 – Curtin University Malaysia (Curtin Malaysia) recently collaborated with Borneo Tropical Rainforest Resort to enhance student learning and boost resort’s digital presence as part of the university’s commitment to experiential learning and practical application of knowledge. The collaboration saw students enrolled in the Digital Marketing and E-Commerce unit develop innovative e-marketing initiatives for the popular resort.

The collaboration aimed to bridge the gap between theoretical knowledge and real-world application, offering the students an invaluable opportunity to craft comprehensive digital marketing strategies to enhance the resort’s online presence, attract a wider audience, and drive customer engagement.

The students undertook a rigorous assignment that challenged them to apply their theoretical understanding of digital marketing concepts to a practical scenario. This immersive experience involved every aspect of the e-marketing process, from conducting market research and analysing consumer behaviour to designing creative campaigns and measuring performance metrics.

“Partnering with Borneo Tropical Rainforest Resort provided our students with a real-world platform to apply what they had learned in the classroom,” said Dr. Ho Jie Min, the unit leader. “In today’s digital age, digital marketing skills are essential for success in virtually any industry. The hands-on project not only enhanced the learning experience of our students but also equipped them with marketable skills that will be invaluable in their future careers.”

She added that the project also underscored Curtin Malaysia’s commitment to preparing students for the demands of the modern workforce.

The digital marketing strategies developed by the students are expected to significantly boost the resort’s online visibility and engagement. By leveraging social media, search engine optimisation, content marketing, and data analytics, the students aimed to create compelling digital campaigns that resonate with potential customers and drive increased traffic to the resort’s online platforms.

The collaboration culminated with a visit by Jeit Law, Executive Director of Borneo Tropical Rainforest Resort, to Curtin Malaysia for a debriefing session with the students, during which they presented their e-marketing plan, and the students achieving top scores in the project received prizes.

Commending the students for their creativity, strategic thinking, and dedication to promoting responsible tourism practices, Lew said, “We are thrilled to collaborate with Curtin Malaysia and be a part of this innovative educational initiative to provide students with a platform to develop cutting-edge e-marketing strategies for our resort.”

“The students’ fresh perspectives and creative ideas have been impressive, and we look forward to implementing their strategies to enhance our digital marketing efforts. We believe this partnership will benefit our business and empower the students to become future leaders in digital marketing.”

Echoing this sentiment, Dean of the Faculty of Business, Professor Pauline Ho, said, “This collaboration exemplifies the power of academia-industry partnerships in fostering innovation and driving meaningful change, as well as Curtin Malaysia’s dedication to providing its students with practical, real-world experiences that complement their academic studies. By working on actual projects with industry partners, our students gain a deeper understanding of the complexities and dynamics of digital marketing, preparing them for successful careers in an increasingly digital world.”

Borneo Tropical Rainforest Resort is a premier eco-resort located in Miri, Sarawak. The resort offers a unique rainforest experience with a variety of recreational activities and accommodations, attracting nature lovers and adventure seekers from around the world.

Curtin University Malaysia is the largest international campus of Curtin University, located in Miri, Sarawak. The university offers a range of pre-university, undergraduate and postgraduate programmes, with a strong emphasis on practical learning and industry engagement.

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 Ho (right) and Law (2nd right) with the three top-scoring students, namely from left, Pak Jiin You, Thong Li Xin, and Javier Suring Gau.

Law (4th right), Dr Ho (3rd right) with the students in a group photo marking the successful completion of their project.