Curtin Sarawak inks MoU with Technip in Malaysia

Miri – 1 July 2014 – A Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) was signed today between Curtin University, Sarawak Malaysia (Curtin Sarawak) and Technip in Malaysia, to establish collaboration in training, knowledge sharing and development programmes.

Signing on behalf of Curtin Sarawak was Deputy Pro Vice-Chancellor Professor Yudi Samyudia while Kasuma Satria Mat Jadi, Vice President (East Malaysia and Brunei) signed on behalf of Technip in Malaysia. Acting as witnesses were Curtin Sarawak’s Dean of School of Engineering and Science, Professor Michael Cloke, and Operations Manager of Technip’s Office in Miri, Omar bin Hasan.

Also present were representatives from Technip, heads of departments of Curtin Sarawak’s School of Engineering and Science and other management staff.

The MoU will facilitate cooperation in providing practical industrial training programmes for Curtin Sarawak undergraduate students at Technip’s offices in East Malaysia and Brunei; sharing of knowledge and research outcomes relating to the oil and gas sector; industrial attachments for Curtin Sarawak academic staff; professional training and development programmes for Technip’s engineers at Curtin Sarawak; joint community service programmes in Miri; and other areas of possible collaboration.

In his welcoming speech, Professor Yudi said internship opportunities for Curtin Sarawak undergraduates from both the engineering and business disciplines at Technip would provide them vital industry exposure and the opportunity to interact with and learn from industry experts, as well as help them fulfill a key academic requirement of their courses.

He added that collaboration in knowledge sharing such as guest lectures by experts from Technip for the university’s students would help them gain an exceptional learning experience, whilst the sharing of knowledge and research outcomes by its academics with Technip’s engineers will not only enhance the engineers’ technical knowledge, but possibly help shape company practice in the future as well.

He went on to say that industrial attachment opportunities at Technip’s offices in East Malaysia and Brunei for Curtin Sarawak academics, particularly those in the engineering disciplines, would undoubtedly enhance their calibre, raise their industry knowledge and competency, and help them fulfill their professional engineer’s requirements. With such knowledge, they will also be able to provide more industry relevance in their teaching.

He encouraged staff of Technip to take advantage of the professional training programmes provided by Curtin Sarawak’s consultancy arm and the postgraduate programmes the university offers.

“Pursuing a Curtin postgraduate qualification would give them that added edge, and as our courses have immediate relevance to both local and international industry, it would also be advantageous to Technip in its pursuit of global standard and quality,” he remarked.

He also said that it was commendable that corporate social responsibility (CSR) activities had been incorporated into the MoU as such activities are very much in line with Curtin Sarawak’s mission to engage communities and transform lives. The university also aims to engender a broad awareness amongst its students of social, cultural and ethical issues along with a sound understanding of the role of industry, government and the community in society.

In his speech, Kasuma remarked that Technip looks forward to receiving practical trainees and industrial attachment academic staff from Curtin Sarawak, adding that Curtin University has a strong legacy and reputation for excellence and achievements, and together with Technip, a world leader in project management, engineering and construction for the energy industry, he believes this partnership will be a win-win for both organisations.

“Technip in Asia Pacific aims to be the most preferred oil and gas engineering services company, in terms of talent development, capability building and delivering commitments to staff, clients, partners and community. This partnership with Curtin Sarawak is one of Technip’s initiatives to encourage the development of tomorrow’s leaders,” said Kasuma.

In 2013, Technip was recognised as Best Employers in Malaysia by Eon Hewitt, and in 2014, it received the Top Employers Malaysia and Top Employers Asia Pacific awards from CRF Institute, Netherlands.

Kasuma Satria Mat Jadi (left) exchanging the MoU document with Professor Yudi Samyudia.

Representatives from Curtin Sarawak and Technip in Malaysia posing for a group photo.