Curtin Malaysia partners with Pertama Ferroalloys to power talent, innovation and sustainable industry

Miri, Sarawak – 28 April 2026 – Curtin University Malaysia (Curtin Malaysia) has taken a major step in strengthening industry-academic collaboration with the signing of a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with Pertama Ferroalloys Sdn Bhd, one of the region’s key players in ferroalloy production.

The agreement, formalised at Curtin Malaysia’s campus yesterday (22 April 2026), signals a strategic partnership aimed at accelerating talent development, advancing industry-relevant research, and supporting sustainable industrial growth in Sarawak.

The MoU was signed by Curtin Malaysia’s Pro Vice-Chancellor, President and Chief Executive, Professor Vincent Lee Chieng Chen, and Pertama Ferroalloys’ Vice Chairman, Mr Yuki Nakamura, in the presence of senior representatives from both organisations.

In his address, Professor Lee underscored the growing importance of deep collaboration between universities and industry.

“Today’s signing marks an important step in strengthening the link between academia and industry. Through this partnership, we aim to align Curtin’s strengths in engineering, science, and research with Pertama Ferroalloys’ industry expertise and operational capabilities,” he said.

Meanwhile, Mr Nakamura stated, “Through this collaboration, we are pleased to support practical, hands on, and industry driven learning that prepares students for the realities of modern industrial operations.”

In particular, he said metallurgy represents a specialised discipline that is distinct from conventional engineering fields and offers significant potential for curriculum enhancement through direct industry engagement. “With Pertama’s technical expertise and operational experience, we are keen to contribute to curriculum development while strengthening talent pipelines; an objective we share with Curtin Malaysia,” he added.

In addition, Pertama Ferroalloys also recognize the critical skills gap in key technical areas. He highlighted that Sarawak continues to face a shortage of electrical engineers, especially in high voltage specialisations—a challenge similarly observed in advanced industrial economies such as Japan. Therefore, he said, addressing this gap is vital to sustain industrial growth and operational resilience.

Beyond engineering disciplines, Pertama Ferroalloys welcomes students from a wide range of academic backgrounds, including geology, human resources, information technology, administration, commercial planning, finance and accounting, and corporate social responsibility. By providing meaningful industry exposure, internships, and structured learning opportunities, we aim to support students’ professional development and create pathways to future career opportunities upon graduation.

Under the partnership, Curtin Malaysia’s students will gain direct access to industry through structured internships and industrial placements, equipping them with hands-on experience in a high-impact manufacturing environment. The collaboration will also open doors for graduate recruitment and scholarship opportunities, helping to build a strong pipeline of skilled professionals for the sector.

Beyond student development, the MoU lays the groundwork for joint research and innovation in critical areas such as ferroalloy production, advanced materials, energy efficiency and sustainable industrial practices – fields that are increasingly vital to Malaysia’s economic and environmental future.

The partnership will also prioritise continuous professional development through training programmes, workshops and industry-led engagements, ensuring both students and professionals remain competitive in a rapidly evolving landscape.

Importantly, both Curtin Malaysia and Pertama Ferroalloys have committed to delivering community and environmental impact through joint corporate social responsibility initiatives, with a focus on sustainable development in Sarawak.

This collaboration reflects a shared vision: to nurture future-ready talent, drive impactful innovation, and contribute to a more sustainable and resilient industrial ecosystem.

With this MoU in place, both institutions are poised to create lasting value, not only for students and industry, but for the wider community.

For more information on Curtin Malaysia, visit curtin.edu.my or follow Curtin Malaysia on Facebook, X (Twitter), Instagram, YouTube, LinkedIn or TikTok.

Mr. Nakamura (third left) sharing his insights with Professor Vincent Lee (third from right) and academic and professional staff at Curtin Malaysia.

Professor Vincent Lee (right) and Mr. Nakamura displaying the MoU document.

Professor Vincent Lee (6th from the right) alongside Curtin Malaysia’s team with Mr. Nakumura and his delegates.