WWF-Malaysia signs on as partner and sponsor for GlobCom 2015

Kuala Lumpur, 19 May 2015 – The World Wide Fund for Nature – Malaysia (WWF-Malaysia) signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with Curtin University, Sarawak Malaysia (Curtin Sarawak) to become a partner and sponsor for the upcoming 13th Global Communication Project (GlobCom 2015). Held for the first time in Malaysia, the event will take place from 4 to 6 June 2015 at the university’s campus in Miri, Sarawak in collaboration with the Global Communication Institute based in Germany, and other partners.

Signing the MoU for WWF-Malaysia was Executive Director/CEO Dato’ Dr. Dionysius Sharma, while Curtin Sarawak’s Pro Vice-Chancellor and Chief Executive Professor Jim Mienczakowski signed on behalf of the university. The signing was witnessed by Rumaizah Abu Bakar, WWF-Malaysia’s Head of Communications and Dr Kamala Vainy Pillai, the Organizing Chair of GlobCom 2015. WWF-Malaysia will collaborate and sponsor RM10,000 for the event, in addition to providing logistical support for panellists.

“We are happy that the Heart of Borneo, a long-term commitment by Brunei, Indonesia and Malaysia’s, has been chosen as a subject for Globcom 2015,” said Dato’ Dr Dionysius.

“Competing to develop global public relations strategy will expose participants to the importance of maintaining Borneo’s forests for the survival of the natural ecosystems and the people that depend on them. It will be exciting to see the programme developed by these aspiring communications practitioner,” he stressed.

Professor Mienczakowski, meanwhile, said, “We are very pleased that WWF-Malaysia is our partner in GlobCom 2015. It is all part and parcel of our efforts to promote, develop and strengthen conservation, ecotourism and sustainable development efforts in Sarawak and the broader Borneo region, including the Heart of Borneo area.”

He added that GlobCom is a good opportunity for WWF-Malaysia and Curtin Sarawak, as well as the stakeholders in the Heart of Borneo Initiative, to promote their conservation efforts to the world.

GlobCom is an annual international and multicultural global communications project, with participation of over 200 students and lecturers from 15 universities in 15 countries on five continents.

WWF-Malaysia and Curtin Sarawak have an ongoing partnership in promoting, developing and strengthening conservation, ecotourism and sustainable development efforts in Sarawak and the broader Borneo region under an MoU signed in July last year. This latest MoU further strengthens that relationship and their mutual commitment to promoting environmental sustainability in the region.

For more information on GlobCom 2015, log on to www.curtin.edu.my/GlobCom2015, email globcom2015@curtin.edu.my, or call the GlobCom2015 Secretariat at +60 85 443 939 ext. 3916. Information on GlobCom and the Heart of Borneo Initiative can be found at www.globcom.org and www.heartofborneo.org respectively.

WWF-Malaysia Executive Director/CEO Dato’ Dr. Dionysius Sharma (second from left) and Curtin Sarawak’s Pro Vice-Chancellor and Chief Executive Professor Jim Mienczakowski sign the MOU witnessed by Rumaizah Abu Bakar and Dr Kamala Vainy Pillai.

Dr. Dionysius and Professor Mienczakowski exchange the MOUs.