Curtin Malaysia partners MCCCI Youth Entrepreneurs to boost SME growth and student industry exposure

Miri, Sarawak – 30 January 2026 – Curtin University Malaysia’s (Curtin Malaysia) Faculty of Business has entered into a new collaboration with the Miri Chinese Chamber of Commerce and Industry (MCCCI) Youth Entrepreneurship Committee (YEC) to strengthen entrepreneurship development, enhance industry engagement, and support the growth of local Small and Medium Enterprises (SMEs).

The partnership was initiated during a recent MCCCI YEC committee meeting attended by Faculty of Business representatives Dr. Fayrene Chieng, its Associate Dean of Learning and Teaching, and Dr. Ivy Hii, Associate Dean of External Engagement. The engagement marks an important step in deepening collaboration between academia and the local business community in Miri.

Discussions focused on creating practical, mutually beneficial initiatives, including experiential learning opportunities for students, industry-linked projects, knowledge-sharing platforms, and collaborative programmes aimed at empowering young entrepreneurs and strengthening regional SMEs.

Dr. Chieng said the collaboration reflects Curtin Malaysia’s commitment to ensuring its teaching and learning remain closely aligned with real-world business practices. “By working directly with industry partners such as MCCCI YEC, we are able to provide our students with meaningful exposure to current business challenges while supporting the growth and innovation of local enterprises,” she said.

Meanwhile, Dr. Hii added that the partnership aligns with Curtin Malaysia’s broader focus on external engagement and community impact. “This collaboration creates a valuable platform for industry-academia engagement, enabling knowledge exchange that benefits students, entrepreneurs, and the wider business ecosystem in Miri,” she said.

The ongoing collaboration between Curtin Malaysia’s Faculty of Business and MCCCI YEC underscores a shared commitment to nurturing entrepreneurship, strengthening industry-academia linkages, and contributing to the sustainable development of Miri’s business landscape.

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Front row (from left) Dr Ivy Hii, Dr Fayrene Chieng, and Eric Yek, President of MCCCI YEC, with MCCCI YEC committee members.