Curtin Malaysia expands global footprint with MoU signing with Liaoning University of Technology, China

Miri, Sarawak – 28 November 2025 — Curtin University Malaysia (Curtin Malaysia) has strengthened its international presence and reinforced its commitment to global education and research excellence through the signing of a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with Liaoning University of Technology (LUT), China. The agreement was formalised during an official ceremony held on 20 November at the Curtin Malaysia campus.

The MoU marks an important milestone for both institutions as they embark on a long-term partnership to advance joint academic development, talent exchange, and collaborative research, with a strong focus on addressing emerging global challenges in engineering, business, and technological innovation.

The delegation from LUT was led by Professor Li Yongming, Vice-President of the university, and included Professor Gao Qi, Dean of the College of Mechanical Engineering and Automation; Professor Shi Xianrui, Dean of the School of Economics and Management; Professor Wang Wei, Deputy Dean of the School of Electrical Engineering; and Wang Wenli, Secretary of the CCP Committee of the International Education School. Also accompanying the delegation was Lee Poh Whatt, Treasurer of the East Malaysia & North-Eastern China Business Development Alliance, underscoring the broader industry and regional interest in the collaboration.

Curtin Malaysia’s leadership, headed by Professor Vincent Lee Chieng Chen, Pro Vice-Chancellor, President and Chief Executive, warmly welcomed the delegation. He was joined by Professor Tuong-Thuy Vu, Deputy Pro Vice-Chancellor; Associate Professor Raymond Chiong Choo Wee, Acting Dean of the Faculty of Engineering and Science; Associate Professor Lew Tek Yew, Head of the Department of Management and Marketing, Faculty of Business; Carrie Ho Lee Ing, Associate Director of Continuing Studies, School of Pre-U and Continuing Education, as well as senior representatives from International Student Support and Mobility, and Corporate Affairs.

The MoU was formally signed by Professor Lee and Professor Li, with Professor Vu and Professor Gao signing as witnesses.

In his welcoming remarks, Professor Lee underscored the significance of establishing strong international linkages.

“Such partnerships are central to the university’s mission and open doors for deeper cooperation in advanced engineering, global business, and education systems,” he said, highlighting the potential for extensive academic and research exchanges.

Professor Li expressed LUT’s enthusiasm for the collaboration, noting that the partnership aligns with the university’s strategic goals and offers vast opportunities for cross-border cooperation.

He shared that LUT looks forward to “exploring all potential avenues for academic, research, and talent-sharing initiatives that will benefit both institutions.”

Following the signing ceremony, the LUT delegation participated in a series of focused meetings with academic teams from Curtin Malaysia’s Faculty of Engineering and Science and Faculty of Business. The discussions centred on opportunities for joint research, student and staff mobility programmes, international education pathways, and future dual-degree or articulated learning models. Meetings were also held with the International Office to refine operational aspects of the proposed collaborations.

To conclude the visit, the delegation was given an immersive tour of Curtin Malaysia’s cutting-edge facilities, including the collaboration room, the trading room, various engineering laboratories, and the Curtin Aquaculture Research Laboratories (CARL). The tour provided the delegates with a clear view of Curtin Malaysia’s capabilities and the infrastructure supporting potential joint initiatives.

This MoU represents a meaningful step forward in Curtin Malaysia’s ongoing efforts to cultivate impactful global partnerships that enhance academic excellence, research innovation, and intercultural exchange.

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

Professor Lee (second from right) exchanges the MoU with Professor Li, witnessed by Professor Vu (right) and Professor Gao.

A group photo of Professor Lee (6th from right) and Curtin Malaysia representatives with Professor Li and the visiting LUT delegation.