Curtin Malaysia signs a MoU for academic collaboration with ATI College in Sabah

Miri – 4 March 2024 – Curtin University Malaysia (Curtin Malaysia) signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) focusing on academic collaboration with Asian Tourism International (ATI) College of Kota Kinabalu on February 26.

The MoU signing follows an earlier exploratory visit by a delegation from ATI College led by its executive chairman, Datuk Seri Panglima Wong Khen Thau, to Curtin Malaysia on January 18, where a framework for academic collaboration was discussed.

The terms of the MoU include the proposed forging of a programme agreement to offer Curtin’s Masters of International Business (MIB) programme at ATI College, aimed at international students from China. Also on the cards is the designation of ATI College as a Curtin Masters in Business Learning Centre, subject to approval from the Ministry of Higher Education (MoHE).

In addition, the two institutions will establish a pathway for articulation between ATI College’s diploma courses and Curtin degree courses being delivered at Curtin Malaysia.

Pro Vice-Chancellor, President, Chief Executive Professor Simon Leunig and Chief Executive Officer Izwan Ariff Ya’akob signed the MoU on behalf of Curtin Malaysia and ATI College, respectively. Signing as witnesses were Professor Leunig’s deputy, Professor Vincent Lee Chieng Chen, and Cui Yang Meng, chairman of Beijing Open Future Education Technology Group, ATI College’s partner in China.

Also present from Curtin Malaysia’s Dean of Faculty of Business Professor Pauline Ho; Director of Future Students and External Engagement Debora Caroline and Manager of Student Recruitment and Student Support Samson Philip; and Datuk Seri Panglima Wong Khen Thau and Registrar Mable Cheong from ATI College.

In his speech during the signing ceremony, Professor Leunig said he was delighted that ATI College had chosen to partner with Curtin Malaysia and that there was potential for collaboration with like-minded institutions like ATI College to advance higher education in Borneo.

He also expressed pride in Curtin Malaysia being the highest-ranked foreign university in Borneo and being a research-intensive university serving the needs of government and industry, both locally and internationally.

Datuk Seri Panglima Wong, meanwhile, expressed enthusiasm about establishing a robust relationship with Curtin Malaysia.

“The launching of the Master of International Business at ATI is a very exciting prospect, and we believe it will enrich the academic community both in Sabah and Sarawak, as well as benefit the Chinese students who will be attending the programme,” he said.

He added that this is likely to be the first of many initiatives to be carried out with Curtin Malaysia. ATI College’s goal is to enhance the educational landscape in Sabah and tap into the substantial Chinese market in collaboration with its Chinese partner.

“We hope to receive students from China in the hundreds if not thousands,” he remarked.

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

Prof Leunig (left) and Izwan Ariff signing the MoU

Prof Leunig and Izwan Ariff exchanging copies of the MoU, flanked by (L-R) Cheong, Datuk Seri Panglima Wong, Cui, Prof Lee, Prof Ho, Debora and Samson.