SIBU: Universiti Teknologi Sarawak (UTS) has been urged to take the lead in driving the state’s circular economy agenda, particularly in transforming agricultural and plantation waste into new economic resources.
Premier Datuk Patinggi Tan Sri Abang Johari Tun Openg said UTS is well-placed for this role due to its location in Sibu, the centre of the state’s mid-region development focus.
“UTS will be the front line to convert what we have in mind. I would like UTS to do a lot of research in this circular economy approach and we hope that all our waste will become an economic product in the future,” he said at UTS’ 10th convocation ceremony held at Dewan Canselor Tun Abdul Taib Mahmud here on Sunday.
Abang Johari noted that Sarawak’s mid-region holds rich biodiversity and a large volume of biomass from plantation sectors, which can be tapped to generate clean energy and support carbon storage efforts.
He said new approaches are needed to manage resources sustainably and reduce dependency on conventional economic models.
He added that the state government will table a new legislation on waste-to-energy during the State Legislative Assembly meeting later this month.
“A new law will be proposed where we will manage waste to energy. Meaning we are giving emphasis into circular economy.
“With that approach, we hope that we will be able to produce what we call clean and green economy,” he added.
In line with the state’s development strategies, the Premier also reiterated the government’s commitment to expanding access to higher education.
The Free Tertiary Education Scheme, expected to take effect next year, will cover tuition fees for eligible Sarawakians studying at state-owned institutions such as UTS, Swinburne University of Technology Sarawak, Curtin University Malaysia, Centre for Technology Excellence Sarawak (CENTEXS), and other linked institutions.
He said students from low-income households will also receive living allowances to ease financial pressures throughout their studies.
“This free education scheme will support Sarawak’s development. With more young Sarawakians able to study, we will have a better-trained workforce to face the challenges of the future,” he said.
He explained that the initiative was designed as a long-term investment to build a highly skilled workforce that can support key sectors, including digital technology, healthcare, engineering and green economy development.
The Premier encouraged graduates to carry forward the values and knowledge gained in UTS and to contribute meaningfully to society, whether they choose to serve locally or gain experience abroad.
He said Sarawak aims to produce graduates who can compete globally while maintaining strong cultural identity, integrity and community spirit.
