By Shikin Louis & Christine T.
SIBU, Nov 14: University of Technology Sarawak (UTS) is aspiring to establish Sarawak’s first State-owned medical degree programme as part of efforts to address the shortage of doctors and medical specialists in the State.
UTS Vice-Chancellor Prof Dr Mohammad Shahril Osman said the initiative had received positive feedback from Premier Datuk Patinggi Tan Sri Abang Johari Tun Openg, who is also the university’s Pro-Chancellor.
“This initiative reflects the State’s commitment to strengthening medical education and addressing the shortage of doctors and medical specialists in Sarawak.
“To realise this aspiration, UTS is committed to working closely with the Sarawak government, relevant authorities, healthcare institutions, and established academic partners,” he said in his welcoming address at UTS’ 11th Convocation Ceremony here today, which was livestreamed by Sarawak Public Communication Unit (UKAS).
Shahril also highlighted the university’s growing enrolment, which has reached 6,724 students across 36 academic programmes since its establishment in 2013.
He attributed the growing demand for higher education partly to the introduction of the Sarawak government’s Free Tertiary Education Scheme (FTES), which has opened up opportunities for more Sarawakians to pursue university education without the burden of tuition fees.
As one of the participating institutions, he said UTS was honoured to be part of the initiative, which he hoped would help nurture a generation of knowledgeable, skilled and capable Sarawakians.
However, the increased enrolment had also created additional demand for hostel accommodation, a conducive student environment and better teaching and learning facilities.
“We heard a lot of difficulty and struggle in every family to obtain a degree as it is inaccessible due to the cost. However, FTES removed those boundaries.
“This creates a good problem for UTS. An influx of students requires hostels, a proper student environment, and conducive teaching and learning facilities,” he said, appealing to the Premier for strategic direction in addressing the growing needs.
At today’s convocation, a total of 586 graduates will receive their respective qualifications, comprising 34 postgraduate and 552 bachelor’s degree graduates.
The ceremony also celebrates the university’s continued growth since its establishment, with Shahril noting that UTS had expanded in terms of student enrolment and academic programmes while strengthening its commitment to producing industry-ready graduates.
He said the university was also strengthening its institutional capabilities through digitalisation and the integration of artificial intelligence (AI) into its workflows to improve operational efficiency.
Among its other future priorities is gaining recognition through the QS Stars university rating system, marking a step towards enhancing its international visibility and reputation.
Shahril also highlighted UTS’ commitment to supporting the Sarawak government’s state-owned enterprise (SOE) reform programme, including the development of the State’s inaugural SOE Aggregate Report.
“As an institution wholly owned by the Sarawak government, UTS recognises the importance of strengthening its institutional governance, operational sustainability, and strategic direction in alignment with the State’s aspirations for its State-owned enterprises,” he added. — DayakDaily
