Latest news with #Sagah
Borneo Post
29-05-2025
- Politics
- Borneo Post
Over 10,000 expected at Yang di-Pertuan Agong's birthday celebration in Limbang
(Seated, from left) Unos, Dr Abdul Rahman, Sagah and others hold the event promotional poster during the press conference. MIRI (May 29): More than 10,000 visitors from Sarawak, Sabah, Brunei, and the Federal Territory of Labuan are expected to enliven the official celebration of the 17th Yang di-Pertuan Agong's Birthday in Sarawak, which will be held in Limbang from June 11 to June 15. Minister in-charge of the event, Dato Sri Roland Sagah Wee Inn, at a press conference today said the Limbang Division has been chosen as the host for this year's celebration. He said the event is hosted by a different division each year to promote awareness of the monarchy's significance among all levels of Sarawakian society. 'We are giving every division in Sarawak, including Limbang, the opportunity to host the official celebration of the Yang di-Pertuan Agong's Birthday. This year, Limbang was selected to give its people a chance to understand the significance and importance of the monarchy institution. 'In the context of unity, the Yang di-Pertuan Agong is a symbol of strength for our country's ethnic diversity and serves as a balance for justice and welfare among Malaysians,' said Sagah. Sagah, who is also the State Minister of Education, Innovation, and Talent Development, said various exciting programmes will be held throughout the five-day celebration. Among the highlights are Interfaith Thanksgiving Ceremony at the Limbang Civic Centre (June 11), 'Raja Kita' Exhibition at the Limbang Civic Centre (June 12 to 15), Special Sermons at all mosques in Sarawak (June 13), Thanksgiving Ceremony at the Jannatul Firdaus Mosque, Limbang at 6pm (June 13), and Tea Reception at the Limbang Civic Center (June 14). There will also be side events such as Limbang Kitchen, Limbang Idol, and more. Also present at the press conference were the Deputy Minister in the Sarawak Premier's Department (Project Coordinator for Regional Development Agencies, Kuching North City Hall and Islamic Affairs) Datuk Dr Abdul Rahman Junaidi and Limbang Resident Unos Tambi. birthday celebration limbang Yang di-Pertuan Agong
Borneo Post
27-05-2025
- Health
- Borneo Post
Sagah: Disease surveillance programme in Ulu Undop out to boost health preparedness in Sarawak
Dato Sri Roland Sagah Wee Inn – Photo by Chimon Upon KUCHING (May 27): The Sarawak Infectious Disease Centre (SIDC) has begun a disease surveillance programme in Ulu Undop, marking a significant milestone in Sarawak's efforts in strengthening its health preparedness and response mechanisms. In this regard, Minister for Education, Innovation and Talent Development Sarawak Dato Sri Roland Sagah Wee Inn hailed the Ulu Undop move as the first of several planned initiatives under SIDC, with two additional sites in Kuching expected to be launched later this year. 'This is part of our broader strategy to enhance early detection and response, especially in rural and vulnerable areas,' he said in his winding-up speech at the DUN sitting yesterday. It is also informed that in tandem with its surveillance efforts, SIDC is also piloting latent tuberculosis diagnosis in high-risk areas as a precursor to the Sarawak Tuberculosis Elimination Programme (STEP). Adding on, Sagah said construction of the SIDC facility in Samarahan, which kicked off in March last year, was progressing on schedule. On the international front, he said the SIDC had signed several memoranda of understanding (MoUs) on May 6 with the University of Edinburgh, the ROSE Foundation (based at Universiti Malaya), Universiti Malaysia Sarawak (Unimas), and other global partners to advance research in diagnostics, 'One Health', human papillomavirus (HPV) self-sampling, and also potential vaccine development. 'SIDC also launched the Ali Wallace Joint Research and Training Centre with Murdoch University,' said the Tarat assemblyman, adding that 10 SIDC staff members wold undergo training in Australia, with four Murdoch researchers currently being based in Sarawak. 'Two PhD slots have also been allocated to SIDC under this partnership, with Murdoch supporting the Centre's AI-enabled ICT design.' Sagah also highlighted SIDC's collaboration with the Department of Veterinary Services to deploy portable genome sequencing to monitor African Swine Fever Virus and also to bolster biosecurity in the pork industry. 'These strategic partnerships, both local and international, reaffirm Sarawak's commitment to being at the forefront of infectious disease research and public health innovation,' he pointed out. healthcare Roland Sagah Wee Inn Sarawak Infectious Disease Centre
The Star
27-05-2025
- Business
- The Star
First state-level test in Oct
KUCHING: Year Six pupils in Sarawak will sit for the state's inaugural Ujian Penilaian Dual Language Programme (UPDLP) on Oct 15 and 16, says state Education, Innovation and Talent Development Minister Datuk Seri Roland Sagah. He said the UPDLP is a standardised assessment for Year Six and Form Three students taking the dual language programme in Sarawak, covering the three core subjects of Science, Mathematics and English. 'The examination papers for these subjects are developed by our local expert teachers, ensuring they are tailored to the programme's specific needs and context. 'Crucially, all examination papers will also be thoroughly vetted and verified by Cambridge University Press and Assessment (CUP&A). This rigorous process guarantees that the assessments meet international standards,' he said in his winding-up speech at the Sarawak legislative assembly yesterday. Sagah said Swinburne Innovation Malaysia (SWIM) signed a contract service agreement with CUP&A in Cambridge, England, on April 30 to formalise the international partnership. 'This initiative is a collaborative effort by my ministry, the Education Ministry, the state Education Department, SWIM and our state-owned universities. 'It underscores our commitment to ensuring the standard of education in Sarawak continues to meet global standards,' he added. On Sarawak's free tertiary education scheme (FTES), Sagah said it would benefit 10,000 eligible Sarawakian students when it starts next year. He said the scheme, which was approved by the state government in March, is estimated to cost RM300mil in its first year. 'The FTES will first focus on undergraduate degrees in STEM-related fields, law, medicine, accounting, finance and psychology. 'However, other financial assistance is available in the form of scholarships or loans provided by Yayasan Sarawak to cater for any other courses, so nobody is left out,' Sagah said. To a question by Chong Chieng Jen (DAP-Padungan), who sought clarification on why the scheme is not offered for all courses, Sagah said FTES is still in its initial stage. 'We must spend wisely, and we also look at the talents required by the state in the next few years. 'It doesn't mean that now we offer it for these courses and stop at that,' he added.
Borneo Post
27-05-2025
- Health
- Borneo Post
'Disease surveillance programme in Ulu Undop out to boost health preparedness in Sarawak'
Dato Sri Roland Sagah Wee Inn – Photo by Chimon Upon KUCHING (May 27): The Sarawak Infectious Disease Centre (SIDC) has begun a disease surveillance programme in Ulu Undop, marking a significant milestone in Sarawak's efforts in strengthening its health preparedness and response mechanisms. In this regard, Minister for Education, Innovation and Talent Development Sarawak Dato Sri Roland Sagah Wee Inn hailed the Ulu Undop move as the first of several planned initiatives under SIDC, with two additional sites in Kuching expected to be launched later this year. 'This is part of our broader strategy to enhance early detection and response, especially in rural and vulnerable areas,' he said in his winding-up speech at the DUN sitting yesterday. It is also informed that in tandem with its surveillance efforts, SIDC is also piloting latent tuberculosis diagnosis in high-risk areas as a precursor to the Sarawak Tuberculosis Elimination Programme (STEP). Adding on, Sagah said construction of the SIDC facility in Samarahan, which kicked off in March last year, was progressing on schedule. On the international front, he said the SIDC had signed several memoranda of understanding (MoUs) on May 6 with the University of Edinburgh, the ROSE Foundation (based at Universiti Malaya), Universiti Malaysia Sarawak (Unimas), and other global partners to advance research in diagnostics, 'One Health', human papillomavirus (HPV) self-sampling, and also potential vaccine development. 'SIDC also launched the Ali Wallace Joint Research and Training Centre with Murdoch University,' said the Tarat assemblyman, adding that 10 SIDC staff members wold undergo training in Australia, with four Murdoch researchers currently being based in Sarawak. 'Two PhD slots have also been allocated to SIDC under this partnership, with Murdoch supporting the Centre's AI-enabled ICT design.' Sagah also highlighted SIDC's collaboration with the Department of Veterinary Services to deploy portable genome sequencing to monitor African Swine Fever Virus and also to bolster biosecurity in the pork industry. 'These strategic partnerships, both local and international, reaffirm Sarawak's commitment to being at the forefront of infectious disease research and public health innovation,' he pointed out. healthcare Roland Sagah Wee Inn Sarawak Infectious Disease Centre
Borneo Post
26-05-2025
- Business
- Borneo Post
As June 1 submission deadline draws closer, 55 pct students eligible for Sarawak's Special Financial Assistance yet to apply for aid
Photo for illustration purposes only. — Photo by Armin Rimoldi/Pexels KUCHING (May 26): Sarawak's Special Financial Assistance (BKK) initiative has received just over 27,000 applications, said Dato Sri Roland Sagah Wee Inn. The Education, Innovation and Talent Development Minister said based on the ministry's estimation, as of May 24, there are 60,220 students eligible for the RM1,200 pocket money. 'As of May 24, 2025, a total of 27,033 students have submitted their applications. 'I would like to give notice to all eligible students that the closing date for the application is on June 1, 2025,' he said during the State Legislative Assembly (DUN) Sitting here today. In delivering his ministerial winding-up speech, Sagah said every Sarawakian studying at tertiary institutions across the country are entitled to the annual pocket money, regardless of household income. 'This initiative is not just about easing the burden of daily expenses. It enables our students to focus on their studies, to dream bigger, and to move forward without the weight of financial worries,' he said pointing out the initiative is also an investment in social mobility, economic prosperity, and a more equitable society. On the free laptop and book voucher initiatives, Sagah said the state government has distributed 9,581 laptops and 3,015 book vouchers to eligible students in all tertiary institutions in Malaysia. 'This year, we expect more students will benefit this scheme. In collaboration with Yayasan Sarawak, our implementing agency, we will be enhancing our promotional efforts and engagement activities to ensure that more members of the public are aware of the educational assistance available to students.' He said the assistance is open to all Sarawakians, studying full-time at any public or private higher learning institution recognised by the Ministry of Higher Education across the country. 'It is meant for students from families with a per capita income of RM1,500 or below per month. 'For the free laptop, applicants must also be in their first year of study, to help them start their studies with the right tools,' he said, adding that all applicants must be registered in the My-Yayasan system.
