Curtin Sarawak signs MoU with eBario Sendirian Berhad and Rurum Kelabit Sarawak

Miri – 3 September 2013 – Curtin University, Sarawak Malaysia (Curtin Sarawak) recently signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) on the development of student learning activities, training, research and collaborative projects with eBario Sendirian Berhad and Rurum Kelabit Sarawak.

Signing on behalf of eBario Sdn. Bhd. was its chief executive officer, Councillor John Tarawe, while Laila Raja signed for Rurum Kelabit Sarawak, and outgoing Pro Vice-Chancellor Professor Ian Kerr signed for the university.

Present to witness the signing were incoming Pro Vice-Chancellor Professor Jim Mienczakowski, Director of Curtin Sarawak Research Institute (CSRI) Professor Aaron Goh, CSRI Senior Research Fellow Dr. Lisa Marie King and Supang Terawe of Rurum Kelabit Sarawak.

According to Professor Mienczakowski, the MoU marked an important milestone for Curtin Sarawak and demonstrated its commitment to engage with the local communities in its pursuit of academic excellence.

Dr. King, who was instrumental in establishing the cooperative relationship between the different parties, echoed Professor Mienczakowki’s sentiments.

“As a member of CSRI, I am keen to apply my knowledge and expertise to enhance the well-being of communities in Sarawak. Our close engagement with eBario and Rurum Kelabit Sarawak will lead to significant activities and joint projects that can have a positive impact, both on the university’s learning experiences and the communities,” said Dr. King.

eBario Sdn. Bhd. is an award-winning initiative that runs projects and activities such as the eBario Telecentre, eBario Innovation Village, Radio Bario, The eBario Knowledge Fair, Bario Slow Food Festival and eBorneo Research. It serves the Kelabit communities, one of the smallest ethnic groups in the state, living in the remote highlands of northern Sarawak.

Rurum Kelabit Sarawak, meanwhile, is an association for the Kelabit community in Sarawak.

Councillor John Tarawe signing the MoU on behalf of eBario Sdn. Bhd.

(L-R) Professor Goh, Dr. King, Councillor John Tarawe, Professor Mienczakowski, Laila and Supang Terawe pose for a photo after the signing ceremony.