You witness the moment when years of dedication to educational excellence finally receive their highest recognition—two academics from Malaysia’s premier international campus stand ready to accept prestigious honors that will reshape how we think about transformative teaching. Their journey represents more than personal achievement; it signals a new chapter in global educational leadership.
# Curtin Malaysia Academics Shine with Prestigious Curtin University Teaching Awards
On Friday, October 24, 2025, Curtin University Malaysia made headlines as the largest international campus of Curtin University celebrated a remarkable milestone. Two of its distinguished academics received top honors for teaching innovation and leadership from the main Curtin University campus in Perth, Australia, reinforcing the institution’s position as a key player in higher education excellence throughout the region.
## Catalyst
The spark for this recognition began with years of unwavering commitment to educational innovation. Lai Zhenyue, Staff Practice Advisor at Curtin Malaysia’s Office of Learning and Teaching, found herself selected for induction as a fellow of the prestigious Curtin Academy. Meanwhile, Dr. Saaveethya Sivakumar, Senior Lecturer in Electrical and Computer Engineering at the Faculty of Engineering and Science, emerged as the recipient of the coveted Curtin Excellence and Innovation in Teaching Award.
These honors didn’t arrive by chance. Both educators had spent countless hours championing teaching quality, developing evidence-based educational practices, and creating industry-focused learning experiences that bridge theory with real-world application.
## Rising Action
Lai’s journey toward fellowship in the Curtin Academy was marked by her outstanding leadership in pedagogical research. She had been instrumental in advancing teaching quality and academic development across Curtin Malaysia, working tirelessly to establish evidence-based educational practices that would elevate the entire learning ecosystem.
Simultaneously, Dr. Saaveethya was revolutionizing her approach to electrical and computer engineering education. Her innovative teaching methods focused on inclusivity and creativity, designed to nurture globally competent, ethical, and future-ready graduates who could confidently navigate the evolving engineering landscape.
However, the path to recognition required more than individual effort. Both educators had to demonstrate measurable impact on student learning while maintaining the highest standards of academic excellence that Curtin University demands across its global network.
## Turning Point
The moment of recognition arrived, validating years of educational innovation and student-centered teaching.
Lai’s induction into the Curtin Academy represented her entry into an elite network of educators recognized for advancing excellence, mentorship, and innovation in learning and teaching across all of Curtin’s global campuses. As she reflected on the honor:
“I am deeply honoured to join this community of inspiring educators. I look forward to working with other Fellows to design impactful initiatives that further enhance student learning experiences and support academic excellence across Curtin’s campuses.”
For Dr. Saaveethya, receiving the Curtin Excellence and Innovation in Teaching Award—one of Curtin’s most distinguished accolades—validated her commitment to hands-on, inclusive learning experiences. She was commended specifically for her ability to bridge theory and real-world application while preparing students to lead with confidence in the global engineering sector.
## Resolution
The impact of these achievements extends far beyond individual recognition. Professor Tang Fu Ee, Dean of Learning and Teaching at Curtin Malaysia, emphasized how these awards reflect the exceptional caliber of academic talent at the campus. “These awards reflect the calibre of academic talent we have at Curtin Malaysia,” Professor Tang noted. “Their success not only highlights individual excellence but also reinforces our campus’s commitment to world-class teaching, innovation, and continuous improvement.”
Dr. Saaveethya expressed her gratitude while looking ahead: “This award is a tremendous honour. It reaffirms my passion for empowering students through hands-on, inclusive learning experiences that prepare them to lead with confidence and purpose in the global engineering landscape.”
These recognitions have further cemented Curtin Malaysia’s reputation as a regional leader in transformative education—one that successfully blends global best practices with meaningful local impact. Through strong academic leadership, robust industry partnerships, and research-informed teaching methodologies, the institution continues producing graduates and educators who drive innovation and shape the future of higher education excellence.
As Curtin Malaysia continues to expand its influence in Southeast Asian education, these prestigious teaching awards serve as a beacon for other international campuses seeking to achieve similar recognition. The success of Lai and Dr. Saaveethya demonstrates that with dedication to innovative pedagogy and student-centered learning, educators can achieve global recognition while maintaining deep roots in their local communities. For prospective students and faculty considering their educational journey, Curtin University’s commitment to teaching excellence offers a compelling foundation for academic and professional growth.
