Kuching, 12 March 2025 – The Faculty of Cognitive Sciences and Human Development (FCSHD) at Universiti Malaysia Sarawak (UNIMAS), led by its Dean, Dr. Hana Hamidi, engaged in a strategic discussion with Unit Komunikasi Awam Sarawak (UKAS) Sarawak to explore potential areas of collaboration. The meeting, held at UKAS Sarawak, underscored both institutions’ commitment to strengthening academic-industry linkages and leveraging collective expertise for the benefit of the Sarawakian community.
Fostering Innovation through SoCo-AI’25
A key agenda of the discussion was the Seminar on Cognition and Artificial Intelligence 2025 (SoCo-AI’25), an initiative spearheaded by FCSHD. The seminar aims to convene experts, researchers, and industry leaders to deliberate on recent advancements in cognitive science and artificial intelligence. UKAS Sarawak expressed keen interest in supporting the event, recognizing its potential to position Sarawak as a centre for innovation and knowledge dissemination in these fields.
Expanding Collaborative Opportunities
Beyond the seminar, both parties explored a broader spectrum of collaboration opportunities designed to enhance academic, research, and community engagement. The proposed initiatives include:
- Student Internships: Facilitating industry placements for UNIMAS students to acquire practical experience in professional settings.
- Research Partnerships: Engaging in joint research efforts on themes such as sustainable development and technological innovation.
- Workshops and Training Programs: Organizing knowledge-sharing sessions to foster expertise exchange between academia and industry professionals.
- Community Empowerment through Knowledge Transfer: Implementing academic and technical programs to support rural community development.
- Consultancy Services: Leveraging UNIMAS’s academic expertise to provide advisory services for UKAS Sarawak’s projects.
- Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR) Initiatives: Addressing community needs in education, health, and environmental sustainability through joint outreach programs.
These initiatives aim to create a meaningful impact on Sarawak’s socio-economic landscape by strengthening the synergy between academic research and industry applications.
A Shared Commitment to Progress
The discussions highlighted a shared vision between UNIMAS and UKAS Sarawak to foster innovation and drive sustainable development. By merging UNIMAS’s academic excellence with UKAS Sarawak’s extensive industry and community networks, the partnership aspires to generate transformative initiatives benefiting the state and its people.
Reflecting on the collaboration, Dr. Hana Hamidi, Dean of FCSHD, stated, “This partnership represents a significant step towards bridging the gap between academia and industry. We are eager to collaborate with UKAS Sarawak to create valuable opportunities for our students, researchers, and the wider community.”
Similarly, UKAS Sarawak Director, Mr. Awang Putrayusrie Awang Redzuan, emphasized, “UKAS Sarawak is excited to work with UNIMAS on these initiatives. By combining education, research, and innovation, we can contribute to Sarawak’s sustainable development.”
Next Steps in Formalizing the Collaboration
To operationalize the proposed initiatives, both institutions have agreed to establish a joint task force that will develop a structured framework and identify key projects for implementation. Follow-up discussions and planning sessions are anticipated in the coming months to refine and execute the collaborative agenda.
This partnership exemplifies the role of cross-sector collaboration in driving academic excellence, industry innovation, and community development in Sarawak. Through sustained engagement, UNIMAS and UKAS Sarawak aim to create impactful solutions that contribute to the state’s growth and progress.
Contributed by Dr Wan Norizan Wan Hashim