By DayakDaily Team
KUCHING, Nov 9: The University of Technology Sarawak (UTS) is set to play a pivotal role in accelerating development in the central region, providing what Premier Datuk Patinggi Tan Sri Abang Johari Tun Openg describes as a ‘localisation advantage’ for Sarawak’s emerging sectors, particularly agriculture, biodiversity and renewable energy.
Speaking at the 10th UTS Convocation Ceremony in Sibu today, Abang Johari said the university is now an important link between industry, government and academia, producing graduates who can support Sarawak’s transition into a clean and innovation-led economy.
“UTS continues to align its vision with the State’s development agenda. Strong collaboration between academia, industry and government is essential to ensure that the talents nurtured here are relevant and equipped for sectors critical to economic growth,” he said.
He noted that the biodiversity-rich landscape in the mid-region serves as a major carbon sink and source of oxygen.
At the same time, he urged industries to treat plantation by-products as economic resources through waste-to-energy initiatives, adding that a new waste-to-energy management bill will be tabled at the upcoming Sarawak Legislative Assembly sitting to strengthen Sarawak’s circular economy framework.
The Premier, who also serves as UTS’ pro-chancellor, identified four growth areas that will shape Sarawak’s economic direction, namely renewable energy, gas, carbon storage and semiconductors, and encouraged graduates to develop expertise in these fields, describing them as sectors with long-term potential for high-value jobs.
“UTS is not just producing graduates; it is producing problem solvers, innovators and leaders who will drive Sarawak’s future,” he said, congratulating the graduating cohort. —DayakDaily
