The Faculty of Social Sciences and Humanities (FSSH), Universiti Malaysia Sarawak (UNIMAS), recently collaborated with the Regional Development and Planning (RDP) Department of the Sarawak Economic Development Corporation (SEDC) to organise two specialised training sessions. These sessions were designed to enhance the participants’ knowledge and skills in regional development planning, with a particular focus on improving strategic approaches and strengthening stakeholder engagement capacities to support more effective and inclusive regional growth initiatives.
Held on 10–11 April 2025, the two training sessions – Integrated Regional Development Planning and Connectivity and Stakeholder Engagement with Government Agencies – brought together 28 officers from SEDC’s Regional Development and Planning (RDP) Department for two days of immersive learning, dialogue, and strategic planning. The sessions were designed with two key objectives in mind: to deepen participants’ understanding of integrated regional development planning and connectivity frameworks, and to strengthen strategies for more effective engagement with key government stakeholders and agencies.
Participants explored critical themes such as regional governance structures, the role of SMEs within development nodes, the development of connectivity infrastructure, and strategies for aligning organisational goals with public sector agendas. Through interactive activities, including case study analyses and stakeholder mapping exercises, they applied theoretical concepts to real-world scenarios, fostering practical understanding and skill development.
The sessions were facilitated by an experienced team from the Faculty of Social Sciences and Humanities (FSSH) and the Faculty of Education, Language, and Communication (FELC), comprising Dr Khalid bin Zanudin, Dr Regina Garai, Dr Daniel Ugih anak Echoh, Dr Haslina binti Hashim, Dr Noratikah binti Mohamad Ashari (FELC), and Dr Dayang Aizza Maisha binti Abang Ahmad (FELC).
This collaboration reflects UNIMAS and SEDC’s shared commitment to strengthening institutional capacities and promoting inclusive, balanced regional development across Sarawak.