KUCHING: Universiti Malaysia Sarawak (UNIMAS) is set to establish the Global Future Transdisciplinary Institute as part of its strategic initiative to future-proof graduates and strengthen collaboration between academia and industry.
UNIMAS’ Vice-Chancellor, Prof. Dr Ahmad Hata Rasit, said that UNIMAS will focus on preparing students for emerging technologies and industrial shifts by embedding future-focused content and real-world exposure into university programmes.
“We make sure that UNIMAS not only focuses on current and advanced technologies, but also invests in future possibilities by working closely with the industry.
“Our aim is for students to think ahead, not just about what exists now, but about the technologies that will shape tomorrow. For example, artificial intelligence is already a major topic of discussion worldwide.
“The world, workforce and industries are changing rapidly and undergoing major transformations. If universities do not keep pace, what kind of next-generation talents will we be producing?” he said.
He said this in his speech during the ‘Segulai Sejalai with CEO@Faculty’ programme at The Gallery, DeTAR Putra, UNIMAS, Kota Samarahan today.
Ahmad Hata also highlighted that UNIMAS plans to strengthen collaboration with industries and Chief Executive Officers (CEOs) to align curricula with real-world demands.
This will involve a spectrum of approaches ranging from guest lectures to internships and apprenticeships, where up to 80 per cent of training is conducted by industry partners.
“That is why we have started appointing CEOs to work with us, and in the coming years, we will expand this engagement across more industries, including the green, blue and grey economies, as well as fields like engineering, electronics, entertainment and medicine.
“Both the university and industry have their strengths, and by working together, we can align young talents from all over Malaysia with real industry needs,” he said.
He added that with 47 undergraduate and over 50 postgraduate programmes, UNIMAS has the capacity to become a leading producer of industry-aligned talents.
“This effort must start as early as the first year of study, not just in medical programmes but across all disciplines.
“At the end of the day, the talents we produce will serve industries such as tourism, engineering, and healthcare, benefiting not just the university, but also the wider community and economy,” he added.
He also revealed that UNIMAS owns 2,000 hectares of land, of which only 40 per cent has been utilised.
The remaining 60 per cent, he said, has the potential to be developed with industry partners, thereby creating wider opportunities for students.
This will help reduce transportation issues and at the same time strengthen hands-on collaboration.
“Collaboration with local companies, including PETROS as well as other industry players, is expected to strengthen UNIMAS’ position as the main gateway to Borneo in education, research, and technology development,” he said.
