By DayakDaily Team
KUCHING, Nov 7: Telaga Air is set for a boost as an emerging education and tourism hub, with a proposed 200-acre Tun Openg University of Technology (TAHOTECH) campus in Kampung Trombol set to feature an aerospace faculty, alongside two road projects scheduled to begin in December.
Deputy Minister in the Sarawak Premier’s Department (Project Coordinator for Regional Development Agencies, Kuching North City Hall and Islamic Affairs) Datuk Dr Abdul Rahman Junaidi said the university would serve as a catalyst for growth in Telaga Air and surrounding villages.
“In other words, this area is not only known for its tourism and ecotourism activities, but also has the potential to be further strengthened through the development of the education sector.
“We are proud that the area already has educational institutions such as IKMAS and a polytechnic, and will soon be complemented by a full-fledged university in Sarawak,” he said.
He said this at the opening ceremony of the 19th edition of the Padawan Municipal Council (MPP) Telaga Air Festival 2026 at the Telaga Air Esplanade here today, as reported by TVS.
The establishment of an aerospace faculty would open up opportunities for young people to pursue studies in aerospace engineering, he said.
Meanwhile, Abdul Rahman said the Sarawak Public Works Department (JKR) was planning two dual-carriageway projects to improve access to the area.
The first is a 7.2-kilometre route connecting the Pan Borneo Highway to the new university campus, while the second is a 4.2-kilometre road leading to Telaga Air, with both routes is expected to begin in December this year.
The projects are expected to improve connectivity while supporting the growth of economic and tourism activities in Telaga Air and nearby communities.
Abdul Rahman also encouraged local youths and entrepreneurs to seize emerging opportunities in the tourism sector by providing services and developing businesses that could improve the socioeconomic well-being of the local community.
On the festival, he said the event, first introduced in 2007, had grown into one of the area’s major community attractions, drawing visitors and tourists through various cultural and community activities.
The 19th edition features 15 events, including the introduction of Strongman and Strongwoman competitions, broadening the programme and encouraging greater community participation.
He hoped the festival would continue to serve as a platform to showcase Telaga Air’s unique attractions while creating opportunities for local residents to generate income through business and entrepreneurial activities. — DayakDaily
