Curtin Malaysia seals strategic alliance with Presidency University to boost global education

Miri, Sarawak – 1 September 2025 – Curtin University Malaysia (Curtin Malaysia) has taken a significant step toward expanding its global academic footprint by signing a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with Bangladesh’s Presidency University of Dhaka. The partnership is aimed at fostering knowledge exchange, driving joint research, and preparing graduates to thrive in an increasingly interconnected world.

The MoU signing ceremony, held at Curtin Malaysia’s campus in Miri, marked the beginning of a dynamic academic bridge between Sarawak and Dhaka. The agreement underscores both universities’ shared vision of developing innovative, industry-ready graduates who can tackle global challenges.

Professor Tang Fu Ee, Dean of Learning and Teaching at Curtin Malaysia, signed the MoU on behalf of Pro Vice-Chancellor, President and Chief Executive Professor Vincent Lee. Presidency University was represented by Professor Dr. MD Shahrukh Adnan Khan, Director of External Affairs, on behalf of Principal Adviser to the Board of Trustees, Professor Dr. Md. Anwarul Kabir.

Also witnessing the historic signing were Associate Professor Ir. Dr. Lim Chye Ing, Associate Dean of External Engagement, Faculty of Engineering and Science at Curtin Malaysia, and Jahid Hasan, Deputy Director and Head of Admission and Public Relations at Presidency University.

The ceremony drew attendance from Curtin Malaysia’s senior academics, including Associate Professor Raymond Chiong, Associate Dean of Learning & Teaching; Ir. Ts. Professor Stephanie Chan, Head of the Department of Chemical and Energy Engineering; Associate Professor Wong Kwong Soon, Head of the Department of Civil and Construction Engineering; Dr. Chew Ing Ming, Head of the Department of Electrical & Computer Engineering; Ir. Meheron Selowara Joo, Interim Head of the Department of Built Environment; and Jenny Ngu Lim Song, lecturer in the Department of Chemical and Energy Engineering.

In a speech delivered on behalf of Professor Lee, Professor Tang reaffirmed Curtin Malaysia’s commitment to its global reputation for excellence.

“As Curtin University’s largest international campus, we are dedicated to delivering industry-aligned education that empowers students to address global challenges,” he said. “Presidency University’s student-centred ethos and forward-thinking approach to graduate development align perfectly with our values.”

Meanwhile, Professor Dr. MD Shahrukh hailed the MoU as a catalyst for transformative collaborations. “This partnership opens the door to groundbreaking educational synergies that will benefit the academic landscapes of both Bangladesh and Malaysia,” he said.

The agreement paves the way for joint academic programmes, staff and student exchanges, collaborative research, and other initiatives that will enhance the internationalisation of higher education in both nations.

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

Professor Tang (second left) and Professor Dr. Md. Shahrukh display the signed MoU, witnessed by Dr. Lim and Jahid Hasan.

Group photo (right to left): Ir. Meheron, Dr. Chew, Associate Professor Wong, Dr. Lim, Professor Tang, Professor Dr. Md. Shahrukh, Jahid Hasan, Associate Professor Chiong, Professor Chan, and Jenny Ngu.