Curtin Malaysia formalises academic partnership with Kerala-based college

MIRI (March 8): Curtin University Malaysia recently established a strategic partnership with the Bharata Mata College (BMC) of Thrikkakara in Kerala, India – focusing on cooperation in research, academic mobility and industry engagements.

A memorandum of understanding (MoU) was formalised by Curtin Malaysia pro vice-chancellor, president and chief executive officer Prof Vincent Lee, and BMC manager Reverend Father Dr Abraham Oliapurath.

“This partnership is about creating meaningful academic pathways that empower our students and faculty.

“By combining our expertise and exchanging best practices, we are building a dynamic platform for joint research, mobility opportunities and deeper industry engagement that will benefit both our institutions and the communities we serve,” said Lee in a statement.

He said the collaboration would include joint research initiatives and publications, faculty and student exchange programmes, cooperation in Master of Business Administration (MBA) and other management programmes, as well as the co-organisation of conferences, seminars and workshops.

“Both institutions will also explore opportunities for industrial visits and the sharing of academic resources to strengthen industry-academia integration.

“Beyond academic outcomes, the partnership also reinforces longstanding cultural and educational ties between Malaysia and India,” he added.

Oliapurath remarked: “Curtin Malaysia and Bharata Mata College share a deep commitment to holistic education and academic excellence.

“This MoU is not merely a formal agreement, as it represents a shared aspiration to nurture future leaders through meaningful research, innovative teaching and international engagement.

“This collaboration will provide expanded opportunities for the faculty and students to present research, participate in international forums and contribute to scholarly discourse across borders.”

According to Curtin Malaysia’s Faculty of Business dean Prof Pauline Ho, the MoU signing was held following a visit by BMC faculty members and students to Curtin Malaysia last November, for the 27th Malaysian Finance Association International Conference.

BMC’s Institute of Management head of department Dr Bejoy Joseph was also present at the signing ceremony.