KUCHING: Universiti Malaysia Sarawak (Unimas) should be made a centre and reference point for Borneo-related studies by researchers from all over the world.
This suggestion came from Unimas deputy chancellor (Alumni and Student Affairs) Prof Mohd Fadzil Abdul Rahman who said faculties in the university had links to issues on Borneo as its students had conducted research and studies on varied subjects, especially of local interest.
“There are subjects on Sarawak which can be researched and I am sure Unimas has the capacity to be the main source of reference, especially to foreigners,” said Fadzil.
He was speaking at Dialogue Sarawak themed ‘Unimas with Majlis Profesor Negara, industries and local communities’ at Dewan DeTAR Putra Unimas yesterday.
Fadzil said the diversity in Sarawak, especially in terms of natural resources and nature, was interesting for researchers.
“Effort should be made to encourage more foreign scholars to visit Sarawak, and explore what it has to offer in terms of academic research,” he added.
On another matter, Fadzil urged panelists and participants of discussion not to be philosophically and ideologically driven as a dialogue session is “a great opportunity to raise issues and discuss or find solutions, and where we need to learn to accept the opinions of others”.
Earlier National Professor Council (MPN) Natural Resources and Environment cluster head Prof Emeritus Datuk Dr Ibrahim Komoo said Sarawak was chosen for its diversified natural and environmental issues.
“As the largest state in Malaysia, Sarawak has various challenges, especially socio-economic and environmental development,” he said.
The dialogue session would later be held in Sabah, Pahang, Johor and Selangor.