Latest news with #UniversityofTechnologySarawak
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
Borneo Post
28-04-2025
- Business
- Borneo Post
Outgoing Indonesian Consul-General: Sibu an excellent model for friendship city ties, regional cooperation
Raden (second right), together with his wife Lucy (fourth left) receive a token of appreciation from Tiong (right) and Nee (third right). SIBU (April 29): Sibu serves as the best model for fostering international friendship and cooperation, said outgoing Consul-General of the Republic of Indonesia in Kuching Raden Sigit Witjaksono. Speaking at his appreciation and farewell ceremony on Sunday night, Raden said the close relationship forged between Sibu and various parties in Indonesia, including friendship city ties, demonstrated how regional cooperation can be effectively carried out. 'Sibu has become my second home and a symbol of the close ties between Indonesia and Sarawak. 'Efforts such as the collaboration between Sibu and Singkawang as well as participation in the Borneo Cultural Festival are examples of successful people-to-people relations,' he said. He emphasised that initiatives like these should be strengthened to further enhance cross-border ties between Indonesia and Malaysia, particularly in the Borneo region. Raden also highlighted other achievements throughout his three years of service, including in the areas of economy, education, healthcare, tourism, and infrastructure. 'Various cooperation projects have been initiated. This provides a strong foundation for my successor to elevate these relationships to greater heights,' he said, while expressing hopes the momentum would continue. He also touched on the potential for closer relations between Sarawak and Kalimantan, especially with the relocation of Indonesia's new capital, Nusantara, to East Kalimantan. 'The development of Nusantara will open up even more opportunities to strengthen ties not only with Sarawak, but with the whole of Borneo, including Sabah and Brunei.' Raden said the development of diplomatic relations should not only focus on the government and business levels, but must also be enhanced through people-to-people ties, such as through cultural and education programmes as well as student exchanges. He stressed that strong relations between government (G2G), business (B2B), and the people (people-to-people) are key to long-term success. 'My family and I will always cherish our memories of Sibu. If given the chance, we would love to return here, to our second home,' he said. Among those present were Raden's wife, Ibu Lucy Octavia Witjaksono and his son Farid Ryo Takashi Wicaksono; Rimbunan Hijau Group group managing director and Mafrica Group chairman Datuk Tiong Thai King; University of Technology Sarawak vice-chancellor Professor Datuk Dr Khairuddin Abd Hamid; Sibu Chinese Chamber of Commerce and Industry (SCCCI) president Datuk Lau Cheng Kiong; Rimbunan Hijau Group, Mafrica Group and Rimbunan Sawit Berhad general manager (corporate relations) Dato Thomas Tieng Mee Tung; and his wife Datin Nee Lay King.
Borneo Post
28-04-2025
- Business
- Borneo Post
‘Sibu an excellent model for friendship city ties, regional cooperation'
Raden (second right), together with his wife Lucy (fourth left) receive a token of appreciation from Tiong (right) and Nee (third right). SIBU (April 29): Sibu serves as the best model for fostering international friendship and cooperation, said outgoing Consul-General of the Republic of Indonesia in Kuching Raden Sigit Witjaksono. Speaking at his appreciation and farewell ceremony on Sunday night, Raden said the close relationship forged between Sibu and various parties in Indonesia, including friendship city ties, demonstrated how regional cooperation can be effectively carried out. 'Sibu has become my second home and a symbol of the close ties between Indonesia and Sarawak. 'Efforts such as the collaboration between Sibu and Singkawang as well as participation in the Borneo Cultural Festival are examples of successful people-to-people relations,' he said. He emphasised that initiatives like these should be strengthened to further enhance cross-border ties between Indonesia and Malaysia, particularly in the Borneo region. Raden also highlighted other achievements throughout his three years of service, including in the areas of economy, education, healthcare, tourism, and infrastructure. 'Various cooperation projects have been initiated. This provides a strong foundation for my successor to elevate these relationships to greater heights,' he said, while expressing hopes the momentum would continue. He also touched on the potential for closer relations between Sarawak and Kalimantan, especially with the relocation of Indonesia's new capital, Nusantara, to East Kalimantan. 'The development of Nusantara will open up even more opportunities to strengthen ties not only with Sarawak, but with the whole of Borneo, including Sabah and Brunei.' Raden said the development of diplomatic relations should not only focus on the government and business levels, but must also be enhanced through people-to-people ties, such as through cultural and education programmes as well as student exchanges. He stressed that strong relations between government (G2G), business (B2B), and the people (people-to-people) are key to long-term success. 'My family and I will always cherish our memories of Sibu. If given the chance, we would love to return here, to our second home,' he said. Among those present were Raden's wife, Ibu Lucy Octavia Witjaksono and his son Farid Ryo Takashi Wicaksono; Rimbunan Hijau Group group managing director and Mafrica Group chairman Datuk Tiong Thai King; University of Technology Sarawak vice-chancellor Professor Datuk Dr Khairuddin Abd Hamid; Sibu Chinese Chamber of Commerce and Industry (SCCCI) president Datuk Lau Cheng Kiong; Rimbunan Hijau Group, Mafrica Group and Rimbunan Sawit Berhad general manager (corporate relations) Dato Thomas Tieng Mee Tung; and his wife Datin Nee Lay King.
