Unimas challenged to develop curricula for Sarawak’s needs

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Taib (fifth left) with Unimas’ top graduates. Also seen are (from left) Kadim, Adenan, and (from seventh left) Deputy Chief Minister Datuk Patinggi Tan Sri Alfred Jabu Numpang and Unimas board of directors chairman Datu Dr Hatta Solhi.

KUCHING: Universiti Malaysia Sarawak (Unimas) has been challenged to proactively and aggressively develop new curricula to meet the needs of industry and the state government in the next decade.

Head of State Tun Pehin Sri Abdul Taib Mahmud stressed that taking steps to stay ahead is crucial to prepare Unimas as the region’s prestigious education excellence hub.

“This will also have a positive impact on other institutions across Sarawak,” he said during Unimas’ 18th Convocation Ceremony yesterday.

“More importantly, this in turn will elevate the university’s position at the national and international levels.”

Taib pointed out that the delivery of new academic programmes must be contemporary, fulfilling and effective in meeting the needs of Sarawak, in particular, and Malaysia, in general.

Adenan (left) receives his appointment as Unimas pro-chancellor from Taib. — Photos by Muhammad Rais Sanusi

He urged Unimas to act more systematically and wisely in continuing academic and research excellence in order to ensure it continues to grow and improve.

“This certainly requires a cohesive action towards improving academic qualifications and diversifying research fields that can attract students, academic staff as well as strengthening the network of smart strategic partnerships with industry players of calibre,” he said.

“There is still space for improvements. This institution has an important position in the development agenda and the development of high level human capital in the future.”

Meanwhile, Unimas vice-chancellor Prof Datuk Dr Mohamad Kadim Suaidi said student enrolment has surpassed the target of 15,000 for next year.

Taib (right) presents the Honorary Doctorate of Human Development Award to Abang Salahuddin.

“This year, we saw 4,085 new students enrolled for the September Session 2014/2015 intake. With the new intake, the total number of students has increased to 16,452, far exceeding the initial target,” he said.

Kadim said Unimas is currently planning to create an Integrated Learning Centre for Lifelong Learning and Graduate Programmes in the Klang Valley, Integrated Learning Centre in Sibu and Unimas SCORE (Sarawak Corridor of Renewable Energy) Research Centre in Mukah’s Smart Town.

“Unimas will continue with its efforts to further grow the university according to the country’s current development and progress,” he said.

During the first day of ceremonies yesterday, Chief Minister Datuk Patinggi Tan Sri Adenan Satem was appointed Unimas pro-chancellor.

The Honorary Doctorate of Human Development was awarded to former Head of State Tun Datuk Patinggi Abang Muhammad Salahuddin Abang Barieng, while the Honorary Doctorate of Creative and Applied Arts was awarded to architect Hijjas Kasturi.

The convocation over three days will see 3,240 graduates at doctorate, postgraduate and undergraduate level receive their qualifications.

Taib (right) presents the Honorary Doctorate of Creative and Applied Arts Award to Hijjas Kasturi.

Some of the graduates all ears at the convocation ceremony.