By Ashley Sim
KUCHING, June 26: Sarawak Premier Datuk Patinggi Tan Sri Abang Johari Tun Openg has emphasised the State government’s commitment to offering world-class facilities that will motivate students to excel academically and expand their horizons.
The Premier said it is critical for Sarawakians to be equipped with the knowledge they need to thrive in the modern era.
“It has been the desire of the Sarawak government to offer world-class facilities to motivate our students to study hard and explore new knowledge, at the same time upgrade themselves with knowledge to face the new era of development,” he said during his keynote address at the grand opening ceremony for the upgraded Swinburne University of Technology Sarawak Campus, which took place today on campus grounds here.
Abang Johari, who also serves as the Pro-Chancellor of Swinburne Sarawak, lauded Swinburne University’s contributions since establishing its branch in Sarawak and highlighted the government’s support for enhancing the campus facilities.
He underscored the importance of addressing global challenges such as climate change, revealing Sarawak’s initiative to transition to a hydrogen economy.
“Sarawak is transforming our economy towards hydrogen, in line with the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) principles, moving towards a blue or green economy,” he said, encouraging graduates from Swinburne Sarawak to contribute to this agenda.
In addition, the Premier reiterated the State government’s roadmap for 2026, which includes providing free tertiary education to Sarawakians studying at local universities, including Swinburne.
“This is a platform for the new generation to upgrade themselves and align with global economic transformation,” he asserted.
Meanwhile, according to Swinburne Sarawak’s chairman of the board of directors Datuk Amar Jaul Samion, the campus upgrade costing RM50 million was initiated in 2019 to cater to the university’s expanding student body by providing enhanced teaching and learning facilities.
“Student numbers have been growing exponentially since then, going from a student population in the hundreds to approximately 3,500 students today, including international students from over 50 countries.
“As we continue to grow, we are expecting our student population to reach 5,000 students in the next few years,” he said during his welcome address.
Jaul revealed that the new facilities include the Borneo Atrium as the heart of the campus, a two-storey food hall, a student hub, and a student village.
“The latter two reflect our upgrading initiative’s focus on enhancing our students’ campus experience, where we have created a dedicated space for their leisure and sports interests.
“We also upgraded our existing on-campus student accommodations with improved rooms and additional amenities.
“With these new upgraded facilities, students from Sarawak and the neighbouring region can now pursue a world-class Australian education experience in Sarawak, at a fraction of the cost,” he remarked.
The ceremony was attended by notable dignitaries and officials, including Sarawak Deputy Premier Datuk Amar Dr Sim Kui Hian, Swinburne University of Technology vice-chancellor and president Professor Pascale Quester, and Swinburne Sarawak pro vice-chancellor and chief executive officer (CEO) Ir Professor Lau Hieng Ho. — DayakDaily
