MIRI: Curtin University Malaysia recently signed a declaration of understanding (DoU) with newly-formed Konsortium Universiti Universitas Borneo (KUUB) which comprises 16 Bornean universities.

The signing was done during a visit by a delegation from Universiti Putra Malaysia (UPM) Bintulu Campus to Curtin Malaysia, led by UPM Bintulu senior language instructor Fakhzan Bujang who heads the KUUB secretariat.

Fakhzan was representing UPM Bintulu director Prof Dr Shahrul Razid Sarbini, who is the current chair of KUUB.

Curtin Malaysia pro vicechancellor, president and chief executive Prof Simon Leunig in his welcoming speech said Curtin Malaysia has been very keen on strengthening its longstanding relationship with UPM Bintulu, as well as working together with the other universities in Borneo to advance education and international research in the region.

“With KUUB’s upfront position in Malaysia, Indonesia and Brunei, we hope to foster collaborations, build connections and promote mutual understanding as well as integration to accomplish the universities’ shared goals for Borneo,” he said.

The consortium, he added, was well-aligned with Curtin University’s Vision 2030 which focused on people, planet and partnerships.

“This is also in line with Curtin Malaysia’s commitment to innovation and excellence in teaching and research, and also in our engagement with the local communities.”

Touching on Curtin Malaysia’s ongoing ties with UPM Bintulu, Leunig said UPM’s strengths in academia and research, as well as its role as one of the most prestigious public universities in Malaysia, could be leveraged with Curtin Malaysia’s own strengths in education and research.

“As a Sarawak governmentowned entity, Curtin Malaysia fully supports the state government’s initiatives, and welcomes any opportunities to actively contribute to these efforts.

“Being a reputable institution ranked among the top one per cent of universities worldwide, Curtin University offers educational practices that meet international standards and is highly regarded within the education sector globally,” he added.

Meanwhile, Fakhzan in his address acknowledged Leunig’s strong support of KUUB’s establishment and expressed the consortium’s pledge in working towards fostering stronger relationships between the universities in Sarawak and Borneo.

“Among these efforts include the hosting of the first KUUB Postgraduate by Research Colloquium 2024 in December this year, gathering all delegates from KUUB’s universities, Curtin’s campuses in Australia, Malaysia, Dubai, Singapore and Mauritius, as well as other universities in the region in Miri,” he said.

He also emphasised KUUB’s role in promoting educational and research collaboration in the region, bringing universities closer together and fostering trans-boundary education and understanding.

Tarikh Input: 30/01/2024 | Kemaskini: 30/01/2024 | lanz