Universiti Malaysia Sarawak (UNIMAS) has strengthened its commitment to community-driven development through the signing of a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with the Association of Research and Development Movement of Singai Sarawak (REDEEMS). The ceremony was held on 6 February 2026 at The Gallery, DeTAR Putra, UNIMAS, and was officiated by the Vice-Chancellor, Professor Dr Ahmad Hata Rasit. Also present was the Deputy Vice-Chancellor (Research and Innovation), Professor Ir Dr Siti Noor Linda Taib, underscoring the University’s strong focus on research and innovation in community engagement.
The MoU establishes a structured collaboration between UNIMAS and REDEEMS in community engagement, joint research, training and capacity building, technology transfer, and socio-economic development. The partnership places particular emphasis on initiatives that benefit the Singai community in Sarawak. It reflects UNIMAS’s ongoing effort to apply academic expertise and multidisciplinary knowledge to support inclusive and sustainable development.
The signing ceremony was attended by academic leaders and representatives from several faculties. Representing the Faculty of Cognitive Sciences and Human Development (FSKPM) were its Dean, Dr Hana Hamidi, Associate Professor Dr Mohd Kamal Othman, Dr Wan Norizan Wan Hashim, and Ms Ross Azura Zahit. The Faculty of Economics and Business (FEB) was represented by Associate Professor Dr Rosita Hamdan and Dr Faizan Iza Zainuddin, while the Faculty of Resource Science and Technology (FSTS) was represented by Professor Dr Zainab Ngaini, Dr Ain Nadirah Romainor, and Dr Mugunthan Parumal. The participation of these academic staff members highlights the multidisciplinary foundation of the collaboration.
Through this partnership, UNIMAS will contribute evidence-based research, policy insights, and applied expertise to support rural and community development. Joint research projects will focus on socio-economic issues relevant to the Singai community, while training and skills-based programmes aim to strengthen local capacity. Technology transfer initiatives will facilitate the practical application of university-led innovations, supporting sustainable income generation and community resilience.
The collaboration also aligns with broader Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), including poverty reduction (SDG1), quality education (SDG4), economic growth (SDG8), and sustainable communities (SDG11). By integrating expertise from cognitive sciences, economics, business, and resource sciences, the partnership is expected to generate practical and context-sensitive solutions to local challenges.
Students will also benefit through service learning and community-based projects, gaining real-world experience while contributing to meaningful community outcomes. The structured approach to engagement and monitoring will ensure that initiatives under the MoU are measurable and sustainable.
UNIMAS extends its appreciation to REDEEMS, led by its President Datuk Peter Nansian Anak Ngusie, for the commitment to this strategic partnership. The University looks forward to building a long-term collaboration that delivers tangible benefits to the Singai community and strengthens UNIMAS’s role as a research-driven, community-engaged institution.