KUCHING, March 16: Universiti Malaysia Sarawak (Unimas) vice-chancellor Datuk Dr Mohamad Kadim Suaidi has revealed that nine research chairs have been established through an endowment fund or waqf from the Sarawak government and other corporate sectors.
Kadim disclosed that among the active research funds are the Tun Openg Research Chair, Tun Zaidi Research Chair, Tun Taib Research Chair, Shell Research Chair, P.Ramlee-Petronas Research Chair, Dayak Research Chair, Nusantara Research Chair, Sino Borneo Research Chair and PUSAKA Research Chair with a total fund of more than RM15 million.
“All of these research chairs have benefited 65 projects so far, and the survival of higher education institutions cannot solely fall on funding from the government.
“Unimas has to look at alternative sources and that they benefit from their waqf and endowment fund to provide a stable source of alternative funding that can supplement operating expenditure of universities in order to remain financially sustainable over the long term.
“This is particularly important for public universities, which often face financial challenges,” he said in his welcoming speech at the International Conference for Waqf and Endowment 2023 and Health WAQF fund at the Waterfront Hotel today.
The international conference was officiated by Sarawak Premier Datuk Patinggi Tan Sri Abang Johari Tun Openg.
Kadim pointed out that The Ministry of Higher Education has also urged universities to look for alternative funds, waqf, endowment, infaq and any other contributions to ensure that the university functions optimally.
“University leaders had been advised to make the university they lead, independent in terms of finance and infrastructure development in the future,” he further revealed.
Kadim pointed out that waqf and endowment funds can provide scholarships and financial aid for students who might not otherwise be able to afford a university education.
“This can help to ensure that talented and deserving students have the opportunity to pursue their academic and career goals, regardless of their financial circumstances.
“Since 2016, a total of 6,754 students have benefited from Unimas’ endowment fund totalling more than RM11 million,” he said.
Also present at the event was Unimas board chairman Tan Sri Datuk Seri Panglima Sulong Matjeraie. — DayakDaily
