By Karen Bong
KUCHING, Sept 26: The Ministry of Tourism, Creative Industry and Performing Arts (MTCP) has extended its partnership with Universiti Putra Malaysia (UPM) Bintulu Campus until 2027 with a RM3 million allocation for the Pehin Sri Adenan Satem Research Chair (Tok Nan Chair) to establish a research hub to conduct further studies on local medicinal plants and herbs used by various ethnic groups in Sarawak.
Announcing this, Minister of Tourism, Creative Industry and Performing Arts Dato Sri Abdul Karim Rahman Hamzah expressed his pride in the efforts made by UPM and the Tok Nan Chair to elevate the university’s status as a hub for the study of ethnic herbs in Sarawak.
“Sarawak has many unexplored natural resources. The collaboration between the local community and researchers would, therefore, enable the latter to gain greater knowledge of the resources the former has been utilising to treat diseases,” he said when addressing the 3rd International Conference on Science, Social Sciences and Humanities (ICOSSH) 2023 at Parkcity Everly Hotel in Bintulu today.
The event, jointly organised by UPM Bintulu Campus and MTCP, was officiated at by Premier of Sarawak Datuk Patinggi Tan Sri Abang Johari Tun Openg.
Abdul Karim also highlighted the accomplishments of the Tok Nan Chair and Tok Nan Gallery, established in 2021, in their efforts to protect and advance the rights of different ethnic groups in Sarawak while promoting ethnic diversity.
A notable achievement was the documentation of an increase in the number of ethnic groups in Sarawak, rising from 27 to 31.
Abdul Karim anticipates further increases to this total, especially considering there are ethnic groups that have yet to establish their own distinct identities.
“The Sarawak government is serious in the effort to gather data on different ethnic minority groups in Sarawak.
“We envision Sarawak as a hub where tradition meets innovation, where our vibrant arts, rich culture, and transformative science intertwine to elevate us on the global stage,” he emphasised.
Abdul Karim noted that this year’s conference theme, “Bridging the Domains of Science, Humanities, and Social Sciences,” aligns perfectly with the Ministry’s support for interdisciplinary collaboration.
He sees this blend of disciplines as vital in crafting stories that showcase Sarawak and Malaysia on the global stage.
“As we continue to bolster the tourism, creative, and performing arts sectors, it is essential to ground our efforts in robust research, best practices, and innovative methodologies. This conference, through its rigorous papers and enlightening discussions, provides just the platform for it.
“Your work does not only contribute to academia but also shapes the narrative and strategies for regions, nations, and the global community,” he commended.
UPM deputy vice chancellor for Academic and International Prof Dr Ismi Arif Ismail was also present. — DayakDaily
