By Ashley Sim
KUCHING, Nov 2: Sarawak Premier Datuk Patinggi Tan Sri Abang Johari Tun Openg disclosed that a total of RM13 million has been distributed to numerous research agencies and universities in Sarawak to stimulate innovative research with the goal of producing talent and outcomes which can be commercialised.
Abang Johari also noted that, in addition to providing research support to Sarawak research agencies and universities over the last two years, the Sarawak government has also facilitated engagement with international and local networks.
“Through the Sarawak Research and Development Council (SRDC), the Sarawak government facilitates and enables a vibrant and competitive research and development ecosystem in Sarawak by providing funds, coordinating and monitoring such activities, and eventually realising such ideas into viable products that benefit the Sarawak economy, create more jobs, and make us more competitive,” he said today in his address at the Official Launch of the SRDC Research and Development (R&D) Symposium 2022, held at a local hotel here.
He said that the symposium marks the conclusion of the first funding cycle and provides opportunities for grant recipients to present their research findings and innovations to the community.
“We look forward to our industrial partners’ subsequent adoption and implementation of these research findings and innovations.
“We will continue to build upon the establishment of a competitive research culture in Sarawak and ensure that it remains strong by encouraging collaboration across disciplines,” Abang Johari asserted.
Meanwhile, during his welcoming speech, SRDC general manager and SRDC R&D Symposium 2022 organising chairman Dr Peter Morin Nissom stated, “Over the two days of the symposium, more than 200 scientists, academics, and industry partners will contribute their expertise, ideas, and valuable time.”
Also present were Deputy Premier of Sarawak Dato Sri Dr Sim Kui Hian, Minister of Education, Innovation, and Talent Development (MEITD) Sarawak Datuk Roland Sagah Wee Inn, MEITD Sarawak (Higher Education and Innovation) deputy minister Dr Annuar Rapaee, and MEITD Sarawak (Talent Development) deputy minister Datuk Francis Harden Hollis. — DayakDaily
