Curtin Malaysia, UTB forge stronger academic and research links

Miri, Sarawak – 27 October 2025 – Curtin University Malaysia (Curtin Malaysia), Curtin University’s largest global campus and a key regional hub for research and innovation, has deepened its international partnerships through the signing of a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with Universiti Teknologi Brunei (UTB) during the UTB Science, Technology and Engineering (UTB-STE) Connect 2025 held recently in Brunei Darussalam.

The MoU was formally exchanged between Professor Vincent Lee Chieng Chen, Pro Vice-Chancellor, President and Chief Executive of Curtin Malaysia, and Datin Paduka Professor Dr. Dayang Hajah Zohrah binti Haji Sulaiman, Vice-Chancellor of UTB. The collaboration marks a significant milestone in fostering joint research, academic exchange, and innovation-driven initiatives between the two institutions.

“Curtin Malaysia is proud to collaborate with Universiti Teknologi Brunei, an institution that shares our values of excellence, innovation, and impact,” said Professor Lee. “This partnership will open doors for joint research, student mobility, and knowledge-sharing across borders, all of which are crucial to preparing our graduates and communities for the industries of the future.”

As part of the broader event, Curtin Malaysia also served as co-organiser of the 1st Global Conference on Industrial, Materials and Manufacturing (GCIMM 2025), hosted by UTB’s Faculty of Engineering and primarily organised by Universiti Teknologi Malaysia’s Department of Materials, Manufacturing, and Industrial Engineering.

The conference convened experts and researchers from Brunei, Malaysia, Indonesia, Korea, Thailand, the Philippines, and Japan, who shared insights on cutting-edge developments in materials science, manufacturing systems, and industrial innovation.

Professor Lee also played a key role at the 3rd Universiti Teknologi Brunei University Presidents’ Forum (UPF), held in conjunction with UTB-STE Connect 2025. Speaking on a distinguished panel themed “Innovative Models for Future-Proofing Graduates – Skills for 2030,” he shared perspectives on how universities can remain agile and relevant in an increasingly complex, digital, and sustainable global landscape.

The session, moderated by UTB Vice-Chancellor Datin Paduka Professor Dr. Dayang Hajah Zohrah, featured notable panellists including Professor Vishna Nadarajah of Newcastle University Medicine Malaysia and Dr. Chin Wei Keh, Deputy Permanent Secretary (Higher Education) of Brunei’s Ministry of Education.

Curtin Malaysia’s delegation also included Ts. Dr. Fethma M. Nor, Senior Lecturer from the Department of Mechanical and Mechatronic Engineering, who represented the university at GCIMM 2025, further strengthening academic and professional links within the ASEAN region.

“Curtin Malaysia’s active engagement at UTB-STE Connect reflects our ongoing mission to be a catalyst for global collaboration,” Professor Lee added. “By connecting institutions, industries, and innovators, we are helping shape the next generation of leaders and researchers who will drive sustainable progress across our region.”

The MoU and Curtin Malaysia’s participation underscore the university’s commitment to regional partnerships, cutting-edge research, and the development of future-ready graduates, reinforcing its position as one of Southeast Asia’s leading institutions for education and innovation.

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

Photos Courtesy of UTB

Professor Vincent Lee (right) and Datin Paduka Professor Dr. Dayang Hajah Zohrah exchange MoU documents during UTB-STE Connect 2025.

Professor Lee speaking during 3rd Universiti Teknologi Brunei University Presidents’ Forum (UPF) on “Innovative Models for Future-Proofing Graduates – Skills for 2030.

Ts. Dr. Fethma M. Nor (front row, left) with fellow participants at 1st Global Conference on Industrial, Materials and Manufacturing (GCIMM 2025).