Taking place in Miri, the festivities culminated in the signing of the new 20-year deal, as well as the launch of a new series of scholarships to help students from low socio-economic backgrounds access high education.

“The extension… reaffirms our commitment to further strengthen Australia-Malaysia ties”

“For the last two decades, Curtin Malaysia has delivered quality education to thousands of students across the region and become an important part of Curtin’s international footprint spanning Australia, Singapore, Dubai and Mauritius,” Curtin University vice-chancellor Deborah Terry said.

“The extension of this collaboration for another 20 years reaffirms our commitment to further strengthen Australia-Malaysia ties, ensuring Curtin Malaysia continues to support the University to achieve its global objectives.”

Curtin Malaysia is the Western Australian university’s oldest and largest offshore campus and is a partnership between Curtin University and specially formed company Curtin Malaysia Sdn Bhd, jointly owned by the Sarawak State Government and local business people.

The deal, signed by Terry and Curtin Malaysia chief executive Jim Mienczakowski, will also see a new series of scholarships rolled out.

“As part of our 20-year anniversary celebrations, Curtin Malaysia has launched a special category of for the University’s foundation programs and selected undergraduate programs,” Mienczakowski said.

“These scholarships will support talented students from the region to fulfil their aspirations to further their education and serve as a sign of gratitude for Malaysia’s support for Curtin over the past two decades.”

Curtin has been busy of late, announcing a new scholarship named after the host of Chinese dating show, If You Are the One, and signing a deal with France’s École Nationale Superieure de Techniques Avancées Bretagne to doctoral students working in defence research.