Global marketing expert shares customer growth strategies at Curtin Malaysia seminar in Miri

Miri, Sarawak – 6 February 2026 – Curtin University Malaysia (Curtin Malaysia) reinforced its commitment to industry-relevant education by hosting a high-impact marketing seminar titled ‘Customer Retention and Expansion: Your Most Profitable Growth Strategy’ at the Meritz Hotel, Miri.

Organised by the Institute of Marketing Malaysia (IMM) in partnership with Curtin Malaysia, Universiti Putra Malaysia (UPM) School of Business and Economics, Universiti Kebangsaan Malaysia (UKM) Graduate School of Business, and Universiti Teknologi MARA (UiTM) Graduate Business School, the seminar brought together marketing professionals from a wide range of industries to explore strategies for sustainable business growth.

The seminar featured renowned New York–based marketing expert Ruth P. Stevens, who led participants through the financial logic and practical approaches behind customer retention, loyalty-building, and long-term value creation. Drawing on global case studies and industry experience, she highlighted how organisations can achieve more profitable growth by deepening relationships with existing customers.

In her welcoming address, Professor Pauline Ho, Dean of the Faculty of Business at Curtin Malaysia, emphasised the importance of strong collaboration between academia and industry. “This seminar reflects the value of industry–academia partnerships in advancing marketing excellence and ensuring that education and practice remain relevant in a rapidly changing business environment,” she said.

Professor Ho noted that today’s marketing landscape is shaped by digital transformation, data-driven decision-making, sustainability concerns, and evolving consumer expectations. “Marketing is essential for every organisation, including universities and schools. Without customers or consumers, the very existence of an organisation would be uncertain,” she added.

She also highlighted the seminar as a valuable platform for professionals to exchange ideas, learn from global experts, and engage in meaningful discussions on current and emerging marketing challenges.

The seminar was structured into three focused sessions covering ‘The Business Case for Customer Management’, ‘Strategies and Tactics’, and ‘Taking Customer Value to the Next Level’, providing participants with both strategic insights and practical tools.

The Miri event marked the second and final instalment of the seminar series, following a successful session held in Kuala Lumpur on 19 January 2026. IMM President Dato’ Sharifah Mohd. Ismail was also present at the event.

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

(Seated, front row, 3rd left) Dato’ Sharifah, Ruth P. Stevens, and Professor Ho with seminar participants.

Professor Ho (2nd left) presenting a souvenir to Dato’ Sharifah and Ruth P. Stevens (right), observed by Dr Fayrene Chieng, Associate Dean (Learning & Teaching) at the Faculty of Business.

Ruth P. Stevens sharing global marketing insights with seminar.