New partnership to advance innovation and sustainability globally

New partnership to advance innovation and sustainability globally

RMIT University and MUFG Bank, Oceania, have established a strategic partnership aimed at fostering innovation, developing talent, and addressing key societal challenges to empower a brighter future.

Through this collaboration, RMIT and MUFG will explore initiatives through knowledge sharing, talent development, and research and innovation across priority areas such as clean energy transition, fintech innovation, and liveable, smart cities.

Vice-Chancellor and President of RMIT, Professor Alec Cameron, and Mr Takahiro (Taka) Iino, Managing Director, Head of Oceania, MUFG Bank, formalised the partnership during an event on 11 February that celebrated the alignment of the two organisations’ values and vision for a sustainable future.

Professor Cameron emphasised the significance of partnerships like this in addressing global challenges.

“Our partnership with MUFG exemplifies how RMIT University works in collaboration with industry to create meaningful societal, environmental, and economic impact.

“Together, we’ll develop solutions to complex challenges and provide students and researchers with unique opportunities to engage with global leaders in innovation,” he said.

Professor Alec Cameron and Mr Takahiro Iino signing MOU

Mr Takahiro Iino highlighted MUFG’s commitment to global sustainability and innovation.

"MUFG is committed to global sustainability and innovation. Our partnership with RMIT University reflects our mission to empower communities and drive societal progress. By leveraging our strengths in clean energy, fintech, and smart city development, we aim to create a sustainable future. 

“RMIT is a key player in Melbourne’s start-up ecosystem, and the partnership provides MUFG with an opportunity on the Japanese investor side in this space. We fully expect over time that this relationship will come to further demonstrate the importance of the Australia-Japan strategic business alliance and have a positive impact on the Asia-Pacific region," Mr Iino said.

Professor Cameron noted that the partnership builds on RMIT’s long-standing collaborations with Japanese industry partners, which have delivered impactful outcomes in research, innovation, and student engagement.

“From quantum technologies and liveable city initiatives, to co-located innovation hubs, RMIT has a proud history of working with Japanese industry, government, and academic institutions. 

“The RMIT/MUFG partnership marks a new chapter in the pursuit of a sustainable and equitable future for communities worldwide.”

RMIT and MUFG leaders smiling at camera

MUFG Bank’s extensive global network spans around 40 markets, including ASEAN, East Asia, South Asia, and Oceania.

RMIT has strengthened its presence across the region by establishing strategic partnerships with leading banks, including VietinBank in Vietnam, Krungsri in Thailand, Security Bank in the Philippines, and Bank Danamon in Indonesia. 

These partnerships further enhance RMIT’s ability to drive innovation and deliver impactful outcomes in the region.

 

About MUFG Bank

MUFG Bank, Ltd. is Japan’s premier bank, with a global network spanning around 40 markets. Outside of Japan, the bank offers an extensive scope of commercial and investment banking products and services to businesses, governments and individuals worldwide. MUFG Bank’s parent, Mitsubishi UFJ Financial Group, Inc. (MUFG) is one of the world’s leading financial groups. Headquartered in Tokyo and with over 360 years of history, MUFG has a global network with approximately 2,000 locations in more than 40 markets. The Group has about 120,000 employees and offers services including commercial banking, trust banking, securities, credit cards, consumer finance, asset management, and leasing. The Group aims to “be the world’s most trusted financial group” through close collaboration among our operating companies and flexibly respond to all of the financial needs of our customers, serving society, and fostering shared and sustainable growth for a better world. MUFG’s shares trade on the Tokyo, Nagoya, and New York stock exchanges.

About RMIT

RMIT is an international university of technology, design and enterprise with more than 90,000 students and over 11,000 staff globally. We empower people and communities to adapt and thrive across generations, with education, research and civic engagement that are applied, inclusive and impactful. Postgraduate, undergraduate, vocational education, foundation studies and online programs offer students a variety of work-relevant pathways. The University has three substantial campuses in Melbourne, located in the City, Brunswick and Bundoora, along with other Victorian locations. There are also two campuses (Saigon South and Hanoi) and an English language centre in Vietnam and a research and innovation hub in Spain. In addition, programs are offered through partners in Singapore, Hong Kong, Sri Lanka, Indonesia, India and China, with research and industry partnerships across the globe.

 

Story: Andrea Davies

18 February 2025

Share

  • Research

Related News

aboriginal flag
torres strait flag

Acknowledgement of Country

RMIT University acknowledges the people of the Woi wurrung and Boon wurrung language groups of the eastern Kulin Nation on whose unceded lands we conduct the business of the University. RMIT University respectfully acknowledges their Ancestors and Elders, past and present. RMIT also acknowledges the Traditional Custodians and their Ancestors of the lands and waters across Australia where we conduct our business - Artwork 'Sentient' by Hollie Johnson, Gunaikurnai and Monero Ngarigo.