CM: Unimas main mover in digital economy push

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Abang Johari (second right), Jabu (second left), Mohamad Kadim (right) and Sulong (left) prepare for the Chancellor March-in. — Photos by Chimon Upon

KUCHING: Public institutions such as Universiti Malaysia Sarawak (Unimas) complement the Sarawak government’s efforts in developing the state towards digital economy, Chief Minister Datuk Patinggi Abang Johari Tun Openg said.

He said Unimas, along with its contributions, play a big role in guiding the state towards digital economy, hence why the institution was trusted by the government to be the coordinator of the Sarawak Centre of Excellence (CoE).

“Unimas acts as the main mover to enable research and technology development activities, which are carried out holistically to support the digital economy sector.

“It cannot be denied that the relationship between the state government and Unimas is one of the backbones in our efforts to turn our goal of achieving a developed-state status by 2030,” Abang Johari said in his address during the university’s 23rd convocation ceremony, here yesterday.

Abang Johari, who is also Unimas pro-chancellor, added that the government was actively carrying out various initiatives to empower the digital economy, which has been one of the main development policies for the state since 2017.

“Sarawak’s digital economy development needs to have a 5G axis which is capable of real-time to ensure our economy is truly ready to undergo the transformation to the digital economy.

“It should also be capable of providing an interesting ecosystem to investors and players in the digital economy, and needs to have a strong and lasting foundation in terms of talent development and human resources,” he said, adding that an education system with a focus on Science, Technology, Engineering and Mathematics (STEM) was imperative.

Happy graduates celebrate by throwing their graduation caps after receiving their scrolls yesterday.

Yesterday was the final session of the convocation ceremony, which saw 1,704 students from the Faculty of Cognitive Science and Human Development, and the Faculty of Applied and Creative Arts, receive their scrolls.

Also present were Unimas pro-chancellor II Datuk Patinggi Tan Sri Alfred Jabu Numpang, Unimas vice-chancellor Professor Datuk Dr Mohamad Kadim Suaidi and Unimas Board of Directors chairman Tan Sri Datuk Seri Panglima Sulong Matjeraie.