KUCHING: University College of Technology Sarawak (UCTS) Vice-Chancellor, Prof Datuk Dr Khairuddin Ab Hamid has been awarded a honorary doctorate from the University of Essex, United Kingdom (UK).
He r e c e i v e d t h e awa r d from University of Essex Vice- Chancellor, Prof Anthony Forster last July 7 in conjunction with the university’s convocation in Colchester, England, in recognition of his achievement and efforts in developing information and communication technology (ICT) for the rural community in Bario.
Khairuddin said the E-Bario project started in 1998 when he and a group of researchers from Universiti Malaysia Sarawak (Unimas ) opened the Bario Telecentre using the Very Small Aper ture Terminal s (VSAT) , which was specially designed for use in the interior areas to receive Internet signal. H e s a i d t h e B a r i o Telecentre was equipped with computers for use by the locals for them to communicate with the outside world.
The setting up of the centre, which was also specially designed using solar panels and supported by generator sets, opens a new era for the community in Bario. I t wa s a l s o in l ine wi t h Khairuddin’s commitment to introduce a technology which was relevant for the rural community to bridge the digital gap for a sustainable development.
“In this matter, I am confident the university can play a role to bring change in the education system,” he told Bernama when met at his office recently. Khairuddin, who is an alumni of University of Essex, holds a doctorate degree in electrical engineering .
After completing his studies in the UK, he joined Universiti Teknologi Malaysia (UTM) and set up the first Data Communication Laboratory in Malaysia. In 1993, Khai ruddin, who used to be an editor for the Malaysian Journal of Computer Science and Malaysian Journal of Electrical Engineering, joine d Universiti Malaysia Sarawak (Unimas) as the Dean of i t s Engineering Faculty and in 2008 appointed its vice-chancellor.
In 2 0 0 1 , he wa s awa rde d the ‘Information Technology Teacher’ award by the National C omp u t e r C o n f e d e r a t i o n Malaysia (MNCC).- Bernama
