Curtin Malaysia and Samling Group forge strategic partnership

MIRI: Curtin University Malaysia (Curtin Malaysia) and Samling Group have signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) to establish a wide-ranging partnership that bridges academic and industry expertise, focused on advancing sustainability and supporting Sarawak’s long-term developmental goals.

The agreement encompasses joint research, consultancy services, product development, student development initiatives, internships, and scholarships, as well as staff and student exchange programmes, career development and training.

The collaboration will see both organisations pooling resources and expertise to drive impactful research, particularly in areas such as sustainability, carbon capture technology, carbon market initiatives, afforestation, reforestation and revegetation, improved forest management, and reducing emissions from deforestation and forest degradation (REDD+).

In addition, the partnership will facilitate significant knowledge sharing, community development efforts, and the organising of workshops and conferences. Both Curtin Malaysia and Samling Group also plan to collaborate on joint research grant applications and joint funding of key research projects.

This strategic alliance aligns with Samling Group’s commitment to environmental stewardship and community development. As a major player in the timber and plantation industries, Samling recognises the importance of adopting sustainable practices and technologies that not only safeguard the environment but also benefit local communities. The collaboration with Curtin Malaysia will amplify these efforts by integrating cutting-edge research with real-world applications, ensuring that sustainability initiatives are both innovative and practical.

For Curtin Malaysia, this partnership is a significant step forward in its strategic focus on People, Planet, and Partnerships, particularly in support of the United Nations’ Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs). The collaboration reflects Curtin’s ongoing commitment to addressing global challenges through research and education while fostering partnerships that drive social, environmental, and economic impact. By working closely with Samling Group, Curtin Malaysia aims to create synergies that enhance both organisations’ contributions towards a more sustainable future.

Professor Vincent Lee Chieng Chen, acting pro vice-chancellor and chief executive of Curtin Malaysia, who signed on behalf of the university, commented, “This MoU marks a new chapter in Curtin Malaysia’s commitment to sustainability and industry engagement. Our collaboration with Samling Group underscores the importance of harnessing academic expertise and industry experience to develop solutions that benefit both people and the planet. We are particularly excited about the potential of this partnership to support research into sustainable forest management and carbon capture, which are key areas in mitigating climate change.”

Both Curtin Malaysia and Samling Group share a commitment to supporting the Sarawak Post Covid-19 Development Strategy (PCDS) 2030, particularly in the areas of innovation, education and human capital, renewable energy, and digital transformation. By aligning their collaboration with these priorities, the two organisations aim to contribute meaningfully to Sarawak’s vision of being a developed state and regional leader in sustainable development by 2030.

Meanwhile, Lawrence Chia, chief executive officer of the Samling Group of Companies, who signed for Samling Group, stated, “Since 1963, we have managed timber concessions in Sarawak, integrating sustainable forest management practices into our operations. Our concessions are certified, reflecting our ongoing efforts to align with environmental standards. We are also part of Sarawak’s first nature-based carbon project, which supports our commitment to addressing climate change.”

“Our partnership with Curtin Malaysia reflects a shared dedication to sustainable growth and community well-being. Together, we aim to advance responsible resource management, economic resilience, and environmental protection, in line with Sarawak’s broader goals for positive societal and environmental impact,” he added.

The MoU also places a strong emphasis on student and staff development, with initiatives such as internships, scholarships, and exchange programmes designed to prepare students for successful careers while providing industry professionals with continuous learning opportunities. The collaboration will further support career development and training, equipping participants with the skills and knowledge needed to thrive in an evolving global landscape.

This comprehensive partnership highlights the potential for academia and industry to work hand in hand in addressing complex challenges while fostering innovation, knowledge transfer, and community empowerment.

Also present at the signing ceremony at the Samling head office in Miri were James Ho, Samling’s senior advisor; chief operating officer Yap Fui Fook, general manager (Marketing & Downstream Operations Vincent Chieng, and chief financial officer Goh York Pooi.

Other representatives of Curtin Malaysia were chief operating officer Sharon Chong, dean of Faculty of Engineering and Science Prof Tuong-Thuy Vu, associate dean of External Engagement Associate Professor Ir Lim Chye Ing, associate dean of Research and Development Associate Professor John Lau Sie Yon, senior lecturer Dr Tan Ying Ling, and Corporate Affairs manager Nicholas Leong.