SIBU: The green and futuristic design of the proposed University College of Technology Sarawak (UCTS) mesmerised Datuk Seri Najib Tun Razak yesterday.
The prime minister said the design could become a model for institutions of higher learning in the peninsula.
“I am already excited by just browsing through the brochure,” he said at the UCTS ground breaking ceremony at Old Airport Road here yesterday.
“I am very impressed with the design, in particular its eco design. I wish we have this in the peninsula. I think this is a very nice university, which we can all be proud of,” he continued.
Najib gave an assurance that the setting up of UCTS had the strong backing of the federal government.
The ground breaking marked a new chapter for the town as UCTS, which spans approximately 96.98 acres, is designed to provide world-class education and churn out technically skilled human resource to fuel the Sarawak Corridor of renewable Energy (SCORE).
Turning to Second Finance Minister and Minister of Local Government and Community Development Dato Sri Wong Soon Koh, Najib uttered: “Dato Sri Wong Soon Koh, we will deliver this (UCTS).”
To all parents, Najib stressed the importance of continuous investment in education.
He said one of the critical success factors (CSF) behind any state or country was equitable access to quality education through the establishment of a holistic education system.
Strong emphasis needed to be given to the development and nurturing of human capital, adding that the process must be continual.
On another matter, Najib noted the vast development taking place in Sibu, such as the new airport terminal building
and the two institutions of higher learning – Kolej Laila Taib (KLT) and UCTS.
“Many other facilities, and even the problem of floods, have been reduced. This is the commitment from the BN government.
“We will do more because the partnership works … because we come from the same family,” he said, adding that this was the kind of development that would ensure the future of the people.
Cracking a joke to get his message across on the strong partnership in BN, he said their clothes appeared similar except that the one worn by Chief Minister Pehin Sri Abdul Taib Mahmud looked trendier.
“I think Pehin Sri feels very young at heart now,” he jested as the huge crowd burst into laughter.
On a serious note, Najib said: “I would like to reiterate that this is a real partnership that can deliver meaningful change and progress for the state of Sarawak.”
UCTS, which is just a stone throw away from KLT, would be complemented by its own Technology Park which will bring about vast research and entrepreneurial opportunities through local and international collaborations.
When completed, this high-tech university will be equipped with the latest state-of-art facilities to facilitate teaching, learning, and research activities.