SIBU, March 30: Plans are afoot to turn University College of Technology Sarawak (UCTS) into a full-fledged university in the not-too-distant future.
UCTS’ new chairman, Dr Annuar Rapaee in speaking at a press conference to announce his appointment today said by becoming a full-fledged university, UCTS would not only change the people’s perception of it but also be able to collaborate with other renown universities.
“My one aim personally is to make UCTS which is the only institution of higher learning in the central region into a full-fledged university. This will change the people’s perception of this university and we can always do collaboration with other universities,” he said.
The Nangka assemblyman said it was also their aim in turning UCTS into a full-fledge university to attract locals to study there instead of enrolling in other universities outside the town.
“They can have a good foundation study here and later can join other universities’ A-level programme. I want to make this university a (source of) pride for the people of Sibu. I want everybody to feel that this university
belongs to the whole of Sibu,” he said.
Meanwhile, Dr Annuar said the employability rate of graduates of UCTS’ 24 programmes is at 99.1 per cent .
“Our programmes are set to meet the needs of employers in Sarawak so as to stop the brain drain,” he said.
On UCTS’ expansion projects, he said construction has begun on a hall which would be used for convocations. The project which can accommodate 3,000 at one time is expected to be completed in Oct next year.
On his appointment, he said it was effective in December last year, but due to the Covid-19 pandemic, the announcement was only made today.
“I wish to thank the State government under the leadership of the Chief Minister for appointing me as the chairman of UCTS,” he said.
Meanwhile UCTS vice-chancellor, Profesor Datuk Dr Khairuddin Abdul Hamed said they were also planning to increase more programmes including increasing student enrolment from 2,000 to 3,500 in five years’ time. — DayakDaily
