KOTA SAMARAHAN: Universiti Malaysia Sarawak (UNIMAS) will continue working with the Sarawak government to achieve the state’s aspirations, said Professor Datuk Dr Mohamad Kadim Suaidi.
The UNIMAS Vice Chancellor said this will allow it to sustain the university’s excellence through research that supports the goals and aspirations of Premier Datuk Patinggi Tan Sri Abang Johari Tun Openg in making Sarawak a developed state by 2030.
“To achieve the target, UNIMAS will focus on research in the field of renewable energy including green energy, energy efficiency, solar and hydrogen.
“Through the rebranding of the Renewable Energy Centre (CREN) to the Institute of Sustainable and Renewable Energy (iSure), I believe UNIMAS can help and support the Sarawak government’s agenda to realise the dream of becoming a developed and high-income state by 2030,” he said.
He said this during the first day of the UNIMAS convocation ceremony held at Dewan Tunku Abdul Rahman Putra (DeTAR Putra) here on Monday (June 27).
He added that in order to strengthen the function of iSure in the field of renewable energy research, a strategic plan workshop was held on related research, innovation, services and graduate studies.
“Setting this direction is important to enable iSure to set the main focus of research to be in line with the implementation of the Post Covid-19 Development Strategy 2030 (PCDS 2030) and the Sarawak government’s agenda.
“This is one of UNIMAS’ contributions to the Sarawak government which has provided excellent cooperation to the university, especially when given the trust to be the coordinator of the Sarawak Centre of Excellence which acts as the main driver to enable research and technology development activities to be implemented systematically and holistically, supporting the digital economy sector.
“At the same time, human capital development is also emphasised by training and complementing the knowledge of graduate students through research work so that they can also contribute to the development of the state and country in the field of renewable energy in the future,” he said.
With UNIMAS celebrating its 30th anniversary this year, he said the university has provided valuable experience in an effort to fulfil its vision and mission, and to achieve the aspiration of becoming a prestigious higher education institution since its establishment.
“Throughout the 30 years of its establishment, UNIMAS has also emphasised the importance of carrying out community-centric activities to ensure the sustainability of UNIMAS as a ‘community-driven university’.
“The interests and needs of the local community are always emphasised by UNIMAS academics and researchers through sharing of activities, knowledge, technology transfer, corporate social responsibility (CSR) programmes and also service learning.
“This also proves UNIMAS’ commitment in transforming the quality of education in line with the Malaysia Education Development Plan 2013-2025,” he added.
