KUCHING: The establishment of three specialised research centres at i-CATS University College serves as a strategic platform that integrates applied research, technology development and industry-driven problem-solving.
Its vice chancellor, Professor Emeritus Datuk Dr Ts Mohamad Kadim Suaidi, said the centres are designed to consolidate i-CATS’ strengths in high-technology fields, including astronomy and astrophysics, aerospace systems, advanced engineering, digital technologies, automation and intelligent systems.
He said the three centres, namely iCATS STAR (Institute of Satellite Technology and Aerospace Research Centre), iCATS CASA (Centre for Astronomy and Science Astrophysics), and iCATS BRAIN (Big Data, Robotics and Artificial Intelligence Network), anchor the institution’s strategic focus on advanced and future-critical technology domains.
“Projects will be designed in collaboration with industry partners, government agencies and communities to ensure relevance, applicability and measurable outcomes.
“Priority will be given to research that supports Sarawak’s strategic agendas, particularly in energy transition, digital economy development and circular economy practices,” he said when delivering his mandate at Dewan Tan Sri Aziz at i-CATS University College today.
Mohamad Kadim said that research activities under the centres had already begun, with aerospace and satellite design work starting last year.
He also said that i-CATS has entered into collaborations with Istanbul Technical University, Istanbul, and the Middle East Technical University, Ankara, Turkey, both recognised internationally for their strengths in aerospace engineering.
“We are very fortunate and privileged that they are willing to work with us in this very important and significant area of aerospace engineering.
“In fact, one of our staff members is currently pursuing a PhD in satellite design and development at Istanbul Technical University.
“This is in line with our plan to strengthen our aerospace engineering faculty, as well as to be closely involved in international collaborations, particularly in satellite design,” he told reporters.
On the Astronomy and Science centre, he added that i-CATS has been mandated by the Sarawak government to work closely with the Sarawak Mufti Department on the research component of the Borneo Astronomy Centre, Santubong.
“We will support the research and innovation activities of Pusat Astronomi Borneo through our researchers and facilities,” he added.
Meanwhile, Mohamad Kadim said the iCATS BRAIN centre focuses on artificial intelligence, big data and robotics, areas that have been embedded across the institution’s academic programmes.
“Artificial Intelligence (AI) is now a mandatory module in all our programmes.
“We have implemented this because we place very high importance and priority on AI and digital technology, which are areas we must actively develop,” he said.
He added that with the establishment of these centres, i-CATS reinforces its identity as a high-technology institution that is innovative in thinking, disciplined in execution, and committed to delivering solutions that matter to Sarawak and beyond.
