KUCHING: Sarawak has launched a new research chair at Universiti Malaya (UM) to support its efforts in developing green energy, biotechnology, artificial intelligence, and other important areas of the New Economy.
The initiative, formalised through a memorandum of agreement (MoA) between the Sarawak government and UM, marks the creation of the ‘Kursi Derma Kekal Yang Amat Berhormat Premier Sarawak’, a permanent academic chair that will drive innovation, guide policy-making, and support sustainable development in the state.
Premier Datuk Patinggi Tan Sri Abang Johari Tun Openg, who witnessed the signing ceremony at Wisma Bapa Malaysia today, said the collaboration is an important step in ensuring Sarawak stays competitive and becomes a leader in shaping global economic trends.
“We are not just setting up a chair. We are building a strong team that will focus on new ideas, carry out important research, and help guide the way we make laws and policies in the future,” he said.
The chair will focus on five main areas which are the green economy, including carbon trading and carbon credits, the hydrogen economy covering bioenergy and hydropower, healthcare biotechnology, artificial intelligence, and alignment with the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs).
As part of this initiative, the Premier also announced the start of the Kuliah Yang Amat Berhormat Premier Sarawak, an annual lecture series that will bring together policymakers, researchers, and industry leaders to encourage open discussions on key topics.
Research carried out under the chair will be published in international journals and shared with government agencies in Sarawak to improve decision-making and support policies based on solid data and evidence.
“Let today be the beginning of a partnership that will spark new ideas, grow knowledge, and bring about positive change in the years to come,” said Abang Johari, as he thanked Universiti Malaya and everyone involved in making the project a reality.
He also expressed hope that the initiative would become a model for future cooperation between the government and universities across Malaysia.
