Curtin Malaysia signs landmark MOU with Ho Chi Minh City University of Natural Resources and Environment

Miri – 4 August 2023 – Curtin University Malaysia (Curtin Malaysia) signed a  Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) on Monday with the Ho Chi Minh City University of Natural Resources and Environment (HCMUNRE) in Ho Chi Minh City, Vietnam, marking a significant milestone in fostering international collaboration and academic and research excellence between the two esteemed institutions.

The MOU paves the way for a strategic partnership, encompassing areas of cooperation such as academia, research, staff and student exchange, knowledge sharing, and joint organisation of academic and scientific conferences. The collaboration aims to leverage the respective strengths of both universities to enrich the academic experience, promote mutual understanding, and advance knowledge in various disciplines.

Under this MOU, faculty members from Curtin Malaysia and HCMUNRE will have the opportunity to engage in collaborative research projects, fostering innovation, and contributing to sustainable development in relevant fields. The sharing of expertise and resources will enable the institutions to collectively address global challenges and offer practical solutions that benefit society at large.

Moreover, the MOU encourages staff and student exchanges between Curtin Malaysia and HCMUNRE, promoting cultural understanding and fostering international networks. This mutual exchange of knowledge and experiences will enhance the learning experience, broaden perspectives, and nurture a global mindset among students and academic staff.

In addition to faculty and student exchanges, the partnership will facilitate knowledge sharing through joint publications, research symposiums, and sharing of best practices in teaching and learning. By tapping into each other’s expertise and research capabilities, both institutions can contribute to the advancement of scientific knowledge and innovation.

The MOU also includes provisions for the joint organisation of academic and scientific conferences. This collaborative effort will provide a platform for scholars, researchers, and industry experts from both institutions to engage in meaningful discussions, share research findings, and explore opportunities for collaboration.

Professor Simon Leunig, Pro Vice-Chancellor, President and Chief Executive of Curtin Malaysia, expressed his excitement about this partnership, stating, “We are delighted to formalise this collaboration with Ho Chi Minh City University of Natural Resources and Environment. This MOU underscores our commitment to fostering global partnerships, particularly in the ASEAN region, that enhance understanding, promote academic excellence, and drive innovation. We look forward to the opportunities that lie ahead and the mutual benefits that will be realised through this partnership.”

Professor Leunig also remarked that the partnership was significant for both Curtin Malaysia and HCMUNRE as both universities believe in the importance of creating a positive impact on our planet and ensuring a sustainable future.

“HCMUNRE and its Research Institute for Sustainable Development are renowned for being among the leading centres of scientific research in Vietnam, and likewise, Curtin Malaysia is a leader in applied research, particularly in the fields of green technologies, sustainable energy and energy transition, in Sarawak,” he said.

The MOU was signed at the HCMUNRE campus in Ho Chi Minh City by HCMUNRE’s Vice-President Associate Professor Le Hoang Nghiem and Curtin Malaysia’s Dean of Faculty of Engineering and Science Professor Tuong-Thuy Vu in a hybrid signing ceremony where Professor Leunig and other Curtin Malaysia representatives participated online. Also present at the signing was the Director of HCMUNRE’s Research Institute for Sustainable Development Associate Professor Le Trung Chon.

Associate Professor Le Hoang Nghiem commented that the collaboration between HCMUNRE and Curtin Malaysia exemplifies a shared dedication to advancing knowledge, fostering global connections, and tackling societal challenges together. Through the partnership, both universities are poised to make significant contributions to their respective communities and the wider global academic community.

HCMUNRE is a premier institution in Vietnam under the Ministry of Natural Resources and Environment dedicated to education, research, and sustainable development. With a focus on natural resources, environment, and emerging technologies, the university contributes to the advancement of knowledge and the preparation of future leaders in environmental sciences and related fields. HCMUNRE is committed to strengthening international collaborations and promoting the exchange of ideas and expertise to address global challenges.

Curtin Malaysia, meanwhile, is the largest international campus of Curtin University, a global university ranked among the top one per cent in the world. Located in Miri, Sarawak, Malaysia, Curtin Malaysia offers a range of innovative and multidisciplinary programmes that prepare graduates to address the challenges of the global workforce. The campus is committed to research excellence and fostering industry partnerships, and as Curtin’s hub in ASEAN, has expanded its footprint significantly in the region in terms of education, research and strategic partnerships in recent years.

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

Associate Professor Le Trung Chon (left) and Professor Tuong-Thuy Vu holding up copies of the MoU following the signing.

Senior executives of HCMCUNRE pose for photo with Professor Tuong-Thuy Vu and Associate Professor Le Trung Chon (2nd & 3rd right).