Letter to the Editor
By Ts Dr Muhammad Khusairy Bakri
Universities in Sarawak have long held the potential to become a hub for cutting-edge research and development in Malaysia. With an influx of talented students and a growing number of faculty members, the university is primed to contribute to the nation’s progress, especially in key industries such as agriculture, energy, environmental science, and technology. Yet, despite its strategic position, universities in Sarawak face a significant and debilitating challenge—its lack of adequate research facilities. The absence of modern, high-quality equipment has forced the university to borrow resources from other institutions, hampering its ability to foster innovation and stunting its growth as a competitive educational institution. Currently, most of the universities do not have a proper budget to maintain the equipment ended up becoming just visual presentations for students.
This reality not only undermines the aspirations of universities in Sarawak but also limits the academic and professional potential of its students and researchers. How can we expect our students to contribute meaningfully to global scientific dialogue if they do not have the necessary tools to conduct research? How can we elevate the university to international standards if it continues to rely on external facilities for basic academic tasks? In a time when education is increasingly being recognized as a fundamental right, the authorities must take immediate and decisive action to equip universities in Sarawak with 5-star class research facilities, as part of a broader vision for free and equitable education in Malaysia. This article seeks to question the status quo, urging stakeholders to consider how vital these facilities are for the future of education and research in Sarawak.
At present, universities in Sarawak operate with an alarming scarcity of high-quality research equipment. While the university has no shortage of brilliant minds and ambitious projects, the infrastructure needed to support cutting-edge research is woefully inadequate. Researchers are frequently forced to seek collaborations with institutions elsewhere in Malaysia, or even abroad, to gain access to advanced laboratory tools and technology. This situation not only delays research projects but also compromises the quality of the work being done. How can universities in Sarawak produce groundbreaking discoveries when they must rely on the goodwill of external partners to complete even the most basic experiments? Issues will arise in the form of who will end up holding the patents and licensing.
Borrowing equipment from other institutions may provide a temporary solution, but it raises several concerns. For one, it places universities in Sarawak in a subordinate position, dependent on external parties for the success of their research. More troubling, it creates an uneven playing field for students and researchers who must work around the schedules and priorities of other institutions. Furthermore, the logistical and financial burden of transporting samples, coordinating research activities, and complying with other institutions’ rules and regulations only adds to the complexity of the situation. Should not our university—one that aspires to lead in the fields of science, technology, and innovation—have the autonomy and resources to chart its course?
The lack of state-of-the-art research equipment at universities in Sarawak has far-reaching consequences, not only for the institution itself but also for the state of Sarawak and Malaysia as a whole. At a time when nations around the world are doubling down on research and development to address global challenges as well as turning into industrial research university status, Malaysia risks falling behind if its universities are not empowered to innovate and are still stuck with conventional research universities. This is especially true for Sarawak, a state rich in natural resources and biodiversity, which holds immense potential for scientific discovery. How can Sarawak fully harness its unique strengths if its flagship university is unable to conduct cutting-edge research?
The effects of inadequate research facilities are already evident in the performance of Universities in Sarawak’s students and faculty. Promising young researchers, who should be at the forefront of innovation, are discouraged by the lack of opportunities to work with advanced technology. Many of them opt to pursue their academic careers abroad, where universities are better equipped to support their ambitions. This brain drain is a loss not only for Sarawak but for Malaysia as a whole. If the authorities do not take immediate steps to address the shortcomings in research infrastructure, we risk losing a generation of talented scientists, engineers, and innovators.
Moreover, the reputation of universities in Sarawak is at stake. In today’s competitive academic landscape, a university’s standing is closely tied to the quality and impact of its research. Universities that lack the necessary resources to produce high-quality research quickly fall behind their peers, both nationally and internationally. Universities in Sarawak cannot rely on other campuses abroad in terms of ranking as well reputation. This, in turn, affects the university’s ability to attract top-tier students, faculty, and research grants. How can universities in Sarawak hope to compete on the global stage if it does not have the tools to produce world-class research?
Investing in 5-star class research facilities is not a luxury; it is a necessity for any university that aspires to be a leader in science, technology, and innovation. Modern research requires state-of-the-art equipment capable of performing complex and highly precise tasks. From advanced microscopy and imaging technologies to high-performance computing systems, today’s researchers need access to a wide range of tools to conduct their work effectively. Without these resources, it is impossible to carry out the kind of high-impact research that can lead to scientific breakthroughs, technological innovations, and new business opportunities.
However, the need for 5-star research facilities goes beyond the requirements of the researchers themselves. It also reflects the broader societal role that universities play in driving economic growth and social progress. In an increasingly knowledge-based economy, universities are key engines of innovation. They provide the research and development that fuels new industries, creates jobs, and improves the quality of life for all citizens. By investing in cutting-edge research facilities, the authorities would be laying the foundation for Sarawak’s long-term economic prosperity. How can we build a vibrant, knowledge-driven economy if our universities are not equipped to generate new knowledge?
Furthermore, the importance of modern research facilities extends to education itself. In today’s world, students are not just passive recipients of information; they are active participants in the process of discovery. High-quality research facilities provide students with hands-on experience that complements their theoretical learning, helping them to develop critical thinking, problem-solving, and technical skills. These are precisely the skills that are most in demand in today’s job market. How can we expect our students to thrive in a rapidly changing world if we do not give them the tools to learn and grow?
The question then becomes, what can be done to address the shortcomings in Sarawak University’s research infrastructure? The solution lies in a bold and visionary approach that prioritizes the development of world-class facilities as part of a broader commitment to free and equitable education. While free education has long been a goal for many policymakers, it is important to recognize that access to education alone is not enough. True educational equity requires not only that students have access to universities but also that those universities are equipped to provide a high-quality education.
As such, the provision of 5-star class research facilities should be seen as an integral part of the future of free education in Sarawak and Malaysia. Just as students deserve free access to quality instruction, they also deserve access to the tools and resources that will enable them to succeed in their academic and professional endeavors. By investing in state-of-the-art research facilities, the authorities would be making a profound statement about the value they place on education and research. How can we claim to support free education if we do not provide students with the resources they need to succeed?
This vision for the future of education in Sarawak would not only benefit the university and its students but would also have a ripple effect throughout the state. Equipped with the latest technology, universities in Sarawak would be able to attract top-tier researchers and secure prestigious research grants, further enhancing its reputation and contributing to the state’s economic development. Local industries, particularly in sectors such as agriculture, energy, and biotechnology, would benefit from the university’s research output, leading to innovations, improved processes, and greater competitiveness in global markets. How can we expect Sarawak to compete in the 21st-century economy if its universities are not driving innovation?
It is time for the authorities to recognize the urgent need for investment in universities in Sarawak’s research infrastructure. Without access to modern, high-quality equipment, the university cannot fulfill its potential as a center of innovation and academic excellence. The lack of adequate research facilities is not just a problem for the university; it is a problem for the state of Sarawak and Malaysia as a whole. By failing to address this issue, we risk stunting the growth of our brightest minds and limiting the future potential of our economy.
The solution is clear: the authorities must prioritize the development of 5-star class research facilities at Sarawak University, as part of a broader commitment to free and equitable education. This investment is not just an investment in the university; it is an investment in the future of Sarawak and Malaysia. How can we claim to support education if we do not provide our students with the resources they need to succeed? How can we expect our universities to thrive if we do not equip them with the tools to conduct world-class research? These are questions that the authorities must answer—and the time for action is now.
By Ts Dr Muhammad Khusairy Bakri, a Postdoctoral Research Associate at the Composite Materials and Engineering Centre, Washington State University.
This is the personal opinion of the author and does not necessarily represent the views of DayakDaily. Letters to the Editor may be lightly edited for clarity.
— DayakDaily
