Curtin Malaysia forges global alliances at GlobeCoRes 2024, strengthening sustainability efforts

Miri, Sarawak – 14 September 2024 – In a landmark moment for international collaboration, Curtin University Malaysia (Curtin Malaysia) formalised partnerships with eight organisations during its GlobeSync Community Research and Sustainability Conference 2024 (GlobeCoRes) from 3 to 4 September.

This high-profile conference, which attracted over 1,000 delegates from 36 countries, both physically and virtually, centred on the theme ‘Sustainability and Community Empowerment through Research and Innovation’.

It not only served as a platform for scholars, industry leaders, and policy-makers to engage in critical discussions on sustainable development, community empowerment, and the transformative role of research, but also showcased Curtin Malaysia’s leadership in addressing global sustainability challenges through research and innovation. With participants from diverse sectors and regions, the event emphasised the importance of multidisciplinary approaches to solving pressing global issues.

Memoranda of Understanding (MoU) signings with the eight organisations took place simultaneously on the sidelines of GlobeCoRes 2024, in a signing ceremony presided by Curtin Malaysia’s Chief Operating Officer Sharon Chong and GlobeCoReS Organising Chair and Dean of Faculty of Humanities and Health Sciences Professor Roy Rillera Marzo.

The signatories included key organisations such as Pustaka Negeri Sarawak; Universitas Islam Bandung, Indonesia; Indian Institute of Health Management Research (IIHMR), India; Holy Child Central Colleges, INC., Philippines; Questra Clinical Research Sdn Bhd; MARS-Global Clinical Research Solutions, United Kingdom; and Malardalens University, Sweden. Notably, Norxin International Scientific and Technology Cooperation Base from Xi’an City, China, joined virtually, highlighting the global reach of this initiative.

These new partnerships aim to address critical global challenges, including public health, clinical research, and sustainability.

Chong welcomed the signatories with an inspiring speech, emphasising Curtin Malaysia’s growing commitment to international collaboration and the importance of cross-border collaboration in globalised world.

“Today, we are not merely signing documents; we are joining forces to create a more sustainable and equitable future. The agreements we forge today represent a commitment to multidisciplinary endeavours that have the power to ignite transformative change in global health, development, and sustainability,” said Chong.

Professor Marzo echoed these sentiments, highlighting the significance of GlobeCoRes as a forum for meaningful dialogue and partnership. “GlobeCoRes 2024 is more than just a conference; it is a call to action. The collaborations we establish at this conference will pave the way for impactful research and community-driven solutions that address the challenges faced by societies across the globe,” he remarked.

He added that the MoUs represent a new era of collaboration between Curtin Malaysia and its global partners, with a shared commitment to tackling issues such as climate change, health inequities, and sustainable development. As part of the various agreements, Curtin Malaysia will work closely with its partners to promote student and faculty exchanges, joint research projects, and knowledge sharing on innovative solutions, among other initiatives, for sustainable development.

GlobeCoRes 2024’s emphasis on community research and sustainability made it the perfect backdrop for these significant partnerships. With over 1,000 delegates from various sectors, the conference fostered an environment of learning, collaboration, and mutual growth. From keynote sessions on green technologies to workshops on community-led initiatives, the event highlighted the power of collective action in advancing sustainability goals.

As Curtin Malaysia continues to strengthen its global network, the outcomes of these MoUs are expected to have far-reaching impacts, benefiting not only the signatory organisations but also the wider community. By building bridges across borders and disciplines, Curtin Malaysia is at the forefront of driving meaningful change on a global scale.

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Sharon Chong (8th from left), and Professor Roy (7th from right) with representatives from MoU partners at the signing ceremony