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Borneo Post
5 hours ago
- Business
- Borneo Post
Premier: Translation a strategic driver of Sarawak's development
(From left) Ahmad Hata, Mohammad Razi, Sulong and Dr Hazami engage in a conversation while browsing books at an exhibition booth during the PPA20. – Photo by Roystein Emmor KUCHING (Aug 19): Translation should not be seen solely as a communication tool, but as a strategic driver of the state's development, said Sarawak Premier Datuk Patinggi Tan Sri Abang Johari Tun Openg. He emphasised that investment in professional translator training and linguistic technologies must be considered part of the intellectual infrastructure necessary for Sarawak to achieve its greater national and international aspirations. 'Translation plays a role not only in bridging languages but also in strengthening cooperation with foreign investors and widening access to quality training and resources,' he said in a speech delivered on his behalf by Deputy Minister of Women, Early Childhood, and Community Wellbeing Development, Datuk Mohammad Razi Sitam. Mohammad Razi was officiating the 20th International Conference on Translation (PPA20) at the Riverside Majestic Hotel here today. The three-day conference, taking place from Aug 12-21 is hosted by Universiti Malaysia Sarawak (Unimas) in collaboration with the Malaysian Translators Association, Dewan Bahasa dan Pustaka (DBP), and the Malaysian Institute of Translation and Books (ITBM). Abang Johari also stressed that in an era of fast-paced globalisation, translation serves as a bridge between civilisations, a preserver of cultural heritage, and an enabler of Sarawak's digital and creative economy. 'With Sarawak's rich linguistic and cultural diversity, translation provides us an opportunity to mainstream our unique identity on the world stage in ways that can be globally understood,' he said. He highlighted the Sarawak government's ongoing collaborations with local institutions and researchers to document and preserve ethnic languages, ensuring that this heritage is not lost to modernisation. Abang Johari also noted that translation will soon play a bigger role in Sarawak's connectivity sector, particularly with the upcoming launch of the regional airline, AirBorneo, which will link Sarawak with Singapore, Kuala Lumpur, Jakarta, and Hong Kong in phases. 'High-quality translation will be crucial in delivering world-class services and fostering cross-cultural diplomacy for passengers from diverse backgrounds,' he added. Meanwhile, Unimas vice-chancellor Prof Dr Ahmad Hata Rasit said the conference's theme, 'Preserving Heritage through Translation', is timely given Sarawak's wealth of languages and dialects. He emphasised that translation should be more than a mere transfer of meaning and instead serve as a bridge of knowledge, a connector of civilisations, and a safeguard for linguistic heritage. To underline the global significance, Ahmad Hata noted that PPA20 has drawn participants from Malaysia, China, Singapore, Norway, Italy, Korea, Indonesia, and Brunei Darussalam, making it one of the most diverse editions of the biennial conference. The programme features four policy paper presentations, five plenary sessions by cultural translation experts, a forum involving language deans from public university, and representatives from the Malaysian Federation of the Deaf, the Malaysian Sign Language Interpreters Association, and Wikimedia Malaysia. In total, 64 academic papers will be presented. 'This wide-ranging programme ensures that the conference not only advances scholarly debate but also strengthens the links between academia, government, and industry,' said Ahmad Hata. Also present at the event were Unimas Board of Directors chairman Tan Sri Datuk Seri Panglima Sulong Matjeraie, DBP director-general Dr Hazami Jahari, ITBM chief executive officer Sakri Abdullah, and Malaysian Translators Association president Dr Hasuria Che Omar. Abang Johari Tun Openg development multilingual translation
Borneo Post
02-07-2025
- Business
- Borneo Post
Minister: DigitalNEXUS programme signifies Sarawak's digital innovation leadership vision
Ahmad Hata listens as two young DigitalNEXUS 2025 exhibitors explain their project report on flood-safe smart kit monitoring and alert system. — Photo by Chimon Upon KUCHING (July 2): The inaugural Digital Technology Nexus (DigitalNEXUS) highlights Sarawak's vision of becoming a regional leader in digital innovation. Introduced by Universiti Malaysia Sarawak (Unimas), the two-day programme at the Hilton Hotel here aims to foster knowledge-sharing, collaboration and innovation in digital technology. It brings together academics, students, industry players and also those representing government agencies to explore the emerging technological trends including artificial intelligence (AI), cybersecurity, the metaverse, Internet of Things (IoT), and 'Big Data' analytics. Minister for Utility and Telecommunication Sarawak Dato Sri Julaihi Narawi, in his keynote address for the opening ceremony yesterday, said digital transformation remained a key pillar of the state's economic and social development, in line with the Sarawak Digital Economy Blueprint 2030. In this regard, he underscored the government's continued investment in digital infrastructure and AI development, including the rollout of hyperscale data centres, rural connectivity through Sarawak Multimedia Authority Rural Telecommunications (SMART) towers and Sarawak Rural Broadband Network (MySRBN), as well as digital skills programmes aimed at narrowing the urban-rural divide. 'Partnerships between academia, industry and government, such as what we see here at DigitalNEXUS, are crucial towards achieving that goal,' said Julaihi in his speech, which was read out by the ministry's deputy permanent secretary Syed Mohamad Fauzi Shabab. Meanwhile, in his remarks, Unimas vice-chancellor Prof Ahmad Hata Rasit described the programme as 'timely and necessary, given the accelerating pace of digital transformation'. 'We are now at a pivotal moment in history. 'The speed of digital transformation is not just fast; it is accelerating at an exponential pace. 'Universities are not just consumers of technology; we are creators, educators, and incubators of ideas that will drive the next wave of innovation.' Ahmad Hata also reaffirmed Unimas' commitment of integrating digital literacy across its curriculum, investing in cutting-edge research and cultivating a culture meant to empower students and academics to lead in the digital age. 'DigitalNEXUS is a testament to that commitment,' he added. 'Let us use this event to think boldly, challenge the status quo, and collectively imagine a future where technology serves humanity in the most impactful ways possible.' The opening day yesterday featured thought leaders such as Google for Education (Malaysia and Brunei) country head Danial Azizan Abdullah Henry; Malaysia Digital Economy Corporation (MDEC) head of digital tech ecosystem Victor Lo, Sarawak Information Systems Sdn Bhd (SAINS) expert Simon Tiong, CyberSecurity Malaysia chief technology and chief information security officer Wan Roshaimi Wan Abdullah, Patentsworth International founder and chief executive officerIrfan Awang, and also Prof Anna Grosman of Loughborough University London. The event was organised in collaboration with industry partners, and federal and state agencies and supported by Business Events Sarawak (BESarawak), with key partners including the National Digital Department, SMA, SAINS, Google for Education, CelcomDigi, CyberSecurity Malaysia, Patentsworth International, Oceanus Media Global (Singapore), Intelli Technologies (Vietnam), Insight Analytics (Vietnam), Forever Young Society, Emma Industries, Pay & Go, Genesis Circle Sdn Bhd, and Global Telecom.
Borneo Post
17-06-2025
- Business
- Borneo Post
NTW 2025 at Unimas welcomes 2 mln reps from all over Asean
Ahmad Hata is interviewed by reporters. With him is Tuty. KOTA SAMARAHAN (June 17): The National Training Week (NTW) 2025 recorded a total of two million participants from across Malaysia and Asean members. Human Resources Development Corporation (HRD Corp) Sarawak region head Tuty Bujang said at the initial launch of NTW, the Ministry of Human Resources (Kesuma) together with strategic partners Universiti Malaysia Sarawak (Unimas) and HRD Corp had initially targeted one million participants for the programme. 'However, as of June 14, the number has exceeded two million. This reflects the trust and recognition gained from the 'Official Launch of High Impact Partner Sarawak Region' programme from various parties, not just the participants, but also our strategic partners,' she said when met at the launch in the Unimas Campus here on Monday. She described the programme as the largest learning and development event in Malaysia, offering free training and development opportunities to all citizens. 'With the theme 'Learning Across Borders', NTW 2025 is one of the key initiatives under the 'Asean Year of Skills (AYOS) 2025'. 'In line with Malaysia's role as the Asean Chair in 2025, NTW is seen as being aligned with AYOS' objectives of enhancing the skills of the Asean workforce and address regional skills development challenges.' Tuty also regarded HRD Corp, in collaboration with Kesuma, as playing a crucial role 'as a bridge connecting the workforce with industry leaders, educators, and essential resources'. 'This joint effort not only creates accessible learning opportunities, but also supports the vision of developing a highly skilled, competitive, and future-ready workforce in Malaysia and Asean. 'Through NTW, we encourage every individual, regardless of age or background, to continuously learn and grow wherever they are and at any time. It opens opportunities for everyone to enrich themselves without being constrained by location or timing.' According to Tuty, NTW aims to involve participants from all segments of society—from kindergarteners right up to senior citizens. The programme here marked the third year of Unimas being a strategic partner in the NTW. In his remarks earlier, Unimas vice-chancellor Prof Dr Ahmad Hata Rasit said the event reinforced the university's commitment of supporting national initiatives led by HRD Corp, focusing on cross-border learning across different ages, locations, and backgrounds. 'This year, we are taking NTW to the regional stage, expanding beyond Malaysia to neighbouring countries, in line with Asean's recognition of AYOS 2025, prioritising regional synergy in human capital development.' 'Unimas, through Unimas Business School, in collaboration with its faculties and institutes, is offering a total of 98 free courses to the public – up from 35 courses in 2023, and 55 courses in 2024. 'This marks a significant leap, a result of strong collaboration with HRD Corp Sarawak Region,' he said. asean National Training Week Prof Dr Ahmad Hata Rasit Tuty Bujang Unimas
Borneo Post
21-04-2025
- Borneo Post
Unimas vice-chancellor stands by initial investigation findings, eyes establishing animal lovers association on campus
Ahmad Hata being interviewed by reporters at the Aidilfitri event. – Photo from Ukas KOTA SAMARAHAN (April 21): Universiti Malaysia Sarawak (Unimas) is considering establishing an animal lovers association at the campus level. In a report by Sarawak Public Communications Unit (Ukas), it said the association would serve to monitor the welfare of stray animals including cats and dogs, as well as establish cooperation with local authorities. This was explained by Unimas vice-chancellor Prof Dr Ahmad Hata Rasit, who also pledged the commitment to caring for the welfare of stray animals on campus even though the institution did not offer veterinary study programmes. His remarks were made in connection with the viral news of the death of a kitten on campus, which had sparked concern and also speculations among the public. 'We do not have a veterinary faculty or programme at Unimas at the moment. 'However, that does not mean that we are giving up. We have contacted the police and the Veterinary Services Department to investigate this incident,' said Ahmad Hata when met by reporters during the Unimas Aidilfitri Open House today. According to him, the initial investigation found that the kitten died due to weak physical conditions, and not due to the cruel acts as reported. Based on witness statements and video recordings, the mother cat was seen eating the carcass of its kitten, a natural behaviour of animals in a state of stress or in a situation to avoid threats. 'Although we are not a veterinary university, we are still a university that upholds human values. 'We will not hide the facts and we will assist the investigation as best we can,' he stressed. Ahmad Hata also called upon the public not to speculate excessively based on unverified information, so that the good name of the institution and campus residents would not be tarnished due to misunderstandings. animal lovers lead Prof Dr Ahmad Hata Rasit stray cats Unimas
