GlobeCoReS 2025 draws over 1,000 global participants, signs eight new partnerships

Miri, Sarawak – 18 December 2025 – Curtin University Malaysia’s flagship GlobeSync: Community Research and Sustainability Conference (GlobeCoReS 2025) concluded on a high note recently, bringing together more than 1,000 participants from around the world to drive real-world solutions through research, collaboration and community engagement.

Held under the theme ‘From Evidence to Legacy,’ the second edition of the conference reinforced its growing reputation as a regional hub for translating research into measurable social, environmental and health impact. The hybrid event welcomed over 400 on-site participants and 800 virtual attendees, featuring 80 presenters and 25 international speakers across diverse disciplines.

A major highlight was the signing of eight Memorandums of Understanding (MoUs) with prominent regional and international partners, marking a significant expansion of Curtin Malaysia’s global collaboration network. The new partners are Hong Kong Metropolitan University; Margulan University, Kazakhstan; University of Southeastern Philippines; International Vaccine Institute, South Korea; Sunway University, Malaysia; Universitas Serang Raya, Indonesia; Rotary International District 3300 – District Action Group of Autism (DAGA); and the Dayak Bidayuh National Association (DBNA).

The agreements pave the way for joint research, staff and student exchanges, capacity building, training initiatives, and deeper community engagement, particularly in health, sustainability and social inclusion.

The conference also marked the launch of five major publications developed with international partners, addressing critical areas including ageing, digital health, public health, mental health and holistic care. In addition, Curtin Malaysia unveiled the ‘GlobeSync Podcast – The Circle of Care,’ scheduled to debut in February 2026, offering a platform for dialogue among older adults, Indigenous communities, clinicians, caregivers and policymakers. The Global Symposium on Ageing and Longevity (GSAL) was also introduced, reinforcing the conference’s commitment to inclusive and sustainable health solutions.

Chairperson of GlobeCoReS 2025 and Dean of the Faculty of Humanities and Health Sciences at Curtin Malaysia, Professor Roy Rillera Marzo, said the conference demonstrated the power of collaboration at scale. “Bringing together more than 1,000 participants from around the world shows that we are truly turning evidence into legacy,” he commented.

In his keynote address, Professor Vincent Lee Chieng Chen, Pro Vice-Chancellor, President and Chief Executive of Curtin Malaysia, reflected on the conference’s rapid growth. “What began as a bold idea in 2024 has evolved into a meaningful movement. GlobeCoReS has become one of the region’s most inclusive sustainability conferences, proving that knowledge applied with compassion can change lives,” he remarked.

The Guest of Honour, Dato Sri Roland Sagah Wee Inn, Sarawak Minister for Education, Innovation and Talent Development, was represented by his deputy, Datuk Dr. Haji Annuar Bin Rapaee. In his keynote speech, Datuk Dr. Haji Annuar highlighted the conference’s practical outcomes, saying, “GlobeCoReS shows how research must go beyond journals – improving lives, protecting the environment and creating real opportunities for communities.”

Other distinguished guests included Miri Deputy Mayor Tuan Haji Ariffin Mohamad, Sarawak State Health Department Director Dr. Veronica Lugah, Deputy Pro Vice-Chancellor Professor Tuong-Thuy Vu, Curtin Malaysia Chief Operating Officer Sharon Chong Pau Fang, Business Events Sarawak (BESarawak) Business Development Manager Adrian Goh, and Miri Division Health Officer Dr. P. Raviwharmman a/l Packierisamy.

GlobeCoReS 2025 reaffirmed Curtin Malaysia’s leadership in international collaboration, applied research and inclusive engagement, positioning the university at the forefront of building a more sustainable and equitable future.

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Professor Vincent Lee presenting a GlobeSync 2025 Catalyst Award to Datuk Dr. Haji Annuar.

VIPs, Curtin Malaysia leadership and GlobeCoReS 2025 participants.

Dr Veronica Lugah (2nd left) with Curtin Malaysia and Hong Kong Metropolitan University representatives with signed MoU.

Delegates from Margulan University, Kazakhstan.