By DayakDaily Team
KUCHING, April 23: A five-year strategic collaboration between the Public Works Department (JKR) Sarawak and Swinburne University of Technology Sarawak Campus is set to strengthen talent development by placing strong emphasis on providing students with direct industry exposure, effectively bridging the gap between academic learning and the real needs of the construction and infrastructure sectors in Sarawak.
According to Sarawak Public Communication Unit (Ukas), the partnership, formalised through the signing of a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU), aims to expand opportunities in industrial training, research, and professional development, particularly for students.
The MoU signing ceremony was officiated by Swinburne Sarawak Pro Vice-Chancellor and chief executive officer Ir Professor Lau Hieng Ho together with JKR Sarawak director Datu Ir Cassidy Morris, at the university’s campus on Wednesday (April 22).
Cassidy emphasised that the collaboration reflects a shared commitment to strengthening ties between academic institutions and government technical agencies, particularly in advancing research and studies related to the construction industry.
“Through this MoU, we aim to explore research and studies that benefit both parties and are aligned with industry needs.
“As a large department, JKR Sarawak is also well-positioned to offer practical training opportunities to students, while further enhancing existing collaboration,” he said when met by the media after the signing ceremony.
However, he noted that placements for industrial training will be offered on a selective basis, depending on the department’s capacity and requirements.
“We are unable to accommodate a large number of students at any one time. Assessments will be conducted to ensure candidates meet the necessary criteria, but we remain committed to providing opportunities for Swinburne students to gain valuable experience with JKR Sarawak,” he added.
Cassidy also revealed that a proposal is being considered to introduce the Sarawak JKR Industry Award to recognise outstanding students, as part of efforts to nurture and celebrate emerging talent.
“This proposal is still under discussion with Swinburne. We see strong potential in recognising high-achieving students and encouraging excellence in related fields,” he said.
Beyond training, both parties are also looking to undertake joint research and pilot studies to address infrastructure challenges, with a focus on integrating Environmental, Social and Governance (ESG) elements at every stage of project development.
The MoU further paves the way for professional development initiatives, including webinars, training programmes, and knowledge-sharing between Swinburne Sarawak and JKR Sarawak’s network of professional consultants.
Overall, the collaboration marks a significant step towards producing highly skilled, industry-ready graduates, in line with Sarawak’s broader aspirations for sustainable development. — DayakDaily
