Curtin Malaysia expands Japan ties with 10 high school partnerships

Miri, Sarawak – 26 May 2026 – Curtin University Malaysia (Curtin Malaysia) has strengthened its international footprint in Asia through the signing of Memoranda of Understanding (MoUs) with ten leading Japanese high schools, paving the way for greater student mobility, academic collaboration, and cross-cultural exchange between Malaysia and Japan.

The milestone agreements were formalised during an official visit to Japan from 7 to 12 May led by Curtin Malaysia Pro Vice-Chancellor, President and Chief Executive Professor Vincent Lee, accompanied by Senior Director of Future Students and External Engagement Debora Caroline.

The participating schools are Meikei High School, Shohei High School, Kumagaya Girls High School, Sakuragaoka Junior and Senior High School, International Christian University High School, Kansai Soka Senior High School, Assumption Kokusai High School, Mino Jiyu High School, St. Andrew’s High School, and Hagoromo Junior and Senior High School.

The partnerships are expected to create new pathways for Japanese students seeking international higher education opportunities while enhancing educational and cultural cooperation between both countries.

Professor Lee described the collaborations as a strategic step towards preparing globally competent graduates in an increasingly interconnected world.

“Japan has long been recognised for its strong academic culture, discipline, and emphasis on character development. We are honoured to partner with schools that share our commitment to nurturing future-ready global citizens,” he said.

He added that the MoUs reflect Curtin Malaysia’s growing role as a regional education hub attracting students from across Asia.

“These partnerships are not just about student recruitment. They represent long-term academic relationships that will encourage knowledge exchange, cultural understanding, and meaningful collaboration between our institutions and communities,” he said.

Under the agreements, Curtin Malaysia and the Japanese schools will explore collaborative initiatives in areas such as curriculum enrichment, joint educational activities, academic exchanges, seminars, workshops, short-term study visits, and outreach programmes.

The partnerships will also support information-sharing initiatives aimed at creating clearer pathways for Japanese students to pursue tertiary education at Curtin Malaysia. “With education becoming increasingly global, collaborations like these are essential in equipping students with international exposure, intercultural competencies, and the confidence to thrive anywhere in the world,” he added.

The latest MoUs further reinforce Curtin Malaysia’s commitment to expanding its international engagement and strengthening educational links between Malaysia and key regional partners.

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Professor Lee (front) speaking to students during sharing session at Assumption Kokusai High School.

Debora (front right) and Professor Lee (behind Debora) posing for group photo with students of International Christian University High School.

Professor Lee (second right) and Debora (right) during the MoU signing ceremony with Assumption Kokusai High School.

MOU signing ceremony at Hagoromo Junior and Senior High School.

Debora and Professor Lee (left) with partners at Kansai Soka Senior High School.

A group photo following signing of MoU with Meikei High School.

Professor Lee (2nd left) and Debora (2nd right) pose with partners at Sakuragaoka Junior and Senior High School.