Curtin Malaysia signs MoU with South African varsity

Miri – 18 August 2022 – True to Curtin’s global ambitions and helping to expand its global footprint, Curtin University Malaysia (Curtin Malaysia), Curtin University’s largest global campus, signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) for collaboration in a number of areas with the University of Zululand or UNIZULU in South Africa recently.

The MoU was signed during a visit by a delegation from UNIZULU comprising Vice-Chancellor Prof. Xoliswa Mtose, Deputy Vice-Chancellor – Institutional Support Prof. Sipho Seepe, ICT Director L. Manci and Head of Department of Hydrology Prof. Vetrimurugan Elumalai to Curtin Malaysia earlier this month.

In welcoming the delegation during the signing ceremony, Curtin Malaysia’s Pro Vice-Chancellor, President and Chief Executive Prof. Simon Leunig remarked that the collaboration between Curtin Malaysia and UNIZULU was motivated to a large extent by their shared values.

“Like UNIZULU and the great things it is doing for higher education and society in South Africa, Curtin Malaysia is equally committed to innovation and excellence in teaching and research, and engaging communities and transforming lives here in Malaysia through leadership, innovation and excellence,” said Prof. Leunig.

He said both institutions offer programmes at foundation, diploma and degree level and are committed to providing inclusive and engaging learning environments that maximise the opportunities for students. They also share a commitment to ensuring that education is relevant to industrial practices and students are career-ready when they graduate.

This sentiment was shared by Prof. Mtose, who said UNIZULU also seeks to produce globally- competitive graduates relevant to the development needs of South Africa, and engages with society for the betterment of all.

The two universities are set to collaborate in a wide range of academic and research endeavours, joint education and research activities, staff and student exchange, exchange of academic materials and publications, and joint organising of academic and scientific conferences.

Prof. Mtose said there is considerable scope for collaboration as UNIZULU offers a comprehensive range of programmes across its faculties of Arts, Education, Nursing Science, Agronomy, Hydrology, Biochemistry, Microbiology and Sport Science. Of particular interest to UNIZULU are Curtin Malaysia’s programme in sustainable aquaculture, engineering and science programmes, and foundation courses.

An initial joint research project focusing on hydrology and sustainable water management to be carried out by Prof. Elumalai and Assoc. Prof. M.V. Prasanna, Head of Curtin Malaysia’s Department of Applied Sciences, will be starting soon. Such collaboration is expected to be extended to other research areas in the near future.

Also present at the signing were Prof. Leunig’s deputy, Prof. Vincent Lee Chieng Chen; Chief Operating Officer Ir. Pieter Pottas; Dean of Faculty of Engineering and Science Prof. Tuong-Thuy Vu; Deputy Dean of Research and Development and Director of the Curtin Malaysia Graduate School Prof. Agus Saptoro; and the Faculty of Engineering and Science’s Associate Dean of External Engagement Ir. Dr. Lim Chye Ing.

UNIZULU is located in Umhlathuze Municipality, the fastest growing industrial hub in northern KwaZulu-Natal, South Africa. In accordance with South Africa’s National Plan for Higher Education, the university offers career-focused accredited degrees, diploma and certificate courses structured with potential employees and employers in mind.

First established in 1960 as the University College of Zululand, it was granted university status in 1970, and since then has continued to expand and has experienced an increased intake of students from other parts of Africa. UNIZULU has established links with a number of tertiary institutions in the United States and Europe and is now cultivating relationships with institutions in other regions.

Prof Leunig and Prof Mtose exchange documents as Prof Vu and Prof Seepe look on.

Representatives of UNIZULU and Curtin Malaysia pose for a group photo.