KUCHING: Swinburne University of Technology Sarawak Campus is in the early stages of developing a conceptual design for its upcoming state-of-the-art research centre.
Envisioned by Premier Datuk Patinggi Tan Sri Abang Johari Tun Openg, the proposed Swinburne Research Institute will serve as a cornerstone for research excellence in Sarawak, reflecting the Premier’s vision to strengthen the state’s innovation ecosystem through advanced science and technology.
Swinburne Sarawak Board of Directors’ Chairman, Datuk Amar Jaul Samion, said the project is currently in the conceptual design phase.
“As mentioned earlier, the Premier has envisioned the establishment of this research centre.
“It’s still in the very early stages. We are now working on the conceptual design of the project and have identified a potential site,” he told reporters during a press conference on the future development of Swinburne Sarawak at its campus today.
Jaul stated that the proposed centre will house four major laboratories:
- The Energy Transformation Lab, focusing on renewable, green, hydrogen, and biomass energy;
- The Advanced Manufacturing Lab, specialising in composite materials and material science;
- The Materials Testing Lab, dedicated to industrial testing and innovation; and
- The Digital Twin Simulation Lab, designed to support IR4.0 and ‘factory of the future’ technologies.
In an earlier report, Abang Johari said the state government is committed to realising the project and has identified a 10-acre site for the research centre.
“As long as the university can produce critical technical thinkers, I don’t mind expanding the area to 15 acres.
“The state government will invest in building this research centre, and equip it with the latest equipment to analyse all the materials that we can produce and convert them into high-quality products using the latest technology,” he said during Swinburne University of Technology Sarawak Campus’ 25th Anniversary Gala Dinner at Borneo Convention Centre Kuching (BCCK) on recently.
He said Sarawak must advance in four key frontiers – energy, semiconductor, petrochemical, and material science – and this requires a new generation of skilled human capital.
While Sarawak is rich in natural resources, Abang Johari stressed that the state needs stronger intellectual capacity, with Swinburne playing a vital role in developing high-calibre talent capable of processing these resources into high-value products.
As Sarawak moves towards achieving developed state status by 2030, he said nurturing a new generation of professionals will be crucial to drive its digital economy, renewable energy sector, particularly hydrogen technology, and Industry 4.0 initiatives.
“We need engineers who understand both traditional systems and emerging technologies.
“We need business traders who can navigate global markets while understanding the local context. We need IT professionals who can drive digital transformation,” he added.
