Curtin Malaysia’s first Australia Awards cohort heads to Perth, opening global opportunities for deserving students

Miri, Sarawak – 28 July 2026 – Twelve outstanding students from Curtin University Malaysia (Curtin Malaysia) have become the university’s first-ever recipients of the Australia Awards Malaysia – Semester Programme, embarking on a fully funded semester at Curtin University’s Perth campus in a milestone that strengthens Australia–Malaysia education ties while expanding international opportunities for talented students from underprivileged backgrounds.

Funded by the Australian Government through the Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade (DFAT), the Australia Awards Malaysia – Semester Programme is designed to cultivate future leaders, strengthen bilateral collaboration, and make world-class international education more accessible to deserving Malaysian students.

The pioneering cohort comprises undergraduate students selected for their academic excellence, leadership potential, and commitment to fields that support shared Australia–Malaysia priorities, including engineering, energy, digital economy, health sciences, and sustainability.

To mark the students’ arrival in Perth, they attended a special welcome and engagement session with senior leaders from both Curtin campuses. Representing Curtin Malaysia were Professor Vincent Lee Chieng Chen, Pro Vice-Chancellor, President and Chief Executive, together with Datin Patinggi Puan Sri Datuk Wira Lorna Enan Muloon Chan on behalf of Curtin Malaysia Pro-Chancellor Datuk Patinggi Tan Sri Dr. George Chan. They were welcomed by Curtin University Vice-Chancellor Professor Harlene Hayne and Deputy Vice-Chancellor Global Professor Xiaotian Zhang.

Professor Lee described the programme as a transformative opportunity that extends far beyond academic study.

“This mobility programme is much more than a semester abroad. It is an opportunity for our students to broaden their global perspectives, develop resilience, build lifelong international networks, and grow into future leaders,” he said.

“We are immensely proud to see Curtin Malaysia’s first Australia Awards cohort representing our university in Perth. They are ambassadors for Malaysia and proof that talent, determination and hard work can open doors to opportunities on the global stage.”

Beyond classroom learning, the students will participate in exchange programmes, networking activities and cultural experiences alongside peers from around the world. As part of their Australian experience, they will also take part in the Wanju Mia Cultural Walk on 6 August, gaining a deeper appreciation of Aboriginal culture and heritage.

Professor Lee said the programme also reflects Curtin Malaysia’s commitment to widening access to international education.

“Every scholar in this inaugural cohort was selected on the basis of academic merit, leadership potential, and a commitment to making a difference. For many of them, this scholarship has turned what once seemed like a distant dream into a life-changing reality.”

“By removing financial barriers, we ensure that talented young Malaysians – regardless of their socioeconomic background – can access transformative international experiences that prepare them to contribute to their communities and the nation’s future.”

Applicants were required to be at least in their second year of study and maintain a strong academic record with a Cumulative Weighted Average (CWA) of between 65 and 70 per cent. Selection also considered leadership potential and alignment with key sectors of Australia–Malaysia cooperation.

Each scholar receives a comprehensive bursary, living expenses and accommodation throughout the semester exchange.

The students also benefited from pre-departure briefings and continue to receive academic and welfare support throughout the programme, with full access to Curtin University’s student services, including mentoring, counselling and healthcare.

This inaugural cohort represents another milestone in Curtin Malaysia’s commitment to providing globally connected education while demonstrating how international partnerships can create meaningful opportunities for talented students to excel, regardless of financial circumstances.

For more information on Curtin Malaysia, visit curtin.edu.my or follow Curtin Malaysia on Facebook, X (Twitter), Instagram, YouTube, LinkedIn or TikTok.

The scholars with Prof Hayne (standing, 2nd right), Prof Lee (seated, left), Prof Zhang (seated, right), and Datin Patinggi Puan Sri Datuk Wira Lorna (standing behind Prof Lee), together with senior leaders at the Perth campus.