By Shikin Louis
KUCHING, April 18: UCSI University’s Faculty of Hospitality and Tourism Management, located in Kuching, has been ranked 47th globally in the QS World University Rankings by Subject 2026 for Hospitality and Leisure Management, making it the No.1 institution in Borneo for the discipline.
Sarawak Minister for Tourism, Creative Industry and Performing Arts Dato Sri Abdul Karim Rahman Hamzah said the achievement is not merely an academic accomplishment but a reflection of Sarawak’s growing strength in the global tourism and hospitality landscape.
“It demonstrates that our institutions are capable of producing world-class graduates who will contribute meaningfully to the industry, both locally and internationally,” he said in his speech when officiating the celebration of the ranking and the launch of the “Off-Grid Cooking” video series at UCSI Hotel Kuching today.
He further said the tourism industry has evolved beyond destinations, with travellers now seeking authenticity, sustainability and meaningful engagement with local cultures and environments.
Additionally, he said Sarawak is uniquely positioned to meet this demand with its rich biodiversity, cultural diversity and strong heritage, making it a leading destination for eco-tourism, cultural tourism and culinary tourism.
“However, to fully realise this potential, we need strong institutions like UCSI University that can bridge the gap between academic knowledge and industry practice.
“The faculty’s achievement today clearly reflects its commitment to producing graduates who are not only knowledgeable, but also innovative, adaptable and industry-ready,” he added.
In conjunction with the achievement, the university also launched its “Off-Grid Cooking” video series, a six-episode production showcasing Sarawak’s rainforest environment, local ingredients and traditional cooking methods.
“‘Off-Grid Cooking’ is more than just a cooking show. It is a strategic storytelling platform that has the potential to position Sarawak on the global map as a unique destination for culinary and eco-tourism.
“Through digital platforms, such initiatives can reach international audiences, inspire travel and create greater awareness of what Sarawak has to offer,” Abdul Karim explained.
The initiative is a collaboration between UCSI University and MUSC Food Industries Sdn Bhd, demonstrating a strong partnership between academia and industry in producing impactful content for tourism development.
Also present were Ministry of Tourism, Creative Industry and Performing Arts (MTCP) permanent secretary Fredrick Morshidi; Ministry of Education, Innovation and Talent Development (MEITD) representative Sharifah Fariah Syed Junaidi; UCSI University Sarawak Campus pro vice chancellor Mukvinder Kaur Sandhu; dean of the Faculty of Hospitality and Tourism Management, Assoc Prof Christopher Wan; UCSI University’s Hospitality and Culinary Arts Department head Muhammad Fikri Umadi; MUSC Food Industries Sdn Bhd managing director Vincent Chong; and Sarawak Tourism Board (STB) representative Dr Fency Sivadasan. — DayakDaily
