Latest news with #UniversityofTechnologySarawak
Borneo Post
09-08-2025
- Business
- Borneo Post
UTS enhances student safety with two new shuttle mini buses
(From fourth left) Dr Annuar, Khairuddin, Goh, Jimmy and others pose with the new mini bus. – Photo by Peter Boon SIBU (Aug 9): University of Technology Sarawak (UTS) remains committed to ensuring students' safety, as demonstrated by the introduction of two Co-star mini buses, each with 28 seats, for shuttle services. State Deputy Minister of Education, Innovation and Talent Development, Datuk Dr Annuar Rapaee said the vehicles were acquired by the state government to accommodate the university's growing student population of about 4,000. 'As you are all well aware, safety issues affecting students have been widely reported. Relying on Grab daily can also place financial strain on them. 'Many of our students live in residential areas near the campus. While we already have a large bus for student transportation, some roads in these neighbourhoods are too narrow for it to navigate. 'Therefore, the delivery of the two 28-seater Co-star mini buses is timely in ensuring students arrive at UTS promptly and safely for their lectures,' said Dr Annuar, who is also UTS chairman. He expressed hope that the university would arrange frequent shuttle services at scheduled times, allowing students to plan their travel conveniently. He was speaking after witnessing the symbolic handover of the two mini buses to UTS from Huong Seng Motor Trading Sdn Bhd at Jalan Ding Lik Kong here yesterday. He reiterated the state's assurance of providing a safe and conducive study environment for UTS students. 'We want to highlight that UTS is not only offering quality education but also prioritising student safety,' stressed the Nangka assemblyman. He also assured parents that UTS offers adequate facilities and strong academic support, noting that this initiative is part of the university's strategy to enhance its range of facilities and attract more students. Over the next few years, he said he would work closely with the university's management to prioritise infrastructure improvements, particularly the construction of a new hostel and the upgrading of food services through a better cafeteria. 'These aspects are crucial as we aim to prevent students from being burdened by accommodation or meals issues, which could hinder their studies,' he added. Meanwhile, Huong Seng Motor Trading Sdn Bhd managing director Kapitan Goh Kee Seng thanked UTS for its support and trust, adding that the delivery of the Co-star mini buses was the company's way of contributing to education.' Also present were UTS vice-chancellor Prof Datuk Dr Khairuddin Abd Hamid and registrar Jimmy De Rozario. Dr Annuar Rapaee lead mini buses UTS
Borneo Post
01-07-2025
- Business
- Borneo Post
Sarawak eyes 1,500MW solar energy production by 2030
File photo for illustration purposes SIBU (July 1): Sarawak aims to achieve a solar energy production capacity of 1,500 megawatts (MW) by 2030, said Minister of Utility and Telecommunications Dato Sri Julaihi Narawi. He disclosed that the Murum and Bakun dams have been identified as potential sites for future floating solar projects, and added that several keen investors had also been identified. 'The floating solar project at the Batang Ai Dam, with a 50MW capacity, has been operational since December 2024. 'The success of this project has opened up opportunities for the development of other Large Scale Solar (LSS) projects, including floating solar at the Batang Ai, Bakun and Murum dams,' he said. He said this when met by reporters after a ceremony to hand over the accreditation certificate to University of Technology Sarawak (UTS) as the certified Training and Examination Centre for Solar Photovoltaic System Design, here yesterday. In this regard, Julaihi said active participation from the private sector and the public is strongly encouraged to ensure that this target is achieved, thereby strengthening collective efforts toward a clean, safe, and competitive energy future. Additionally, he said the Sarawak government is targeting an electricity generation capacity of 10,000MW by 2030. 'As of now, the total energy we are generating stands at 5,898MW compared to the current demand of 4,897MW.' In his speech earlier, he mentioned that with a generation mix consisting of at least 60 per cent from renewable energy sources like hydro, solar, and biomass, this goal is part of the efforts to achieve Sarawak's aspiration of becoming the 'Battery of Asean'. Julaihi also shared about the Additional and Late Applicant Fund (Alaf) projects under the 12th Malaysia Plan, where the Sarawak government had set aside RM315 million for its implementation. He said from Phase 1 to Phase 4, which is still ongoing, Alaf has benefitted over 21,000 households. 'The Sarawak government has approved RM550 million under the 13th Malaysia Plan to continue implementing Alaf projects, which are expected to benefit over 30,000 rural households,' he added. He also touched on how the amendment to the Electricity Ordinance 2023 has appointed Sarawak Energy as the Single Buyer. 'This amendment aims to facilitate the development and private sector investment in energy generation through renewable sources such as LSS, including floating solar at the Batang Ai Dam.' floating solar project julaihi narawi lead solar energy
Borneo Post
18-05-2025
- Business
- Borneo Post
Abg Jo: Sarawak govt to fund full-time undergraduate studies for S'wakian workers
Abang Johari speaks during the press conference while joined by Dr Sim (seated right), Gerawat (seated left), Abu Bakar (third left), Yii (second right) and others. – Photo by Jude Toyat KUCHING (May 18): Sarawakian workers who wish to pursue full-time undergraduate studies will have the opportunity to do so next year, said Premier Datuk Patinggi Tan Sri Abang Johari Tun Openg. He said the Sarawak government will fully sponsor higher education for eligible Sarawakians who choose to enrol in state-owned higher learning institutions as part of its broader goal to strengthen human capital through lifelong learning. 'We are serious about building our talent pool, which is why we are investing in free higher education for our people starting in 2026. 'I am not making empty promises. I have already secured the funds for this initiative and the Sarawak government will pay for the education. 'All you need to do is just focus on studying to upgrade your skills,' he said when officiating the Sarawak-level Workers' Day celebration at Hikmah Exchange Convention Centre here today. In addition to providing free tertiary education to students starting next year, Abang Johari said the state government has decided to allow working individuals or those who have been previously in the workforce to return for full-time studies. The state-owned higher learning institutions in Sarawak are Swinburne University of Technology Sarawak Campus, Curtin University Malaysia, University of Technology Sarawak, i-CATS University College and Centre for Technology Excellence Sarawak. Later at a press conference, the Premier explained that financial support will be provided as long as the applicants meet the basic eligibility criteria namely that they must hold the 'K' status in their MyKad to prove that they are Sarawakians, be enrolled as full-time students, and are accepted to pursue their studies at the higher-learning institution. 'Yes, the education will be completely free. As long as the applicant is accepted by the university and registered as a full-time student, we will cover the costs. 'There is no age limit. Even if you are 60 years old, you can still apply, as long as you have the 'K' status,' he confirmed. He, however, noted that this initiative does not extend to those who wish to pursue Distance Learning (PJJ). 'PJJ is not covered. It must be full-time studies. If you are working and wish to study part-time through PJJ, it will not be covered. 'We are focusing on those who wish to commit to studying full-time,' he stressed. Also present were Deputy Premier Datuk Amar Dr Sim Kui Hian, State Secretary State Datuk Amar Mohamad Abu Bakar Marzuki, Deputy Minister in the Premier's Department (Labour, Immigration and Project Monitoring) Datuk Gerawat Gala, and Bandar Kuching MP Dr Kelvin Yii. abang johari lead sarawakian sponsor undergraduate studies workers
Borneo Post
13-05-2025
- Business
- Borneo Post
Abg Jo: Sarawak-owned universities to introduce engineering degree in construction management, free for eligible Sarawakians
Abang Johari delivers his speech at ICW Borneo. – Photo by Chimon Upon KUCHING (May 13): The Sarawak government will introduce the Bachelor of Engineering in Construction Management at Sarawak-owned universities beginning next year, said Premier Datuk Patinggi Tan Sri Abang Johari Tun Openg. 'This is a new discipline where we will provide education in the field of construction and construction management,' he told reporters after launching International Construction Week (ICW) Borneo here today. He explained that the course is in line with the state's push for a low carbon industry, as construction is one of the sectors that contributes to carbon emissions. 'We need to find new methods, such as using green materials, and also implement low carbon footprint approaches in the building industry. 'For instance, the use of Building Information Modelling (BIM) will help achieve this,' he said. Abang Johari added that eligible Sarawakians can pursue the course at no cost. 'Next year, we will send our students who are eligible to study in our universities under the free tertiary education,' he said. Abang Johari said the Bachelor of Engineering in Construction Management is among the first disciplines of its kind introduced in Borneo and will be offered at University of Technology Sarawak (UTS) and Swinburne University of Technology Sarawak. 'UTS in Sibu and Swinburne are ready. iCATS is not yet ready. By next year, we will start,' he added.
Borneo Post
29-04-2025
- General
- Borneo Post
UTS hosts ‘Jom Berambeh' to celebrate multicultural spirit
Khairuddin (third left) tries his hands at the blowpipe, as a gimmick to launch the event. SIBU (April 29): The University of Technology Sarawak (UTS) Staff Recreational Club hosted a 'Jom Berambeh' programme at its campus today to mark the celebration of three major cultural festivities in Sarawak ― Chinese New Year, Hari Raya Aidilfitri, and Gawai Dayak. UTS vice-chancellor Prof Datuk Dr Khairuddin Ab Hamid, when officiating at the event, said the gathering served as a reflection of the unity and harmony among Sarawak's multi-ethnic society, particularly for the benefit of foreign staff at the university. 'This gathering is important as we spend a great deal of time together on campus as colleagues,' he said. Khairuddin also expressed hope that the spirit of cooperation and mutual respect would continue to flourish among the staff. 'Let us carry out our duties with intergrity and refrain from workplace gossip,' he added. About 200 UTS staff members attended the event, which was themed 'Uniting Cultures: Chinese New Year, Eid Mubarak and Gawai Dayak'. Also present during the celebration was Sibu police chief ACP Zulkipli Suhaili. education Khairuddin Ab Hamid multi-ethnic University of Technology Sarawak
