You’re witnessing a transformative moment in Malaysia’s engineering landscape as university leaders and industry executives gather in Miri to forge an alliance that promises to reshape offshore engineering education. The handshakes and signatures taking place today represent more than just paperwork—they signal a new era of collaboration between academic excellence and industrial innovation.
# Curtin Malaysia and Sterling Technical Services forge strategic partnership to drive offshore engineering innovation
## Catalyst
On August 12, 2025, Curtin University Malaysia took a significant step in advancing industry-focused education and research with the signing of a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with Sterling Technical Services Sdn. Bhd., a leading player in offshore and marine engineering, surveying, and risk management. The ceremony in Miri, Sarawak marked the beginning of what both organizations envision as a transformative strategic partnership that will combine decades of hands-on expertise with cutting-edge academic research capabilities.
Meanwhile, the collaboration emerged from a shared recognition that the rapidly evolving offshore engineering sector demands a new approach to talent development. The partnership will merge Sterling Technical Services’ extensive experience in oil and gas and renewable energy sectors with Curtin Malaysia’s robust academic and research infrastructure, creating unprecedented opportunities for knowledge exchange and innovative engineering solutions.
## Rising Action
The MoU was formally signed by Professor Vincent Lee Chieng Chen, Pro Vice-Chancellor, President, and Chief Executive of Curtin Malaysia, alongside Paulus Handidjaja, General Manager of Sterling Technical Services. However, the event brought together a distinguished assembly of academic and industry leaders, signaling the broad institutional support behind this offshore engineering innovation initiative.
Representing Curtin Malaysia’s academic excellence were key faculty members including Associate Professor Ir. Dr. Lim Chye Ing, Associate Dean for External Engagement of the Faculty of Engineering and Science; Professor John Lau Sie Yon, Associate Dean for Research and Development; Professor Ir. Dr. Stephanie Chan Yen San, Head of the Department of Chemical and Energy Engineering; and Associate Professor Ir. Dr. Wong Kwong Soon, Head of the Department of Civil and Construction Engineering.
Sterling Technical Services brought equally impressive representation with Director Prescilla Anak Raymond and guest representative Dr. Manoj Mukundan, Senior Geotechnical Consultant from Somehsa Geosciences Pte. Ltd., Singapore, demonstrating the international scope of this collaboration.
## Turning Point
The partnership represents a strategic industry-academia alliance that will fundamentally transform engineering education.
Professor Lee articulated the partnership’s transformative potential, describing it as a strategic industry-academia alliance that will enhance engineering education, bolster research in geotechnical and offshore engineering, and better prepare students for the fast-evolving job market. As he explained:
“Sterling’s expertise and innovative geotechnical solutions make them an invaluable partner. Together, we can create impactful research and produce graduates with both academic excellence and industry-ready skills.”
Suddenly, the conversation shifted to market realities when Handidjaja echoed this vision, noting the rapid global growth of the offshore geotechnics industry and the rising demand for skilled professionals. His perspective highlighted the urgency behind this marine engineering collaboration:
“Through this collaboration, we aim to equip Curtin graduates with the specialised knowledge and practical exposure to thrive in a competitive, high-tech industry,” he emphasized.
## Resolution
The partnership will now explore joint research projects, student internships, technical training, and the sharing of industry best practices, with the ambitious goal of strengthening Sarawak’s position as a hub for engineering expertise in the region. These initiatives will create tangible pathways for students to gain real-world experience while contributing to cutting-edge research in offshore and marine engineering technologies.
Furthermore, the collaboration establishes a framework for ongoing knowledge transfer between Sterling’s field-tested expertise and Curtin’s research capabilities. This symbiotic relationship promises to generate innovative solutions for the offshore engineering challenges facing Malaysia’s energy sector while preparing the next generation of industry professionals.
As Malaysia continues to develop its offshore energy resources and expand into renewable energy sectors, partnerships like this one between Curtin Malaysia and Sterling Technical Services will prove crucial in building the skilled workforce needed to drive sustainable industrial growth. Those interested in following this developing story can find more information about Curtin Malaysia’s engineering programs and track the partnership’s progress as it begins to reshape the region’s approach to offshore engineering education and innovation.
