KUCHING: The findings of the 2nd International Conference on Social Sciences and Humanities (Icossh) 2021 should be kept in a database as a reference for researchers and the state government to formulate state development policies, said Datuk Seri Abdul Karim Rahman Hamzah.
“The keynote speakers from other parts of the world will certainly contribute invaluable global views, perspectives and best practices to this conference, specifically in the areas of anthropology, culture, education, digital government, smart city, tourism and management,” said the Tourism, Arts and Culture Minister.
He said this at the opening ceremony of the 2nd Icossh 2021 and memorandum of agreement (MoA) exchange between the Sarawak government and Universiti Putra Malaysia (UPM) on the Pehin Sri Adenan Satem Research Chair at Grand Margherita Hotel here on Wednesday (Oct 27).
He expressed his appreciation to the seven keynote speakers from Brunei, Indonesia, Malaysia and the Philippines for sharing their expertise and experiences.
“I wish to thank everyone – delegates and participants – for attending and supporting this conference. To ensure the continued success of our digital economy, everyone’s contribution – from the government, the private sector and the community – is essential,” he said.
Abdul Karim, who is also Youth and Sports Minister, noted that the theme of the conference this year was ‘The Enculturation of Borneo Ethnic: Perspectives of the Social Sciences and Humanities’.
“Sarawak is a unique state where its rich culture is celebrated together despite the diversities of its people. This beautiful and seamless integration is something special and rare in any country,” he said, pointing out that the state was a melting pot of over 27 ethnic groups.
Congratulating UPM Bintulu Campus for successfully organising the international conference, the minister said the effort to present Sarawakian and Bornean cultures was of utmost importance to the state government in introducing Sarawak to the world.
Icossh 2021, which was organised by UPM Bintulu Campus in collaboration with the Sarawak Ministry of Tourism, Arts and Culture, had adopted a virtual presentation approach.
The conference – which focuses on social sciences and humanities especially related to the Sarawak and Borneo ethnic groups – targeted researchers, academics, postgraduate students, government agencies and policymakers.
Apart from that, focus was also given to the impact of the conference which included forming networks with the state government, local and international research agencies, and industries directly involved in the field.
