BY NATASHA JEE & SHARIFAH NONG-JASIMA
KOTA SAMARAHAN: Universiti Teknologi MARA (UiTM) Sarawak Branch is actively strengthening research collaborations with the state government in line with Sarawak’s renewable energy and digital economy agenda.
Its Rector, Professor Dr Firdaus Abdullah, said the university’s latest research focus includes algae as an alternative energy source, carbon credit initiatives and paddy plantation projects.
“The state government is very much into renewable energy such as hydrogen and we are working closely with them on several research initiatives.
“We have already conducted studies on algae and now we want to go to the next stage of exploring algae as an alternative energy.
“Therefore, we will soon be presenting our findings to Premier Datuk Patinggi Tan Sri Abang Johari Tun Openg,” he said in an interview with Sarawak Tribune recently.
Firdaus further said that the university will also be presenting their findings on carbon credit to the Premier soon.
“The Premier also wanted us to look into how UiTM’s campus could serve as a testbed for paddy research plantations throughout the whole state,” he said.
At the same time, he said the university will be continuing its current research with the state to uplift socio-economic status of communities through entrepreneurship and social entrepreneurship.
“We get the communities to work together in an entrepreneurship model so that communities can earn income for themselves,” he said.
He added that social innovation will be a key focus for UiTM Sarawak as it continues to work with communities to uplift livelihoods and strengthen entrepreneurship.
“We are supporting the Sarawak government in terms of entrepreneurship and in line with this, we train the communities.
“For example, we have this one project where the state government gave us an allocation and we train the local communities from the farm right up to the table.
“From A to Z, we teach them smart farming techniques, processing, packaging, promotion and even obtaining Halal certification,” he said.
As a result, he said these communities are now producing unique products with high commercial value and the income generated has helped raise their standard of living and socio-economic status.
Firdaus added the university’s strength in entrepreneurship, business, accounting and finance has also enabled the university to guide communities in turning raw produce into commercial products ready for the market.
Firdaus also highlighted the concept of “industry at campus”, which allows industries to set up centres within UiTM Sarawak without cost.
“Currently, we have a number of industries setting up their centre here. They can use our facilities, equipment and offices at no charge.
“With such arrangements, students are able to collaborate directly with industry players, conduct joint research and advance findings together,” he said.
