Curtin Malaysia Enhances Environmental Partnerships with NREB and DOE to Promote Sustainability Education
On July 10, 2025, Curtin University Malaysia announced its initiative to strengthen collaborations with key environmental agencies in Sarawak, specifically the Natural Resources and Environment Board (NREB) and the Department of Environment (DOE). The primary focus of this collaboration is to enhance sustainability education and align engineering programs with current environmental policies and practical challenges.
Engagement and Discussions
A delegation from the Faculty of Engineering and Science, led by Ir. Dr. Tan Yee Yong, Senior Lecturer and Head of Engineering First Year, engaged in discussions with officials from NREB and DOE in Miri. This interaction aims to foster cooperation between academic institutions and government bodies to address significant environmental issues, including water resource management, industrial compliance, and sustainable development.
Delegation Members
The delegation included faculty members Carrie Ho, Dr. Tan Yin Ling, and Ts. Dr. Paran Gani. Meetings were held with Weety Martin, head of the NREB Miri branch, along with NREB officers Sinanawati Martano and Jessica Dubah, as well as Liew Shuk Huey, head of the DOE Miri branch.
Upcoming Events and Workshops
Topics discussed included the upcoming 2025 Miri Water Forum, which is centered on water resource governance, as well as potential joint workshops focused on Environmental Law and Regulation tailored for Environmental Engineering students at Curtin Malaysia.
Connecting Theory and Practice
Ts. Dr. Paran, the Program Coordinator for Environmental Engineering, mentioned that the initiatives aim to connect theoretical knowledge with practical environmental governance, stressing the significance of legal literacy for students in making sustainable design decisions.
Curriculum Development
The meetings also covered recent legislative changes that modify the roles of NREB and DOE. Curtin Malaysia plans to incorporate these policy updates into its engineering curriculum to ensure graduates have a thorough understanding of regulatory frameworks.
Importance of Regulatory Systems
Ir. Dr. Tan noted the importance of future engineers understanding regulatory systems, which not only aid in achieving compliance but also instill a sense of responsibility toward the environment and society. He is responsible for coordinating Curtin Malaysia’s Integrated Design Project for Environmental Engineering.
Strengthening Collaborations
Officials from NREB and DOE expressed enthusiasm for strengthening partnerships with Curtin Malaysia through collaborative research, knowledge sharing, and co-hosted forums. These collaborations aim to develop a skilled workforce capable of implementing effective environmental solutions in Sarawak and beyond.
Commitment to Sustainability
This initiative underscores Curtin Malaysia’s commitment to sustainability, community partnership, and the goal of producing graduates prepared to lead with purpose and technical expertise.
(Source: Curtin University News)
