By DayakDaily Team
KUCHING, Sept 2: Universiti Teknologi MARA (UiTM) Sarawak is proposing the development of Kenyalangsat-1, a nano satellite project aimed at strengthening Sarawak’s capabilities in space technology and supporting the State’s wider space ambitions.
According to a statement issued by UiTM Sarawak, the proposal was among the key matters presented during a courtesy call by UiTM Sarawak’s delegation led by UiTM Pro-Chancellor Datuk Abdul Wahab Aziz and its Rector Professor Dr Firdaus Abdullah on Premier Datuk Patinggi Tan Sri Abang Johari Tun Openg at Satria Pertiwi Complex on Tuesday (Sept 1).
Dr Firdaus said the proposed satellite project was part of UiTM Sarawak’s efforts to ensure its expertise and research capacity could contribute more strategically to Sarawak’s development agenda.
The university also proposed research into the potential extraction and recovery pathways of rare earth elements and thorium from Sarawak monazite for advanced energy supply and superconductive technologies.
Other proposed research projects include assessing the carbon-credit potential of nipah (Nypa fruticans) in Sarawak, developing a nano-technology-based drinking water filtration system known as NAPAS, and modernising integrated rice farming in Mukah.
UiTM Sarawak also proposed producing biofuel from microalgae using hydrothermal carbonisation (HTC) technology.
Dr Firdaus said the proposals covered areas considered relevant to Sarawak’s development, including space technology, critical minerals, sustainability, water technology, agriculture and renewable energy.
He added that UiTM Sarawak was also planning to organise 16 national and international conferences and events covering fields such as social sciences, sustainability, engineering, artificial intelligence (AI), innovation, digital technology, agriculture, plantation and community development.
Among the events planned are the 3rd International Conference on Civil Engineering for Sustainability and Disaster Resilience 2026 (ICCESDRe 26), 5th Sarawak Invention, Innovation & Design Expo 2026 (SIIDEX 2026), International Seminar on Advancing Innovation in AI, Education and Societal Transformation Through Management and Engineering (ISAIM’26), and 4th International Conference on Computer and Drone Applications (IConDA) 2026.
Other programmes include the 17th International Conference of Islam in Borneo (KAIB XVII) 2026, 2nd Sarawak Rice Conference (SARICON II) 2026, Program Bakti Madani Gedong 2026, Borneo Blockchain Conference (BBICON) 2026, 1st Asia Conference of Agriculture and Plantation Industries (ACAPI) 2026 and ASEAN Earth Cleanup Week (AECW) 2027.
The Rector said the programmes would provide opportunities to expand collaboration between universities, government, industry, communities and other stakeholders while positioning Sarawak as a hub for academic exchange and research collaboration.
UiTM Sarawak also proposed the implementation of the Free Tertiary Education Scheme (FTES) for Sarawakian students at public universities in the State, as well as the establishment of the Tun Openg History & Heritage Chair (TOHHa) to strengthen higher education, research and efforts to preserve the State’s history and heritage. — DayakDaily
