KUCHING: Universiti Teknologi MARA (UiTM) Sarawak Branch has proposed several strategic initiatives to strengthen higher education, research and innovation in Sarawak.
The proposals were presented during a courtesy visit by UiTM Sarawak Branch delegation to Premier Datuk Patinggi Tan Sri Abang Johari Tun Openg on Wednesday.
The delegation was led by UiTM Sarawak Branch Rector Professor Dr Firdaus Abdullah, together with UiTM Pro-Chancellor Datuk Abdul Wahab Aziz.
The meeting provided a platform for UiTM Sarawak Branch to present its aspirations, development plans and strategic proposals supporting Sarawak’s educational agenda.
Among the proposals discussed were the Free Tertiary Education Scheme (FTES) for Sarawakian students at public universities, and establishing the Tun Openg History and Heritage Chair.
UiTM Sarawak Branch also presented plans for 16 conferences and events covering social sciences, sustainability, engineering, artificial intelligence, innovation and digital technology.
The programmes also encompass agriculture, plantation industries and community development, positioning Sarawak as an important hub for knowledge exchange and academic collaboration.
Among the planned conferences are the International Conference on Civil Engineering for Sustainability and Disaster Resilience 2026 and Sarawak Invention, Innovation and Design Expo 2026.
Other programmes include an International Seminar on Advancing Innovation in AI, Education and Societal Transformation Through Management and Engineering, and International Conference on Computer and Drone Applications.
Also in the planning are Konferensi Antarabangsa Islam Borneo, Sarawak Rice Conference, Program Bakti Madani Gedong and Borneo Blockchain Conference.
Further initiatives include the Asia Conference of Agriculture and Plantation Industries and ASEAN Earth Cleanup Week 2027.
UiTM Sarawak Branch also presented research proposals aimed at strengthening collaboration between academic expertise and Sarawak’s development priorities.
Among them are Sarawak Nano-Satellite (Kenyalangsat-1), rare earth element and thorium extraction, carbon credit potential from nipah palm and nano-based drinking-water filtration.
Other proposed research areas include integrated rice agriculture modernisation in Mukah and biofuel production from microalgae using hydrothermal carbonisation technology.
The university said the proposals were aimed at ensuring its expertise, knowledge and research capacity could contribute more strategically to Sarawak’s development agenda.
The courtesy visit also provided opportunities to expand collaboration with the Sarawak government, industry, communities and other stakeholders to generate research with meaningful societal impact.
UiTM Sarawak Branch said it remained committed to working alongside the Sarawak government in developing talent, strengthening knowledge and supporting the state’s development agenda.
