KUCHING – Swinburne University of Technology Sarawak Campus and Hainan Normal University (HNU) have signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) to explore academic programme collaboration, joint research, and staff and student exchanges – strengthening international connections between the two institutions.
The signing ceremony took place at Swinburne Sarawak on 17 October 2026, with Swinburne Sarawak represented by its Pro Vice-Chancellor and Chief Executive Officer Dato Professor Ir Lau Hieng Ho and HNU represented by its Vice-President Professor Xu Jiliang.
The partnership establishes a framework for both universities to draw on their respective academic strengths, broaden access to international learning experiences, and develop research initiatives in areas of shared interest. The MoU supports Swinburne Sarawak’s efforts to enrich the student experience, enhance research capabilities, and connect its university community with global networks.
“International collaboration creates opportunities for our students and academics to learn from different perspectives and work together on shared challenges. Through this partnership with Hainan Normal University, we aim to develop meaningful academic pathways, build research connections, and expand opportunities for cross-cultural learning,” said Dato Lau.
“As a university rooted in Sarawak and connected to the world, we want these relationships to bring lasting value to our students, our staff, and the communities we serve. We look forward to translating this shared intention into practical initiatives that draw on the strengths of both institutions,” he added.
Academic programme collaboration is a key area identified under the MoU. Both universities will explore potential credit transfer arrangements and study pathways to provide students with more diverse learning opportunities and international educational experiences. Specific arrangements will be subject to curriculum assessment and further agreements.
The partnership also provides a foundation for research collaboration, innovation, and the commercialisation of research outcomes. Potential activities include identifying common research priorities, developing joint research grant applications, and co-supervising doctoral students. These initiatives aim to encourage the sharing of academic expertise and generate findings with scholarly and practical value.
Staff and student exchanges form another important component of the collaboration. Proposed student mobility programmes would support intercultural understanding, adaptability, and the development of global perspectives. Meanwhile, academic exchanges could enable staff to share teaching practices, discuss educational innovation, and build sustained research networks.
For Hainan Normal University, the partnership supports its internationalisation plans and efforts to strengthen connections with universities in Southeast Asia. Drawing on its location within the Hainan Free Trade Port, the university seeks to expand access to international education and research resources to support talent development, disciplinary advancement, and innovation.
For Swinburne Sarawak, the collaboration strengthens the connection between international engagement and its contribution to Sarawak’s development. By expanding academic networks across borders, the university aims to prepare graduates for an interconnected world and support research that benefits society.
The three-year MoU paves the way for continued discussions, with both institutions working towards detailed arrangements for individual projects and exchanges.
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