A delegation from Universiti Malaysia Sarawak (UNIMAS), led by Professor Dr. Mohd Hasnain bin Md Hussain, Director of the University-Industry Centre (UnIC), paid a courtesy visit to China Railway Engineering Corporation (Malaysia) Sdn. Bhd. (CRECM) on 4th March 2025. The visit aimed to foster stronger ties between the university and the engineering giant, exploring potential research, employment, and technical cooperation collaborations.
The event commenced with a warm welcome from Mr. Chen Gang, Managing Director of CRECM, who highlighted the company’s achievements and its ongoing projects in various states in Malaysia, including Sarawak. He emphasised CREC’s commitment to contributing to the region’s infrastructure development and expressed enthusiasm for potential partnerships with UNIMAS. Following the welcome address, representatives from CRECM provided an overview of the company’s operations, particularly in East Malaysia, and showcased their recent project milestones. The presentation underscored CREC’s diverse engineering expertise and alignment with Sarawak’s renewable energy initiatives.
In response, the UNIMAS delegation, comprising deans and directors from various faculties and research institutes, introduced the university’s academic programs, research capabilities, and its role in supporting Sarawak’s development goals. Professor Dr. Mohd Hasnain bin Md Hussain highlighted UNIMAS’s commitment to fostering industry-academia collaborations, particularly in areas such as renewable energy, sustainable development, and infrastructure innovation.
The discussions between the two parties centered on potential collaboration opportunities, including student internships, joint research projects, and technical cooperation. CRECM expressed interest in leveraging UNIMAS’s expertise in renewable energy and sustainable practices, while UNIMAS sought to explore avenues for its students and researchers to engage with CREC’s ongoing projects in Sarawak. One of the discussion topics was on the ART Blue Line 1 project, with CRECM seeking input from UNIMAS on the project’s potential impact, given the university’s proximity to the proposed route. UNIMAS representatives offered insights and suggestions, emphasizing the importance of community engagement and environmental sustainability in large-scale infrastructure projects.
The visit concluded with a Q&A session, where both parties exchanged views on future collaboration opportunities. The event ended on a high note with a commemorative group photo, symbolizing the beginning of a promising partnership between UNIMAS and CRECM.
This visit marks a significant step towards strengthening the relationship between academia and industry in Sarawak, paving the way for innovative solutions to the region’s development challenges. Both UNIMAS and CRECM expressed optimism about the potential outcomes of their collaboration, which could contribute to the sustainable growth of Sarawak’s infrastructure and economy.