KUCHING: Over 200 participants attended the its inaugural Industry-University-Community (IUC) Summit hosted by Swinburne University of Technology Sarawak Campus (Swinburne Sarawak) in conjunction with the 5th Swinburne Sarawak Postgraduate Research Conference (SSPRC) 2025 from Aug 13 to 15.
The summit aims to strengthen collaboration and translate research into real-world impact.
Themed “Beyond Boundaries – Unleashing Research to Enable Real-World Impact”, the event was officiated by Sarawak Energy Berhad senior vice president for Strategy and Corporate Development, Dr Chen Shiun, representing Energy and Environmental Sustainability Deputy Minister Datuk Dr Hazland Abang Hipni.
Delivering Hazland’s remarks, Dr Chen said the summit’s theme aligned with Sarawak’s vision for transformative, inclusive and sustainable growth.
He stressed that harnessing research, innovation and collaboration was vital in advancing the renewable energy transition, strengthening climate resilience, driving digital and green economy transformation, and ensuring inclusive innovation for all.
Dr Chen also commended Swinburne Sarawak’s efforts in building a vibrant research ecosystem.
“Let us remember that research does not thrive in isolation — it flourishes through intentional and sustained collaboration.
“The presence of students, industry leaders and community representatives here sends a clear message— the future is built on partnership.
“When ideas are grounded in real-world engagement, they have the power to create a meaningful and lasting impact for Sarawak and beyond,” he said.
Swinburne Sarawak Pro Vice-Chancellor and CEO Ir Professor Lau Hieng Ho reaffirmed the university’s commitment to impactful research and industry engagement.
“Let this summit be a space for dialogue, discovery and new beginnings. May it spark partnerships that transcend boundaries and lead to real-world impact. Together, we have the power to turn research into reality,” he said.
Deputy Pro Vice-Chancellor (Research) Professor Dr Ida Fatimawati Adi Badiozaman said the research clusters discussed during the summit reflected Sarawak’s development needs and highlighted the depth of academic expertise across institutions.
“By connecting researchers from Sarawak’s universities with international collaborators and industry partners, we are laying the foundation for impactful, high-value research that advances the state’s priority areas — from clean energy and sustainable development to digital innovation, health and resilient communities,” she said.
Organising chairperson Dr Elaine Yeu Yee Lee noted the strong industry participation, which she said provided students valuable insights to improve their research.
Meanwhile, Swinburne Sarawak School of Research Director Ir Professor Basil Wong Tung Liong, in his closing remarks, urged participants to ensure ideas exchanged during the event translate into projects, collaborations, and policy development.
Alongside keynote sessions and panel discussions, the summit featured oral and poster presentations, booth exhibitions, and the Swinburne Sarawak Research Excellence Award ceremony, which honoured outstanding presenters.
