Curtin Malaysia partners 41 Northern Sarawak schools to expand STEM and education opportunities

Miri, Sarawak – 9 October 2026 – Curtin University Malaysia (Curtin Malaysia) is expanding its engagement with secondary schools across Northern Sarawak through new partnerships with 41 schools, creating a broader platform for STEM education, teacher development and greater access to higher education opportunities for students.

The Memorandums of Understanding (MoUs), signed on 29 September, formalise Curtin Malaysia’s collaboration with the participating schools in areas including science, technology, engineering and mathematics (STEM) and business education, academic enrichment, hands-on learning, teacher development, student well-being and career awareness.

The partnerships were formalised during the Curtin Malaysia Teachers’ Conference and MoU Signing Ceremony, bringing together school leaders, educators and Curtin Malaysia’s academic and senior leadership to strengthen collaboration between the university and secondary schools in the region.

Professor Vincent Lee, Pro Vice-Chancellor, President and Chief Executive of Curtin Malaysia, said the partnerships would enable the university to bring its academic expertise, facilities, research capabilities, resources and international connections closer to schools and their communities.

“Through these partnerships, we can bring that expertise into schools through workshops, enrichment programmes, academic talks, hands-on activities, campus visits and mentoring. We can also help students understand what comes next – the programmes they can pursue, entry requirements, scholarships, career pathways and the opportunities higher education can offer,” he said.

“For students who may be the first in their families to consider university, this exposure can make a real difference,” he added.

Professor Lee also highlighted the important role of teachers in the partnership, noting that professional development, capacity-building and knowledge-sharing would be key areas of collaboration.

“Our teachers bring deep knowledge of their students and communities. Curtin brings academic expertise, research capabilities, specialised facilities and international perspectives. When these strengths come together, our students benefit,” he said.
The partnerships will provide opportunities for students to gain greater exposure to university learning and STEM-related fields through activities such as workshops, academic talks, campus experiences, mentoring and practical learning.

For teachers, the collaboration will support professional development and knowledge exchange, while creating opportunities to connect with Curtin Malaysia’s academics, researchers and specialised facilities.

Dato Sri Lee Kim Shin, Minister for Transport Sarawak and Chairman of the Curtin Malaysia Management Committee, said Curtin Malaysia’s strengths across science, engineering, technology, computing, accounting and finance, business and other disciplines could serve as a valuable resource for schools and communities.

“With more than 40 schools participating, this initiative has the potential to become an important educational network across Northern Sarawak. I encourage all parties to use this platform to share ideas, connect students and educators, and open access to expertise, facilities and opportunities,” he said.

He expressed his hope that the partnerships would develop into sustained collaborations that broaden educational opportunities, inspire students and create new pathways for young people across Northern Sarawak.

The initiative also reflects Curtin Malaysia’s commitment to strengthening town-and-gown partnerships and supporting the development of future-ready talent in Sarawak by connecting schools with higher education, industry-relevant knowledge and emerging career opportunities.

Also present at the ceremony were Viziaty Drahman, Interim Senior Director of Administration of Curtin Malaysia; Debora Caroline, Senior Director of Future Students & External Engagement; representatives from the District Education Offices in Northern Sarawak; faculty deans; and school principals and teachers.

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Professor Lee and Dato Sri Lee seated ( 6th and 7th left) and other Curtin Malaysia leaders with representatives from 41 schools.