By Karen Bong
KUCHING, Nov 25: Universiti Teknologi Mara (UiTM) Sarawak is breaking new ground with the launch of two research centres for halal products and herbal and ethnomedical research today.
The Halal Products Research Centre is a collaboration between UiTM Sarawak, Beijing Wuzi University and Asia China Education and Culture (ACEC) Association, while the Herbal and Ethnomedical Research Centre is a collaboration between UiTM Sarawak, Anhui Medical University and ACEC Association.
University vice-chancellor Emeritus Prof Datuk Dr Mohd Azraai Kassim emphasised that in the face of the Covid-19 crisis that knows no borders, it was important that the university continued engaging and collaborating with international universities and industries.
“By working with established universities, we can learn more quickly and also forge alliances that, in the face of future crisis, will allow for actions in a coordinated and more efficient manner, especially in sharing of resources and technological solutions,” he said through live video conferencing during the 1st Global Summit on Viral-Immunology and Antiviral Therapy of Covid-19 held at the UiTM Kota Samarahan Campus today.
For this year’s special edition conference, Mohd Azraai stressed on the need to create stronger networks of exceptional value as the world eagerly awaits the most recent innovation in science and technology developments that can help all mankind face post-Covid-19 challenges with ease and assurance.
“It is our great hope that the hybrid conference specifically will accelerate research in the hunt for suitable vaccine and palliative drugs.
“Undoubtedly, a great deal of research will also be generated regarding the effects of this crisis in areas such as environmental sustainability and the economy,” he added.
Mohd Azraai emphasised that UiTM has always been an enthusiastic supporter of the government’s plans to harness the opportunity to bring greater value to various communities both economically and socially.
“This university, through our Sarawak branch, has certainly been supportive of the Sarawak state government’s initiatives, helping to play a key role in driving the economic growth of the state.
“Hence, it is hoped that the outcome of this conference will, not only foster closer inter-disciplinary cooperation between UiTM and our international counterparts, but also will lead to stronger university-government-industry linked collaborations,” he said.
UiTM, Mohd Azraai revealed, was now actively doing collaborative research with local and foreign counterparts as it hopes to develop its academia and prepare the nation’s future workforce.
“As the largest public university in Malaysia, UiTM’s task is a formidable one but we take this challenge seriously,” he added.
Meanwhile, the global summit was part of the Special Edition of International Conference on Innovative Sciences and Technologies for Research and Innovation (InnoSTRE).
Organised jointly by UiTM Sarawak together with Anhui Medical University, China and ACEC Association, it was launched by Chief Minister Datuk Patinggi Abang Johari Tun Openg.
The main objective of the hybrid conference is for local and international participants from academia and various industries to share their knowledge and the latest research related to Covid-19.
Minister of Education, Science and Technology Research Datuk Amar Michael Manyin Jawong, Muara Tuang assemblyman Datuk Idris Buang, UiTM Sarawak Rector Prof Datuk Dr Jamil Hamali and Consulate-General of The People’s Republic of China Cheng Guangzhong were among those present. — DayakDaily
