KUCHING: A memorandum of understanding (MOU) has been inked between Sarawak Land and Survey Department (LSD) and Universiti Teknologi Malaysia (UTM) to set up the LSD-UTM Satellite Laboratory.
In congratulating both parties, Chief Minister Datuk Patinggi Abang Johari Tun Openg said the collaboration will contribute to new ways and strategies in land management, including evaluation and also land structure from a planning point of view.
“There is often an overlap in terms of land usage, such as agriculture and city development.
“That is why we must look from a comprehensive study in managing these lands. With that, the collaboration between experts from LDS and UTM will increase our performance in our development and also in terms of land usage,” he said.
Abang Johari said this when officiating at the Sarawak Land and Survey Department’s Innovation and Integrity Day 2021 at the State Legislative Assembly (DUN) Complex yesterday (Sept 6).
Earlier on in his speech, the chief minister said LSD’s main function in the field of surveying, evaluation, planning and land were in line with the main courses offered at the UTM’s Faculty of Built Environment and Surveying (FABU).
“These similarities enabled various research potentials and mutual sharing of expertise between LSD and UTM.
“The cooperation will not only benefit UTM to understand the real situation in the industry to improve the quality of the education in line with the current needs and wants of the industry, but will also greatly benefit LDS for opportunities to carry out thorough and detailed research,” he said.
Meanwhile, state LSD director Abdullah Julaihi said the collaboration is targeted to meet the short-term and long-term goals of two main areas, namely technology and expertise sharing as well as training and research opportunities.
“This ‘win-win’ strategy partnership also benefits all parties including Sarawak, LSD, and UTM in pioneering new technologies towards digital transformation, one of the components of which is the development of a smart city,” he said.
He added in terms of training, LDS officers will have the opportunity to further their studies at UTM in accordance with their respective fields not only for self-development, but also the empowerment of the organisation and subsequently developing the state of Sarawak.
“In addition, the role of LDS is to provide a platform for final year graduates, especially graduates from Sarawak for training purposes, of which will greatly benefit both sides,” he said.
He further said the collaboration would allow LSD and UTM to explore new technologies related to land administration, and UTM will first assess such technology to ensure it is good or feasible before use.
Meanwhile, UTM vice chancellor Prof Datuk Technologist (Ts) Dr Ahmad Fauzi Ismail expressed his appreciation for being able to collaborate with LSD.
“It is hoped that through the collaboration, the fundamental aspect developed in academia can be practiced on the ground such as LSD,” he said via Zoom.
Earlier on, Abang Johari witnessed the MoU signing between LSD and UTM. LSD was represented by its deputy director (management) Awang Zamhari Awang Mahmood as well as deputy director (operations) Kueh Hui Ung, while UTM was represented by Dr Ahmad.
