SAMARAHAN: A collaboration between Velesto Energy Bhd (Velesto), Sarawak Economic Development Corporation (SEDC), and Universiti Malaysia Sarawak (UNIMAS) culminated in the VIBES Innovation Challenge closing ceremony recently.
It celebrated Sarawak’s rising STEM talents and reinforced the state’s commitment to a sustainable, innovation-led future.
The closing ceremony, held at the Tunku Abdul Rahman Putra Hall, UNIMAS, was officiated by International Trade, Industry and Investment Deputy Minister, Datuk Dr Malcolm Mussen Lamoh, who represented Deputy Premier Datuk Amar Awang Tengah Ali Hasan.
In his officiating address, Mussen affirmed the Sarawak Government’s support for such public-private-academic collaborations, noting their transformative potential.
“Nurturing innovation and building a resilient, future-ready workforce are vital to achieving Sarawak’s vision of a digitally driven and sustainable economy,” he said.
Furthermore, Velesto President, Ir Ts Megat Zariman Abdul Rahim, described the VIBES Innovation Challenge as a tangible expression of the company’s commitment to talent development.
“This initiative proves that when students are given trust, guidance, and a platform to bring their ideas to life, they can create real, impactful solutions.
“The challenge is part of a broader partnership formalised through a Memorandum of Understanding signed with SEDC in December 2023,” he said.
Meanwhile, SEDC’s General Manager, Datuk Abdul Hadi Abdul Kadir, stressed the urgency of innovation in regional development.
“Innovation is not a luxury but a necessity.
“This competition has ignited ideas that are not only relevant today, but are building blocks for Sarawak’s digital, green, and industrial future,” he said.
The VIBES Innovation Challenge attracted 151 students across 35 teams, who tackled real-world problems in engineering, digital innovation, and sustainable industrial practices.
The challenge culminated in a hackathon-style final round, where teams pitched practical solutions shaped by academic insight and industry mentorship.
UNIMAS Vice-Chancellor, Professor Dr Ahmad Hata Rasit, praised the collaborative effort, noting that the university’s role as an academic anchor was crucial to the initiative’s success.
“This challenge enhances technical competencies and prepares our graduates to thrive in future industries,” he said.
Participants, mentors, judges and representatives from various agencies, including the Sarawak Education, Innovation and Talent Development Ministry and Yayasan Sarawak, were present to witness the initiative’s culmination.
