Curtin Malaysia hosts inugural KUUB Postgraduate by Research Colloquium

Miri, Sarawak – 7 December 2024 – Curtin University Malaysia (Curtin Malaysia) took a significant step in advancing regional research collaboration by hosting the inaugural Konsortium Universiti Universitas Borneo (KUUB) Postgraduate by Research Colloquium 2024. The two-day event brought together over 100 delegates from Brunei, Indonesia, the Philippines, Singapore, Japan, Australia, and Malaysia, with a focus on transforming Borneo into a global sustainability hub.

Officiating the event was Sarawak Deputy Minister of Education, Innovation and Talent Development I (Higher Education & Innovation), Datuk Dr. Annuar Rapa’ee, representing Dato Sri Roland Sagah Wee Inn, Minister for Education, Innovation, and Talent Development. In his speech read by Datuk Dr. Annuar, Dato Sri Roland emphasised the colloquium’s pivotal role in addressing global challenges and fostering sustainable development across ASEAN.

In his speech, Dato Sri Roland highlighted the colloquium’s significance in addressing global challenges and promoting regional development through research. “This colloquium underscores Borneo’s potential as a global leader in sustainability,” he said. “By leveraging the region’s biodiversity and resources, and through cross-border collaborations, we can address pressing challenges such as climate change, food security, and renewable energy development.”

Themed ‘Transforming Borneo into a Global Sustainability Axis’, the colloquium provided a platform for postgraduate researchers to share findings, forge partnerships, and contribute to regional priorities like Sarawak’s Post-COVID-19 Development Strategy (PCDS) 2030.

Attendees included Sayed Azmee Wan Junaidi, Political Secretary to the Premier of Sarawak; Ts. Dr. Suhaili Mustafa, representing the Chairman of KUUB, Professor Shahrul Razid Sarbini; Professor Simon Leunig, Pro Vice-Chancellor, President, and Chief Executive of Curtin Malaysia, and his deputy, Professor Vincent Lee; Professor Gretchen Benedix, Associate Deputy Vice-Chancellor – Research, and Professor Richard Norman, Dean of Graduate Studies, at Curtin University Australia; John Curtin Distinguished Professor Ramasamy Nagarajan, Dean of Research and Development at Curtin Malaysia and Director of the Curtin Malaysia Research Institute;  renowned academics from Universiti Malaysia Sarawak, Universiti Brunei Darussalam, and other KUUB member institutions; and Professor Agus Saptoro, the Colloquium Organising Chair.

A highlight of the colloquium was the presentation of nine groundbreaking research papers addressing critical areas such as food security, renewable energy, geotechnical engineering, and cultural conservation. Among the thought-provoking presentations were ‘Energy Transition Scenario for Borneo’ by Professor Seno Darmawan Panjaitan from Universitas Tanjungpura, Indonesia; ‘Geotechnical Engineering for Sustainable Borneo Infrastructure’ by Dr. Fauzan Sahdi from Universiti Malaysia Sarawak, and ‘Sustainable Conservation and Development in Brunei: Kampong Ayer as a Cultural and Heritage Landscape’ by Dayangku Dr. Noor Hasharina Pg Hj Hassan from Universiti Brunei Darussalam.

Speaking at the event, Professor Leunig described the colloquium as a ‘milestone moment’ for fostering interdisciplinary research and regional collaboration. “Curtin Malaysia is deeply committed to advancing sustainability through impactful research and innovation. This colloquium demonstrates the power of cross-border partnerships in addressing real-world challenges,” he said.

 The colloquium also reinforced Borneo’s strategic role within ASEAN as a hub for innovation and research excellence. “The participation of distinguished researchers reflects ASEAN’s spirit of cooperation,” said Dato Sri Roland. “This collective effort will drive transformative solutions for regional challenges, positioning Borneo at the forefront of sustainable development.”

The event concluded with parallel sessions at the Imperial Hotel Miri and a Gala Dinner, celebrating the participants’ contributions and fostering camaraderie among researchers.

Curtin Malaysia extends its gratitude to all KUUB member institutions and participants for making this landmark event a success. Together, they are paving the way for a brighter, more sustainable future.

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

(Seated front from right) Prof Ramasamy, Prof Agus, Sayed Azmee, Dr. Annuar, Prof Leunig, Prof Lee, Prof Benedix, and Dr. Suhaili with colloquium participants

Dr. Annuar (second left), accompanied by Prof Lee (left), Prof Agus, and Sayed Azmee, viewing posters of research projects by participating postgraduate research students