SIBU: University College of Technology Sarawak (UCTS) aims to become a widely recognised technical university by 2030, said its vice chancellor Professor Datuk Dr Khairuddin Abdul Hamid.
“UCTS is working towards elevating itself from a university college to that of a full fledged university,” said Khairuddin when speaking at UCTS’ inaugural Sarawak Innovation and Technology Exhibition 2018 (Saintex’18) here yesterday.
“For that, UCTS has established cooperation with several well-known universities in the United Kingdom (Essex, Birmingham, Portsmouth), Australia (Murdoch, Adelaide) and New Zealand (Canterbury) besides China, Taiwan and Indonesia.
“This includes intensifying research activities, negotiation apart from professional training and organised various programmes with government agencies, industries as well as local community to strengthen rapport and give exposure to students on issues faced by communities outside the campus in particular, rural and the hinterlands,” he said.
He added: “At UCTS, we believe higher education these days requires integrated approach encompassing the field of academic, technical skills and vocational or TVET (technical and vocational education training).
Khairuddin said Saintex’18 provides opportunity to students, youths and individuals in the local community to showcase their innovative ideas, creative products and new inventions which have can be commercialised.
“Saintex’18 also doubles as a platform to create awareness and interest among students on science, technology, engineering and mathematics (STEM) and the younger generation to gain experience and appreciate the innovative culture.”
Some 30 teams from higher education institutions, skill training centres and colleges across Sarawak, Kuala Lumpur, Penang and Sabah are taking part in the innovative competition divided into two categories – “product” produced from research activities and “grassroot” invented from innovation to benefit the people.
On STEM playground (Aug 11–12), Khairuddin said its activities were to inculcate interest in science and technology among students.
The Sarawak government has given an allocation of RM50,000 to organise the event. Also contributing and giving their support were Ministry of Education, Science and Technological Research Sarawak, Tabung Ekonomi Gagasan Anak Bumiputera Sarawak (Tegas), Sarawak Multimedia Authority (SMA) and Yayasan Sarawak.
Tegas is the main organiser for the STEM Playground in collaboration with UCTS STEM group.
Minister of International Trade and E-Commerce and Second Finance Minister Dato Sri Wong Soon Koh represented Chief Minister Datuk Patinggi Abang Johari Tun Openg to officiate at the opening ceremony.