Curtin Malaysia expands global footprint with strategic India partnership

Miri, Sarawak – 3 March 2026 – Curtin University Malaysia (Curtin Malaysia) has strengthened its international presence with the formalisation of a strategic partnership with Bharata Mata College (BMC), Thrikkakara, Kerala, India, marking a significant step in advancing cross-border academic collaboration between Malaysia and India.

The Memorandum of Understanding (MoU), signed on 27 February 2026 at the Curtin Malaysia campus, establishes a framework for long-term cooperation in research, academic mobility and industry engagement. The agreement was formalised by Professor Vincent Lee, Pro Vice-Chancellor, President and Chief Executive of Curtin Malaysia, and Rev. Fr. Dr. Abraham Oliapurath, Manager of BMC.

Describing the partnership as a forward-looking alliance grounded in shared academic values, Professor Lee said the collaboration reflects both institutions’ commitment to transformative, student-centred and outcome-based education.

“This partnership is about creating meaningful academic pathways that empower our students and faculty,” he said. “By combining our expertise and exchanging best practices, we are building a dynamic platform for joint research, mobility opportunities and deeper industry engagement that will benefit both our institutions and the communities we serve.”

The collaboration will include joint research initiatives and publications, faculty and student exchange programmes, cooperation in Master of Business Administration (MBA) and other management programmes, as well as the co-organisation of conferences, seminars and workshops. Both institutions will also explore opportunities for industrial visits and the sharing of academic resources to strengthen industry-academia integration.

Professor Lee emphasised that beyond academic outcomes, the partnership also reinforces longstanding cultural and educational ties between Malaysia and India. He noted that fostering global exposure and intercultural understanding is essential in preparing graduates to navigate complex global challenges.

Rev. Fr. Dr. Abraham Oliapurath welcomed the partnership, highlighting the strong alignment in vision between the two institutions.

“Curtin Malaysia and Bharata Mata College share a deep commitment to holistic education and academic excellence,” he said. “This MoU is not merely a formal agreement; it represents a shared aspiration to nurture future leaders through meaningful research, innovative teaching and international engagement.”

He added that the collaboration would provide expanded opportunities for faculty and students to present research, participate in international forums and contribute to scholarly discourse across borders.

The signing builds upon an earlier visit by BMC faculty and students to Curtin Malaysia in November 2025 for the 27th Malaysian Finance Association International Conference, which laid the foundation for deeper institutional engagement. According to Professor Pauline Ho, Dean of Curtin Malaysia’s Faculty of Business, the positive outcomes of that visit demonstrated the strong synergy between the two institutions and accelerated discussions towards formalising the partnership.

“We have already witnessed the value of academic exchange between our teams,” she said. “This collaboration will enhance programme development, strengthen research relevance and create tangible impact for industry and society.”

Also present at the signing ceremony were Dr. Bejoy Joseph, Head of Department at the Bharata Mata Institute of Management, along with academics from Curtin Malaysia’s Faculty of Business.

The MoU underscores Curtin Malaysia’s ongoing commitment to expanding its global partnerships and reinforcing its role as a regional hub for international academic collaboration.

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

Professor Lee (5th left) and Rev. Fr. Dr. Abraham hold the signed MoU, witnessed by Professor Ho (4th left), Dr. Bejoy, and academics from Curtin Malaysia.

Rev. Fr. Dr. Abraham (second right) presenting souvenir to Professor Lee while Professor Ho (left) and Dr. Bejoy look on.