Dr Annuar (front, fourth right), with Leunig on his right and Dr Suhaili (front, left) join the colloquium speakers and participants in a photo-call at Curtin Malaysia Campus in Miri.
MIRI (Dec 3): The Sarawak government is out to seek research-backed innovation solutions to meet future challenges across the board.
In stating this, Minister for Education, Innovation and Talent Development Sarawak Dato Sri Roland Sagah Wee Inn hailed this approach, undertaken in collaboration with institutions of higher learning (IPTs), as ‘creating a sustainable, innovative and prosperous state’.
This was highlighted in his opening remarks for the inaugural ‘Konsortium Universiti Universitas Borneo (KUUB) Postgraduate Research Colloquium’, which took place at the lecture hall of the Faculty of Engineering of Curtin University Malaysia here today.
Sagah’s text-of-speech was read out by the deputy minister Datuk Dr Annuar Rapaee.
“For Sarawak, this colloquium aligns perfectly with the state’s development priorities under the Post-Covid-19 Development Strategy (PCDS) 2030.
“Our focus on creating a sustainable, innovative and prosperous Sarawak requires solutions grounded in research, whether in energy, biodiversity, agriculture, technology, or education.
“By fostering collaborations across the KUUB member institutions, Sarawak looked forward to the capacity of universities being enhanced towards contributing to these goals.
“Borneo, as a region, holds unique opportunities for ground-breaking research in biodiversity, environmental conservation, renewable energy, and sustainable development.
“The outcomes of this colloquium will not only benefit our local communities, but will also position Borneo as a hub for innovation and research excellence within Asean,” said Sagah in his speech.
Meanwhile, Curtin Malaysia pro vice-chancellor, president and chief executive Prof Simon Leunig regarded the colloquium as ‘an important milestone; the inaugural platform for fostering knowledge-sharing and innovation among researchers from Borneo and the wider region’.
Themed ‘Transforming Borneo into a Global Sustainability Axis’, the three-day programme underscores a vision for sustainable development that harmonises economic progress, environmental stewardship and social inclusivity.
Underscoring the spirit of collaboration signified through this colloquium, Leunig said: “We stand at a critical juncture where the pursuit of sustainability has become not just an aspiration, but also an urgent necessity.
“The theme of this colloquium is a call to action, urging each of us to be agents of innovation and change.”
Leunig also said the keynote speakers representing Brunei, Indonesia, Malaysia and Australia would share their expertise with the participants; thus, sparking fresh perspectives and inspiring transformative ideas.
“Their insights are important in navigating complex global issues such as climate change, resource scarcity, and economic inequities.”
Also present were Miri Mayor Adam Yii, and Dr Suhaili Mustafa who represented KUUB chairman Prof Shahrul Razid Sarbini at the event.
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